The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – January 11, 2016

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, JANUARY 8, 2016…. Florida lawmakers will start the annual legislative session Tuesday, with Gov. Rick Scott outlining his priorities during the State of the State address. Lawmakers are poised to move quickly on priorities of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, and Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando. Crisafulli has made a top priority of passing a water-policy bill, while Gardiner has focused on increasing educational and job opportunities for people with disabilities. Both issues are ready to go before the House and Senate.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

Legislature:

LAWMAKERS DISCUSS HEALTH TRANSPARENCY: Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, and Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, will hold a news conference to discuss legislation (SB 1496 and HB 1175) aimed at increasing transparency about health-care costs. (Monday, 11 a.m., fourth-floor rotunda, the Capitol.)

SPECIAL ORDER SET: The Senate Special Order Calendar Group will meet to set the special order calendar, which lists bills ready to be heard on the Senate floor. (Monday, 1 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

NURSE LICENSING AT ISSUE: The House Select Committee on Affordable Healthcare Access will take up a proposal (HB 1061), filed by Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Avon Park, that calls for Florida to take part in a multi-state licensure "compact" that would help nurses practice across state lines. Supporters say the proposal could help address a nurse shortage in Florida. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

CORRECTIONS OPERATIONS DISCUSSED: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will receive a presentation about a study on the operations of Florida Department of Corrections. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCOTT TAX ISSUES ON THE TABLE: The Senate Finance and Tax Committee will hear a presentation on Gov. Rick Scott's tax-cut proposals. Scott has proposed a $1 billion tax-cut package. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

VOCATIONAL REHAB IMPROVEMENTS SOUGHT: The Senate Higher Education Committee will consider a proposal (SB 962), filed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, that would require the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to develop a performance-improvement plan. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

ELECTIONS SUPERVISORS' SALARIES AT ISSUE: The Senate Community Affairs Committee will take up a proposal (SB 514), filed by Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, that could lead to increased salaries for county supervisors of elections. (Monday, 4 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL PROPOSED: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will consider a series of bills, including a proposal (SB 716), filed by Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, that calls for creating a Holocaust Memorial in the Capitol Complex. (Monday, 4 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

DUDEK FACES CONFIRMATION: The Senate Health Policy Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Liz Dudek. (Monday, 4 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL TAKES UP BRONZE STAR LICENSE PLATE: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee will consider a proposal (SB 518), filed by Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, that would create a specialty license plate for recipients of the Bronze Star Medal. (Monday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

CHARTER SCHOOL CHANGES DISCUSSED: The House Education Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 7029), filed by Rep. Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs, that would make a series of changes in charter-school laws and create the Florida Institute for Charter School Innovation. (Monday, 4 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

TRANSPORTATION WORK PROGRAM PRESENTED: The House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will receive a presentation about the Department of Transportation's work program. (Monday, 4 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- Senate Agriculture Committee (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Banking and Insurance Committee (Monday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee (Monday, 4 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Quality Subcommittee (Monday, 4 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Veteran & Military Affairs Subcommittee (Monday, 4 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AT ISSUE: The Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference will analyze the state's voluntary pre-kindergarten program. (Monday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SOLAR BALLOT INITIATIVE DISCUSSED: Leaders of a group called "Floridians for Solar Choice" will hold a news conference to discuss issues such as their effort to get a solar-energy initiative on the November 2016 election ballot. (Monday, 11 a.m., Florida Press Center, 336 East College Ave., Tallahassee.)

RUBIO RAISES MONEY IN SARASOTA COUNTY: Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio, who is a U.S. senator from Florida, will raise money during a luncheon event. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.)

CHILDREN AND YOUTH CABINET MEETS: The Florida Children and Youth Cabinet will meet. (Monday, 1 p.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

TRANSPORTATION WORK PROGRAM AT ISSUE: The Florida Transportation Commission will review and hold a public hearing on the Department of Transportation's tentative work program. (Monday, 1 p.m., Florida Department of Transportation, Burns Auditorium, 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)

HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES TASK FORCE AFTER WOMAN'S DEATH: Ruth Attaway, CEO of Calhoun Liberty Hospital, and the Rev. R.B. Holmes, pastor of Tallahassee's Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, will hold a news conference to announce the creation of a task force that will provide recommendations to the hospital about "best practices" and improved communication with the community. The news conference comes after the highly publicized death of a woman who collapsed after being forcibly removed from the Blountstown hospital by police. (Monday, 1 p.m. Central time, Calhoun Liberty Hospital, 20370 N.E. Burns Ave., Blountstown.)

AIF RECEPTION READIES FOR SESSION: Associated Industries of Florida will host an annual reception honoring the Legislature as the 2016 session prepares to start. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., 516 North Adams St., Tallahassee.)

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS DUE: State political candidates, parties and committees face a Monday deadline for filing reports showing finance activity through Dec. 31.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

Legislature:

HOUSE CONVENES: The House will convene to start the 60-day legislative session. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

SENATE CONVENES: The Senate will convene to start the 60-day legislative session. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

SCOTT GIVES STATE OF THE STATE: Gov. Rick Scott is expected to make his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

HEALTH CARE REGULATIONS AT ISSUE: The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a series of bills, including a proposal (HB 437), sponsored by Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, that would eliminate the "certificate of need" regulatory process for hospitals. Also, the panel will consider a proposal (HB 85), sponsored by Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-Fort Myers, that would allow patients to stay at ambulatory surgical centers for up to 24 hours and allow the creation of what are known as "recovery care centers." Another bill (HB 423), filed by Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Avon Park, would expand drug-prescribing powers for advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

FANTASY SPORTS TEED UP: The House Business & Professions Subcommittee will consider a bill (HB 707), filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, and Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, that would regulate the fantasy-sports industry in Florida. The bill, which would shield fantasy sports from being considered illegal gambling under state law, comes amid a national debate about the legality of the games. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

PUBLIC CORRUPTION TARGETED: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will take up a proposal (SB 686), filed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, aimed at preventing public corruption. The bill, in part, would require city officials to file full financial disclosures. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL CONSIDERS ADOPTION CHANGES: The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a bill (SB 590), filed by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, that would make changes in adoption laws. Among other things, the bill would allow judges to place the best interests of children in adoption cases above the wishes of biological parents. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SPECIAL ORDER SET: The House Rules, Calendar & Ethics Subcommittee will set the special order calendar, which lists bills that will be considered on the House floor. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Ports Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

TRANSPORTATION PERMITTING ON THE TABLE: The Florida Transportation Commission will hold a workshop and discuss issues such as the Department of Transportation's permitting process. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Florida Department of Transportation, 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)

SUWANNEE RIVER WATER BOARD MEETS: The Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board will meet. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., district headquarters, 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak.)

ST. JOHNS WATER BOARD MEETS: The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board will meet after holding committee meetings. (Tuesday, committee meetings start at 9 a.m., followed by board meeting, district headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka.)

GRAHAM TO HOLD PRAYER RALLY: Evangelist Franklin Graham will hold a prayer rally at the Old Capitol as part of a series of events known as the "Decision America Tour." (Tuesday, noon, steps of the Old Capitol, Tallahassee.)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2016

Legislature:

SENATE IN SESSION: The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

RAPE KITS AT ISSUE: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will receive an update from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement about thousands of untested rape kits in the state. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS COULD GET MORE LEEWAY: The Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 434), filed by Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, that would create a pilot program aimed at giving principals more autonomy in running public schools. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

DEP ORGANIZATION DISCUSSED: The Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee will consider several bills, including a proposal (SB 400), filed by Chairman Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, that would make organizational changes at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

MEDICAID HOSPITAL PAYMENTS AT ISSUE: The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee will receive a presentation from the Agency for Health Care Administration about moving to what is known as a "prospective payment system" for outpatient services in the Medicaid program. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

LOCAL PROJECTS PITCHED: The Senate Transportation, Tourism & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will hear presentations about local funding requests. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

'BEST AND BRIGHTEST' PROGRAM ON TABLE: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee will hold a workshop on the "Florida Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarship Program," a controversial effort that provides bonuses to teachers based on their scores on college-entrance exams. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL DIGS INTO OIL AND GAS DRILLING: The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee will take up a bill (SB 318), filed by Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, that involves regulation of oil and natural-gas drilling, including the controversial practice known as "fracking." (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Civil Justice Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Government Operations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Highway & Waterway Safety Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 116 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House K-12 Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Rulemaking Oversight & Repeal Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Innovation Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Economic Affairs Committee (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Judiciary Committee (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House State Affairs Committee (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Regulated Industries Committee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

CABINET AIDES MEET: Aides to Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet will discuss issues in advance of a Jan. 21 Cabinet meeting. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

PAROLE CASES HEARD: The Florida Commission on Offender Review will consider numerous parole cases involving crimes committed in the 1970s and 1980s. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 4070 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

TOBACCO MONEY AT ISSUE: The Revenue Estimating Conference will discuss money from a settlement with the tobacco industry. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

DEO CHIEF, PUTNAM SPEAK AT CHAMBER EVENT: The Florida Chamber of Commerce will start its "Capitol Days" gathering with speakers including Cissy Proctor, executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Also, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is slated to speak at a dinner (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Florida State University Turnbull Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee. Dinner, 7 p.m., Florida State University Alumni Center, Tallahassee.)

CABINET MEMBERS, TOP LAWMAKERS AT TAXWATCH EVENT: Florida TaxWatch will hold a "State of the Taxpayer Dinner,'' with speakers expected to include Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Senate President Andy Gardiner, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate Finance and Tax Chairwoman Dorothy Hukill. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Hotel Duval, 415 North Monroe St., Tallahassee.)

TRUMP CAMPAIGNS IN PENSACOLA: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will appear at a campaign rally in Northwest Florida. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Pensacola Bay Center, 201 East Gregory St., Pensacola.)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Legislature:

HOUSE IN SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Thursday, 4 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

OTHER SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Education Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health & Human Services Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Local & Federal Affairs Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Regulatory Affairs Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Fiscal Policy Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Rules Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Transportation Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Rules, Calendar & Ethics Committee (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Appropriations Committee (Thursday, 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Finance & Tax Committee (Thursday, 1 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Appropriations Committee (Thursday, 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee (Thursday, 4 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

CABINET MEMBERS SPEAK AT CHAMBER EVENT: The Florida Chamber of Commerce will continue its "Capitol Days" gathering with speakers including state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and state Rep. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Florida State University Turnbull Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

SOUTH FLORIDA WATER BOARD MEETS: The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board will meet. (Thursday, 9 a.m., district headquarters, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach.)

SUPREME COURT TO RELEASE OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

JOLLY SPEAKS TO PINELLAS REPUBLICANS: Congressman David Jolly, who is running for the U.S. Senate this year, is expected to speak to the Central Pinellas Republican Club. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., 9100 113th St. North, Seminole.)

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER BOARD MEETS: The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board will meet. (Thursday, 1 p.m., district headquarters, 81 Water Management Dr., Havana.)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

Legislature:

HOUSE HEALTH PANEL MEETS: The House Select Committee on Affordable Healthcare Access is scheduled to meet. (Friday, 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE IN SESSION: The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Friday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE IN SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Friday, 10:30 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

PSYCHOLOGY BOARD MEETS: The Florida Board of Psychology is scheduled to meet in Orlando. (Friday, 9 a.m., B Resort & Spa, 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Orlando.)

DESANTIS CAMPAIGNS IN PALM BEACH: Congressman Ron DeSantis, who is running for the U.S. Senate this year, is scheduled to appear at the Palm Beach Republican Club. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., The Colony Hotel Pavilion, 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach.)

MEDICAID DRUGS DISCUSSED: The Agency for Health Care Administration's Pharmaceutical & Therapeutics Committee, which makes recommendations about a preferred drug list in the Medicaid program, will meet. (Friday, 1 p.m., Tampa Marriott Westshore, 1001 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa.)