Fentrice Driskell

This bill increases the penalty for driving without a license by making the second and subsequent violations a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days in jail for a third offense. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Strengthening Public Safety by Increasing Penalties for Repeatedly Driving Without a License.

This bill prohibits a public employer from requiring a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement. Instead, degrees may only be utilized as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required for a position. Support is the Limited Government Position as government hiring decisions should be based on recruitment of the most talented and qualified applicant for the position. Degree requirements are especially unnecessary in recent years due to the growing number of programs that are politicized and fail to equip students for real-world employment and careers.

Ensuring Government Can Hire the Most Qualified and Talented Employees by Prohibiting Agencies from Requiring College Degrees.

This bill prohibits local governments from taking actions which prevent residential property owners from placing temporary shelters on their property for up to 36 months following property damage due to a natural disaster. The property owner must make a good faith effort to rebuild their home during this time period. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights and helps protect individuals from unnecessary government burdens as they work to rebuild from a natural disaster.

Strengthening Property Rights by Preventing Local Government Bans on Temporary Shelters Following a Hurricane or Other Natural Disaster.

This bill makes several changes to pretrial bail release laws. For example the bill prohibits judicial circuits from establishing local bond amounts that are less than the uniform statewide amounts, while also prohibiting a person from being released before appearing before a judge if they were arrested for a felony and already on probation or arrested at least three times in the last six months for the same offense. Support is the Limited Government Position as upholding law and order and ensuring public safety serve as essential functions of government. This measure is especially necessary considering the rising crime rates that have resulted from catch-and-release policies and poorly crafted criminal justice "reforms".

Strengthening Public Safety by Reforming Pre-Trial Bail Laws to Combat "Catch-and-Release" Practices

This bill serves as a proactive attempt to block Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) issued by the U.S. Federal Reserve System. The bill prohibits CBDC issued by the federal government from being regulated as money under the Florida Uniform Commercial Code. Support is the Limited Government Position as President Biden issued an executive order to study creation of such a currency under the guise of protecting consumers from decentralized cryptocurrencies and a way to crack down on financial crimes. The creation of a CBDC serves as an existential threat to individual liberties and privacy and will further grow government control over the economy. The Fed has already placed the U.S. dollar in dire jeopardy of destruction through its reckless quantitative easing and expansionary practices.

Combatting Increased Government Control and Surveillance by Prohibiting Recognition of Federal "Central Bank Digital Currency" as Money Under State Law.

This bill, known as the "Live Local Act," appropriates $711 million in taxpayer funds to fund various "affordable housing" initiatives. The bill including $259 million in loans to certain developers and a sales tax credit of up to $5,000 for materials used to build affordable housing units. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this bill fuel cronyism by enriching select developers through government central planning, but also represents a roughly $34.00 unnecessary tax burden on every one of Florida's 22 million residents. Instead of growing government and central planning, lawmakers should empower the free market to make housing truly "affordable" by reducing stringent zoning regulations which a recent study by Florida State University found has significantly driven up housing costs.

Forcing Taxpayers to Spend $711 Million on Various Government "Affordable Housing" Programs to Enrich Select Developers and Special Interests

This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok or other applications controlled by U.S. foreign adversaries such as China or Russia on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps such as TikTok.

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok and Other Chinese Government-Owned Applications from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

This bill allows credit unions to qualify as qualified public depositories (QPDs), which is currently limited to just banks and certain savings associations. The bill caps public deposits held by an individual credit union to 10% of its assets, and credit unions collectively are limited to 15% of the state's public deposits. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands competition among financial institutions, providing greater returns on investment funds. All public investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers. While the bill raised concerns over credit unions tax-exempt status, any concerns over "unequal taxation" should be addressed by lawmakers through other measures.

Increasing Public Investment Returns Through Expanded Competition by Allowing Credit Unions to Hold Public Funds.

This bill requires the Florida Department of Transportation to start regulating and inspecting the Monorail transit system at the Walt Disney World theme parks. This measure would mark the first time the system has been subjected to regulations since its establishment over 50 years ago and has been operating without any safety incidents in nearly 15 years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill harms the private sector by further growing the size and scope of the government regulatory state. All individuals and private businesses should be free to express their views as protected under the 1stAmendment - and face the repercussions of their actions in the marketplace. Disney has lost billions of dollars since its public opposition to a bill which strengthened parental rights in education. This bill establishes a dangerous precedent in which government is grown and weaponized to attack free speech and political opponents.

Weakening Government Integrity by Imposing New Regulations on Disney's Monorail to Advance a Political Agenda.

This bill requires social media companies to verify that any person making an account is 14 or older, and to prohibit anyone under 14 from doing so. The bill also requires any website that "contains a substantial portion of material harmful to minors," such as sexual content, to verify that any person accessing the website is 18 or older. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while the intent of this bill is noble, it is the role of parents - not politicians - to oversee their children's social media usage. Additionally, the photo ID requirements for all users weaken privacy rights, while also placing unnecessary burdens on social media companies and users. This bill expands the nanny state by imposing new regulations on private companies.

Expanding Government Overreach by Requiring Age Verification for All Social Media Users.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinance which allows individuals "to regularly engage in public camping or sleeping on any public property." Under the bill, counties are permitted to designate areas on public property for this purpose for up to 1 year, if approved by the Department of Children and Families, but must provide restrooms, prohibit illegal drug and alcohol use, and meet other requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as homeless encampments on sidewalks and streets present many health and safety concerns, including increased crime rates, open drug use, and sanitary concerns.

Strengthening Public Safety by Prohibiting Localities from Allowing Homeless Encampments on Public Sidewalks and Streets.

This bill dedicates $100 million annually the Department of Environmental Protection to continually purchase additional land for the Florida Forever conservation and recreation program. The state is currently tasked with managing and maintaining over 4 million acres of land under its control. This is further worsened through other measures such as SB 106, which provided $200 million to the Department of Transportation for Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network projects such as trails and bike paths. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to manage and maximize land utilization - including for conservation purposes. Further growing government control and ownership of land merely drives up taxpayer costs and leads to further government spending initiatives, such as SB 106 which forces taxpayers to spend $200 million to create trails and bike paths on the state's ballooning land holdings.

Further Growing Government's Unsustainable Land Holdings through a $100 Million Annual Appropriation to the Florida Forever Program.

This bill allows companies that install, operate, or maintain school bus traffic infraction cameras to receive a portion of the fines from violations. The bill also allows school districts to use the fines for, among other uses, "driver recruitment and retention stipends." Additionally, the bill allows the photos and videos recorded by the system to be used to enforce other traffic violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fuels policing for profit by allowing companies to keep a portion of the fines from violations. Additionally, similar systems (speed cameras) have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, and the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.

Growing the Surveillance State and Encouraging "Taxation Through Citation" by Allowing School Bus Camera Companies to Receive Funds from Fines and Expanding Permitted Uses of Recordings.

This bill prohibits the sale of nicotine dispensing devices, such as vaping products and e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. To be included on the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA, or had a denial stayed by a court. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction. The bill provides an advantage to big tobacco companies by only allowing the sale of the 23 vape products authorized by the FDA, and is expected to drive countless small vape shops out of business.

Expanding Government Overreach and Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Nicotine Dispensing Devices that Have Not Been Authorized by the FDA.

This bill requires local governments to produce a "business impact estimate" before enacting an ordinance. These estimates must contain information on the direct economic impact, compliance cost, and government regulatory cost of the ordinance. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat government overreach and growth by increasing transparency surrounding the impact new ordinances will have on local communities.

Combatting Overregulation by Local Governments by Requiring Business Impact Estimates Before Localities Enact Ordinances.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances which ban an individual from owning a dog due to its size or weight. Additionally, the bill nullifies the grandfathered breed restrictions of Miami-Dade County and the City of Sunrise. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals should have the freedom to own and care for the dog of their choice. Restrictions on dog breed and other characteristics oftentimes result in the placement of dogs in taxpayer-funded shelters and euthanasia.

Combatting Government Overreach by Prohibiting Local Governments from Enacting Ordinances Which Bans Dog Ownership on the Basis of Size or Weight.

This bill authorizes "veterinary telemedicine", or the ability of a licensed veterinarian to connect with a pet owner over the internet or video call and prescribe medication. The bill repeals an outdated law which prevents the prescribing of medication without physically examining an animal. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps save the lives of animals and lower pet ownership costs by repealing an outdated law which is especially costly and burdensome for animal shelters and rural pet owners.

Expanding Competition and Lowering Costs for Pet Owners by Authorizing Veterinary Telemedicine

This bill, the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, blocks localities from enacting any ordinances that would prohibit a property owner from demolishing an unsafe building in disrepair and redeveloping the property with a new structure, if the property is on the water side of the "coastal construction control line." The bill is in response to some property owners who have been unable to demolish their older buildings and redevelop the high-value real estate. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights by ensuring owners and developers can maximize the usage of their land. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Strengthening Property Rights by Overriding Local Bans on Building Demolitions which Prevent New Development.

This bill establishes a "Digital Bill of Rights" through a series of new regulations on tech companies that generate over a billion dollars in revenue. The bill's provisions cover issues ranging from content moderation, targeted advertising, search engine operations and data privacy with expanded opt-out rules. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government power and the regulatory state. While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices this overreach significantly limits the ability of tech companies to provide targeted and low-cost advertising to consumers. Additionally, the bill applies the regulations to only certain companies resulting in market manipulation and competitive advantages.

Imposing a Series of New Costly and Overreaching Government Regulations on Large Tech Companies through a "Digital Bill of Rights".

This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) to now include continuous glucose monitors, as opposed to just the less costly traditional monitors and test strips. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. Enrollment in Florida's Medicaid system has ballooned to 5.5 million individuals with spending on the program spiraling to $35 billion a year or nearly a third of the entire state budget.

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Continuous Glucose Monitors

This bill requires mayors and elected members of municipal governing boards to file more detailed financial disclosure reports, similar to ones required for state lawmakers, county commissioners and school board members. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps reduce corruption and conflicts of interest by strengthening transparency and accountability while helping ensure government is accountable to the people.

Strengthening Government Transparency and Accountability by Increasing Financial Disclosure Requirements for Local Elected Officials.

This bill makes a number of reforms to the state's Consumer Finance Law, including raising the maximum allowable interest rate on consumer loans from 30% to 36%. The bill is designed to slightly loosen government restrictions and price controls on interest due to high inflation and national interest rates. Support is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities.

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans from 30% to 36%.

This bill requires any iron or steel materials utilized in public works projects to be sourced from the United States unless the sourcing drives up the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this "protectionist" interference by government in the free market unnecessarily drives-up costs to taxpayers. Free trade has been a foundational principle of limited government dating back to Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, who identified the disastrous consequences of protectionist trade practices in the "Wealth of Nations" in 1776.

Hiking Taxpayer-Funded Public Works and Infrastructure Costs as Much as 20% Through Protectionist "U.S. Made" Iron and Steel Procurement Mandates.

This bill includes multiple provisions which strengthen "right to work" protections for public employees. For example, the bill no longer allows dues to be deducted from workers' paychecks, instead requiring members to make their payments to unions. Additionally, the bill requires recertification of unions whose membership includes fewer than 60 percent of employees. The bill includes exemptions for certain public-sector unions such as law enforcement Support is the Limited Government Position as while the state should not collectively bargain with any union as such action unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs, this measure helps reduce labor union power and strengthens the "right to work".

Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Public Employees through a Prohibition on Deducting Union Dues from Paychecks and Bargaining Agent Recertification.

This bill contains several provisions related to public employee unions. Most notably, the bill requires that, to join a union, public employees must fill out an authorization form from the Public Employee Relations Commission and send it to the union, rather than a form from the union. Additionally, a union must petition for recertification if less than 60% of employees submit an authorization form and pay dues (previously only required if less than 60% paid dues). Finally, the bill allows the Commission to revoke the certification of a union for refusing to allow the inspection of authorization forms and revocations. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill ensures public employees are properly informed of their rights before joining a union. Public sector collective bargaining unnecessarily hikes taxpayer costs while making it harder to reward top-performing employees and dismiss poor-performing employees. All employees should have the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.

Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Public Employees Through Reforms to the Union Membership Authorization Process.

This bill strengthens the ability of the Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) to prosecute election-related crimes. The bill clarifies OSP has the power to prosecute any crime involving voter registration, petition activities for a referendum, a candidate for federal or state office, or voting in an election if the crime falls in more than one judicial circuit. Support is the Limited Government Position as combatting and prosecuting voter fraud is a critical aspect of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Increasing Election Integrity by Strengthening the Ability of the State to Prosecute Election-Related Crimes

This bill makes a number of reforms to the state's Consumer Finance Act, including raising the maximum allowable interest rate on consumer loans by 6% at each tier and raising the maximum rate from 30% to 36%. The bill is designed to slightly loosen government restrictions and price controls on interest due to high inflation and national interest rates. Support is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities.

This resolution amends the state Constitution by doubling the tangible personal property ad valorem tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps provide broad tax relief to Floridians.

Providing Tax Relief by Amending the State Constitution to Double the Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption to $50,000.

This bill prohibits localities from banning or restricting g the use of gas stoves, grills and other appliances fueled by natural gas. Support is the Limited Government Position as a number of local governments across the country have infringed the rights of their residents to utilize natural gas in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Combatting Government Overreach by Preventing Local Government Bans Gas-Powered Stoves and Other Appliances.

This resolution repeals Section 7 of Article VI of the state Constitution, which requires public funding for campaigns for statewide offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet). Candidates must agree to spending limits to receive public funds. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to fund political campaigns.

Amending the State Constitution to Remove the Requirement of Public Funding for Political Campaigns.

This bill appropriates $200 million to the Department of Financial Services for the "My Safe Florida Home Program" for FY 2024-2025. This program provides grants for "Hurricane Mitigation" inspections and projects. The bill also requires priority be given to low-income individuals 60 or older, then low-income individuals, then moderate-income individuals 60 or older, then moderate-income individuals, and then remaining individuals. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further expands government and wealth redistribution. It is the duty of the individuals who chose to purchase homes to make the necessary investments in securing their properties - not other individuals and property owners.

Expanding Wealth Redistribution Through Another $200 Million for "Hurricane Mitigation" Inspections and Projects with Priority Based on Income and Age.

This bill applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution to establish term limits for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Support is the Limited Government Position as term limits are a critical tool to ensure government remains accountable to the people and not lobbyists or special interests. A review of voting records shows the majority of lawmakers become less conservative in their voting the longer they remain in office.

Imposing Term Limits on the U.S. Congress through a Convention of the States Amending the U.S. Constitution.

This bill known as the "Prescription Drug Reform Act" imposes a series of new regulations on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and drug companies. For example, manufacturers must report to the government if the price of one of their drugs increases by more than 15% and PBMs must abide by multiple new provisions in their contracting agreements with local pharmacies as well as meet various insurance and reporting requirements. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure, including utilizing government to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs.

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing a Series of New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Drug Companies.

This bill makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet and harass on-duty first responders, after being warned not to approach. This includes law enforcement, probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. A violation is a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 60 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine). Support is the Limited Government Position as, while police should be held accountable for their actions, this measure provides a critical protection to ensure safety in dangerous situations.

Strengthening Law and Order and Safety for First Responders by Criminalizing Harassment.

This bill expands eligibility for the Florida Kidcare (healthcare) welfare program by raising the income limit from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure traps additional families into government dependency by further expanding the welfare state. The private sector (through charitable endeavors) is best equipped to direct aid and assistance to those who truly need it, and help families become self-sufficient, rather than ineffective government welfare systems.

Growing Government Dependency by Significantly Raising the Income Limit for Eligibility Under the Kidcare Welfare Program.

This bill requires localities to produce a "business impact estimate" for ordinances related to land development and zoning, which were previously exempt from this requirement. The report must summarize the regulation and provide an estimate of the economic impact, such as costs and fees for businesses. Additionally, the bill requires that a local referendum authorizing a locality to issue bonds (debt) over $500 million must take place at a general election. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat government overreach and growth by increasing transparency surrounding the impact new ordinances will have on local communities. Furthermore, this bill helps protect taxpayers as turnout for local referendums is much lower than a general election, therefore reducing the likelihood that special interests push through unnecessary spending.

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Reducing Loopholes to the "Business Impact Estimate" that Protect Businesses from Overregulation.

This bill prohibits public colleges and universities from utilizing state or federal funds on programs or activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion or political or social activism. Support is the Limited Government Position as while this bill may raise concerns over government moderation of speech on campus, taxpayers should not be forced to pay for college and university operational costs in the first place - especially for politicized activities. Such actions have led to the creation of countless worthless degree programs and administration waste which are born at the expense of individuals who chose to enter the trades or business and not pursue a degree.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds from Being Utilized for Politicized "Diversity Equity and Inclusion" (DEI) Programs at Public College Campuses

This resolution amends the state's Constitution to establish a right to hunt and fish, including the use of "traditional methods," which will be presented before voters in the 2024 election. Support is the Limited Government Position as government should not unduly infringe the right to responsibly and humanely hunt and fish, and this measure protects those liberties.

Protecting the Right to Hunt and Fish through a State Constitutional Amendment.

This bill provides that if an individual has previously been convicted of "reentry of removed aliens" under federal law, and commits a felony, the offense classification is increased one level. The bill also provides for a one-level classification increase for any misdemeanor or felony committed "for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interests of a transnational crime organization," such as organizations regularly involved in drug or weapon trafficking or human trafficking or smuggling. Support is the Limited Government Position as the promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Deported Illegal Immigrants who Reenter and Commit Crime and for Crimes Related to Human Trafficking or Smuggling.

This bill amends the Florida Minimum Wage Act to incorporate exemptions that were enacted under the federal minimum wage law. As a result, minor league baseball players, babysitters, seasonal amusement workers, and border patrol agents are exempt from the state minimum wage. Support is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distort the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government. This measure helps expand employment opportunities by protecting these occupations from the state's lofty minimum wage mandate which is set to rise to $12 an hour this year and $15 an hour by 2026.

Expanding Employment Opportunities by Incorporating Federal Minimum Wage Exemptions into State Law.

This bill largely prevents a local government from forcing a contractor to pay the "prevailing wage" rates. This is accomplished by expanding the definition of public works projects to also include projects using local funds. The prevailing wage is an above-market rate typically linked to labor unions. Support is the Limited Government Position as prevailing wage mandates needlessly drive-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting Prevailing Wage Requirements in Local Public Works Contracts.

The Eskamani amendment #531629 to a bill relating to sex-reassignment procedures allows taxpayer funds to be utilized to provide sex-reassignment procedures or hormone therapies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while adults should have the freedom to obtain such services, taxpayers should not be forced to pay for sex change operations.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Sex-Reassignment Procedures and Hormone Therapies

This bill makes a series of changes to the parole system, generally reducing penalties on offenders who violate the terms of their probation. For example, the bill reduces judicial discretion by now placing a limit on the amount of time a court may hold an offender in jail for certain parole violations. Additionally, offenders can no longer be held accountable for previous parole violations that were addressed through the "alternative sanctioning program" in the event the offender's parole is revoked due to additional offenses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances further crime by limiting the ability of courts to hold offenders accountable and protect communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.

Increasing Crime and Weakening Public Safety Through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Reduces Accountability within the Parole System.

This Senate Memorial urges Congress to prohibit "'woke' social engineering and experimentation practices" in the U.S. military that overemphasize diversity and inclusion and instead return to a merit-based system for military force development and composition. Support is the Limited Government Position as military force recruitment, development and operations should be based on merit and ensuring servicemembers are best equipped to defend our nation. Politicized measures surrounding diversity, inclusion and social engineering should not be advanced in our armed forces.

Urging Congress to End the Usage of "Woke" Social and Diversity Practices in the Military and Return to a Merit-Based System to Development and Composition.

This bill contains several provisions related to buildings permits and codes. Most notably, the bill requires localities to approve or deny a building permit within 30 business days for certain structures under 7,500 sq. feet, such as family homes and accessory structures, and 60 business days if 7,500 sq. feet or more. The timeframe is also 60 business days for various other permits, such as nonresidential buildings under 25,000 sq. feet and multi-family housing with up to 50 units. Support is the Limited Government Position as permitting delays can result in substantial additional costs imposed on builders and property owners and this bill helps strengthen government accountability.

Reducing Home Construction Costs by Shortening Timeframes for Localities to Approve or Deny Building Permits.

This bill further expands the application of the state's expungement law, which currently allows criminals to expunge one of their records in their lifetime. Under this bill, a criminal can expunge an additional record if the first one they expunged was as a minor. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this prevents individuals, particularly employers and landlords, from considering and protecting themselves from repeat criminals in their homes, businesses, and communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Weakening Public Safety by Limiting the Ability of Communities to Protect Themselves from Repeat Criminals by Expanding the State's Expungement Law.

This bill amends the state's waiting period for retail firearm purchases. Under existing law, the waiting period is 3 business days or until a background check is complete, whichever is later. This bill removes the provision related to background checks, which allowed the waiting period to extend past 3 business days. As a result, the waiting period cannot extend past 3 business days. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers which do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Amending the Firearm Purchase Waiting Period.

This bill establishes a 4 year statute of limitation on certain types of lawsuits against home building contractors, while also reducing the statute of repose from 10 to 7 years. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps maintain housing affordability by reducing frivolous construction related litigation which drives up costs for developers and consumers.

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Shortening the Statute of Limitations for Construction-Related Lawsuits

This bill requires a two-thirds vote of a locality's governing body in order to increase the millage rate when calculating property taxes. The bill also leaves in place the existing protections against tax increases including voter approval for a rate more than 110% of the previous year's maximum rate. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect homeowners and businesses from even greater levels of taxation.

Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote to Increase the Local Property Tax Millage Rate.

This resolution provides "That all executive agencies of the State of Florida, all law enforcement agencies, and all local governments in this state are strongly encouraged to suspend contact and outreach activities with the Council on American-Islamic Relations." The resolution references several individuals who have been affiliated with CAIR that have been charged with crimes related to supporting terrorism. Support is the Limited Government Position as government entities should not associate with entities representing national security risks.

Strengthening National Security by Urging State Agencies to Disassociate from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

This bill, the John W. Rheay Act, allows pharmacists to prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis medications if they have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician and complete a course. Pharmacists may also screen for HIV exposure. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill increases healthcare access and lowers costs by providing additional options for individuals seeking treatment.

Increasing Healthcare Access by Expanding Pharmacist Scope of Practice to Include Prescribing HIV Post-Exposure Medications.

This bill requires weapons and arms taken by police during an arrest to be returned to the owner after their release from jail, rather than after a trial, unless the weapons are evidence or forfeited under state law. The weapons must be returned within 30 days of a request if the person is released from jail and completes a background check. The bill also ensures that a firearm taken by police without a search warrant is returned (a judge previously had to order it be returned). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights and civil liberties.

Strengthening Property Rights and Civil Liberties by Requiring Seized Firearms to be Returned if Not for Evidence or Forfeited.

This bill makes a series of changes to the parole system, generally reducing penalties on offenders who violate the terms of their probation while also placing limits on jail sentences. For example, probation officers can no longer return an offender to jail if they commit a range of offenses such as failing to make restitution payments, pay court costs, associate with people engaged in criminal activity, or leave the county without permission. Instead, the officer must send the offender to an "Alternative Sanctioning Program" which may include just curfew or support group attendance. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances further crime by limiting the ability of probation officers to hold offenders accountable and protect communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Increasing Crime and Weakening Public Safety through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Allows Criminals to Avoid Paying Restitution and Reduces Accountability within the Parole System.

This bill contains a key provision which prohibits the sale or manufacture of lab-grown meat, with violators being guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government overreach and protectionism is merely designed to enrich the agricultural industry. Consumers should be free to choose what food products they purchase and consume without government interference.

Utilizing Government to Enrich the AG Industry and Restrict Competition through a Draconian   Ban on Selling Lab Grown Meat.

This appropriations bill funds government from July 1, 2023 until June 30, 2024. The bill hikes spending by 7.5% over the previous year, to a record level of over $117 billion. The bill also contains another $6 billion in the "back of the budget", which could further balloon spending to $123 billion. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this reckless spending not only continues to grow the size and scope of government, but also places taxpayers in a precarious situation in the event of an economic downturn. Lawmakers should have instead held spending in check to the prior year and provided taxpayers with meaningful reductions as opposed to a sales tax cut for just certain government-favored items.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a Record $117 Billion Budget Bill which Represents a 7.5% Hike from the Prior Year.

This bill expands eligibility for the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to all residents and eliminates household income restrictions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding School Choice Under the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to all Families.

This bill authorizes counties and municipalities to deploy speed cameras on roadways designated as school zones. Motorists would receive fines for exceeding a posted speed limit by 10mph. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these systems have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, many of which place such devices not at spots closest to schools but at locations most likely to catch speeders. Additionally, the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.

Growing the Surveillance State and Authorizing "Taxation through Citation" by Allowing Local Governments to Deploy Speed Cameras in School Zones.

This bill applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget, except in the case of a national emergency. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Restoring Fiscal Sanity in the U.S. Government by Applying for a Convention of the States to Amend the Constitution for a Balanced Federal Budget.

This bill implements a series of reforms to usage of the "Brady List" (tracks officer misconduct across the country) by law enforcement agencies. For example, the bill prohibits agencies from firing or taking disciplinary action against an officer solely because of their inclusion on the list, as well as provides officers the ability to petition the court to remove their name. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens government integrity and due process rights, while helping ensure good officers are not harmed by unjust actions in anti-police jurisdictions and also ensuring bad actors are known and accounted for.

Increasing Government Integrity and Due Process for Law Enforcement Officers Accused of Misconduct through Reforms to the "Brady List".

This bill exempts gold, silver, platinum, and other bullion from the definition of "secondhand goods," thus allowing dealers to buy and sell precious metals and coins without having to hold them for 30 days. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure eliminates an unnecessary regulation and helps ensure gold and silver bullion can serve as a competitive currency to the dollar. This is especially critical considering the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve such as quantitative easing.

Exempting Bullion Businesses from Unnecessary "Secondhand Good" Regulations thus No Longer Requiring them to Hold Gold and Silver Coins for 30 Days.

This bill establishes new regulations on the warranty offerings of manufacturers of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Under the bill, manufacturers may no longer provide warranty offerings that are tied to an individual, rather they may only offer warranties that are tied to properties and are transferable. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the government regulatory state to now dictate the private warranty offerings of manufactures. As a result, consumers will likely no longer be able to enjoy extended-term, lifetime and other promotional warranty options that companies may offer due to the reduced percentage of long-term product ownership by one individual.

Imposing New Government Mandates on HVAC System Manufacturer Warranties which Limit Consumer Options.

This bill bans automobile manufacturers from selling cars directly to consumers (with a carveout to select electric vehicle manufacturers) as well as enacts numerous new regulations concerning the contracting agreements between manufacturers and dealers. For example, the bill requires manufacturers to provide dealers an 8% cut of any revenue they receive through remote upgrades to vehicles, places controls on vehicle pricing agreements, and regulates the vehicle ordering process. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents one of the very worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to enrich one party (dealerships) at the expense of another party (manufactures) in contracting agreements which should be privately negotiated without any government involvement. Furthermore, forcing consumes to go through dealers (middlemen) instead of giving them the option to buy direct from manufacturers hikes vehicle costs by thousands of dollars, while also providing select EV manufacturers a competitive advantage.

Hiking New Car Prices by Blocking Manufacturers from Selling Directly to Consumers and Imposing Dozens of New Mandates to Enrich Automobile Dealerships.

This bill establishes restrictions on the advertising practices that some trial attorneys have utilized to draw customers for cases relating to medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Under the bill, legal service ads may not use language such as "medical alert" or "health alert," or use state of federal government logos. The bill is in response to some ads that made unfounded claims about products and scared individuals into discontinuing their medications. Support is the Limited Government Position as while the U.S. Constitution rightfully protects free speech, government also has a role to prevent defamation and ensure that the legal system is protected from abuse. Reforms such as this measure help improve the state's legal and business climate which has a reputation of being a "judicial hell hole".

Improving the State's Legal Climate through Restrictions on Misleading Medical-Related Advertisements which Spark Frivolous Litigation.

This bill establishes a series of new regulations pertaining to the usage of titles such as "Doctor" and "Physician". The bill is primarily intended to prohibit optometrists from calling themselves physicians, as part of the "eyeball wars" between optometrists and ophthalmologists who are medical doctors specializing in eyecare. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as like many other measures pertaining to title protection, product labeling, and licensing, this bill is primarily designed to utilize government power to restrict competition. The private sector through license issuance, certification and review systems is best equipped to protect and educate consumers on the most qualified and competent individuals in their respective fields.

Invoking Government Overreach into the Private Sector Concerning the Usage of the Term "Physician" as Part of the "Eyeball Wars" between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2024	0	0	0	33.33	25	23.08	6.67	80	30.77	11.11
2023	0	0	0	0	20	43.48	6.67	29.41	16.67	0

ILA

Fentrice Driskell