 |
| 2006 Legislative Wrap Up, 9/25/2006 3:30:09 PM |
|
2006 Legislative Wrap Up – May 5th
________________________________________
A complete list of the House and Senate bills that the Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance tracked during the 2006 session.
Budgetary Allocations
Executive Office of the Governor Allocations
Enterprise Florida $7,600,000 ($3,400,000 for Expansion, Retention and Recruitment)
Military Base Protection $4,900,000
Economic Development Transportation Projects $15,250,000
SB 0020 Relating to Eminent Domain/Private Property Jones
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Community Affairs
HB 0029 Relating to Sales Tax/School Supplies & Clothing Sansom
HB 0031 Relating to Eminent Domain/Private Property Rice
5/5/2006 HOUSE Died in Committee on Judiciary
HB 0069 Relating to Sales Tax Exemptions/Machinery Meadows
5/3/2006 SENATE Withdrawn from Commerce and Consumer Services; Government Efficiency Appropriations; General Government Appropriations; Ways and Means; Substituted for SB 1206; Read Second Time
5/4/2006 SENATE Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 38 Yeas / 0 Nays); Ordered enrolled
HB 0077 Relating to Tax/Research/Machinery & Equipment Quinones
HB 0089 Relating to Emergency Management Harrell
SB 0096 Relating to Sales Tax on Research or Development Fasano
SB 0164 Relating to Qualified Job-Training Organizations Lynn
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Ways and Means
SB 0190 Relating to Seaport Security Wise
HB 0195 Relating to Tax Exemption Review Committee Ryan
5/5/2006 HOUSE Died in Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Banking
SB 0236 Relating to Florida Aerospace Infrastructure Act Saunders
SB 0238 Relating to Fla. Aerospace Infrastructure TF Saunders
SB 0260 Relating to Intangible Personal Property Tax Haridopolos
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
HB 0305 Relating to Economic Development/Tax Credit Detert
SB 0328 Relating to Enterprise Zones Siplin
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
SB 0332 Relating to Community Reinvestment Plans Siplin
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
HB 0415 Relating to Sales Tax/Research or Development Quinones
5/4/2006 SENATE Withdrawn from Commerce and Consumer Services; Government Efficiency Appropriations; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations; Ways and Means; Substituted for SB 0962; Read Second Time
5/5/2006 SENATE Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 36 Yeas / 1 Nays); House Ordered enrolled
HB 0421 Relating to Sales, Use, & Other Transactions Tax Reagan
5/3/2006 SENATE Withdrawn from Commerce and Consumer Services; Government Efficiency Appropriations; Ways and Means; Substituted for SB 0952; Read Second Time
5/4/2006 SENATE Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 40 Yeas / 0 Nays); Ordered enrolled
HB 0449 Relating to Economic Development/Tax Credit Detert
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Messages
SB 0506 Relating to Eminent Domain/Limitations on Power Baker
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Community Affairs
SB 0604 Relating to Sales & Use Tax Exemption Committee Geller
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
SB 0606 Relating to Tax Exemption Review Committee Geller
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
SB 0624 Relating to Economic Development/Tax Credit Saunders
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
SB 0660 Relating to Agriculture & Consumer Services Lynn
HB 0847 Relating to Jacksonville/Duval Co. Mahon
5/3/2006 SENATE Withdrawn from Rules and Calendar; Placed on Special Order Calendar (Local Calendar) for 05/04/06
5/4/2006 SENATE Read Second Time; Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 39 Yeas / 0 Nays)
5/5/2006 HOUSE Ordered enrolled
HB 0865 Relating to Enterprise Zone Incentives/Sales Tax Quinones
5/5/2006 HOUSE Died in Committee on Finance & Tax
HB 0887 Relating to Defense Appropriations Bill Stargel
5/5/2006 HOUSE Died in Rules & Calendar Council
SB 0962 Relating to Sales Tax/Research or Development Fasano
5/3/2006 SENATE Placed on Special Order Calendar for 05/04/06
5/4/2006 SENATE Read Second Time; Substituted for HB 0415; Laid on Table, Refer to HB 0415
HB 0989 Relating to Motor Fuel Taxes/Commercial Aviation Detert
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Messages
SB 1020 Relating to Growth Management Bennett
5/3/2006 SENATE Read Second Time; Amendment(s) Adopted; Amendment(s) Withdrawn; Substituted for HB 0683; Laid on Table, Refer to HB 0683
SB 1180 Relating to Sales Tax Exemptions/Machinery Wise
SB 1206 Relating to Commerce/Sales Tax Exemptions Atwater
5/3/2006 SENATE Read Second Time; Amendment(s) Adopted; Substituted for HB 0069; Laid on Table, Refer to HB 0069
HB 1237 Relating to Postsecondary Education Programs Mealor
5/4/2006 SENATE Read Third Time; Amendment(s) Adopted; Passed (Vote: 40 Yeas / 0 Nays); In House returning messages
5/5/2006 HOUSE Received from Messages; Concurred with Senate Amendment(s) as Amended; Amendment(s) Adopted; Passed (Vote: 113 Yeas / 0 Nays); In returning Senate messages; Received from Messages; Concurred with House Amendment(s); Passed (Vote: 39 Yeas / 0 Nays); Ordered enrolled
HB 1311 Relating to Qualified Job-Training Organizations Troutman
5/5/2006 HOUSE Died in Commerce Council
HB 1467 Relating to Florida Capital Formation Act Grant
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Messages
SB 1480 Relating to Career & Professional Academies Wise
5/5/2006 SENATE Died on Calendar
HB 1489 Relating to State's Aerospace Industry Waters
5/4/2006 HOUSE Received from Messages; Concurred with Senate Amendment(s); Refused to Concur with Senate Amendment(s); Amendment(s) Failed; Passed (Vote: 113 Yeas / 1 Nays); Ordered engrossed, then enrolled
SB 1492 Relating to State Appropriations/Scripps Bennett
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
SB 1626 Relating to Economic Development Fasano
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
SB 1650 Relating to Economic Development Fasano
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
SB 1652 Relating to Economic Development Fasano
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
SB 1836 Relating to Excise Tax/Aviation Fuel King, Jr.
SB 1932 Relating to Motor Fuel Taxes/Commercial Aviation King, Jr.
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Government Efficiency Appropriations
SB 2084 Relating to Science & Technology Research Alexander
SB 2580 Relating to State's Aerospace Industry Fasano
SB 2636 Relating to Space Florida Act Posey
5/5/2006 SENATE Died in Committee on Commerce and Consumer Services
SB 2668 Relating to Florida Capital Formation Act Atwater
5/5/2006 SENATE Died on Calendar
SB 7024 Relating to Sales & Communications Services Tax Government Efficiency Appropriations
SB 7036 Relating to Community Contribution Tax Credits Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations
SB 7092 Relating to Economic Development Commerce and Consumer Services
HB 8003 Relating to Sales & Use Tax Exemption Committee Ryan
5/5/2006 HOUSE Died in Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Banking
|
| 2004 Legislative Report, 7/13/2004 3:37:50 PM |
|
Final Report from the 2004 Florida Legislature
The Florida Legislature adjourned at Midnight on Friday night ending what many insiders would classify as a session with many “missed opportunities”. In order to ensure accuracy of reporting, a follow up report of final funding initiatives on education and economic development issues will be forthcoming to the FAAA membership.
A report of final actions on bills of relevance is provided below. Legislation that died in committee or on the floor is denoted. Likewise, bills that are reflected as “Ordered Enrolled” passed both chambers and will be sent on to the Governor for further action.
Once Governor Bush has formally received a bill, he has 15 days to sign the bill, veto the bill, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.
HB 0039 Relating to Worker Safety/Agric. Pesticides Commerce
4/30/2004 HOUSE Died in Committee on Agriculture
HB 0061 Relating to Economic Development Incentives Finance and Tax
4/30/2004 HOUSE Died in Committee on Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations
HB 0075 Relating to Intangible Personal Property Taxes Sansom
4/30/2004 HOUSE Died in Committee on Finance & Tax
HB 0105 Relating to Enterprise Zones Commerce
4/30/2004 HOUSE Read Third Time; Substituted SB 1358, Laid on Table, refer to SB 1358
HB 0171 Relating to Tax Exemption & Exclusion Committee Ryan
1/8/2004 HOUSE Referred to Finance & Tax; Appropriations; Rules (PR); Procedures; State Administration
SB 0216 Relating to Economic Development Incentives Siplin
4/15/2004 SENATE Withdrawn from Comprehensive Planning; Now in Finance and Taxation
SB 0262 Relating to Tourism Military and Veteran Affairs, Base Protection and Spaceports
4/30/2004 HOUSE Read Third Time; CS passed; (Vote: 114 Yeas / 0 Nays); Senate Ordered enrolled
HB 0419 Relating to Engineering Business Regulation
4/16/2004 HOUSE Ordered enrolled
HB 0449 Relating to Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Clarke
4/29/2004 HOUSE Ordered enrolled
SB 0518 Relating to Economic Development Incentives Commerce, Economic Opportunities and Consumer Services
3/24/2004 SENATE Now in Finance and Taxation
HB 0571 Relating to Consumer Services Agriculture
4/2/2004 HOUSE Died in Committee
HB 0583 Relating to Tax Refund Programs/Businesses Appropriations
4/28/2004 HOUSE Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read Second Time; Substituted SB 1494, Laid on Table, refer to SB 1494
HB 0625 Relating to Charlotte Co. Airport Authority Harrington
4/29/2004 HOUSE Ordered enrolled
HB 0693 Relating to Innovation Fla. Scholarships Antone
2/6/2004 HOUSE Referred to Higher Education (EDK); Education K-20; Education Appropriations (AP); Appropriations
HB 0705 Relating to Military Affairs Commerce
4/28/2004 HOUSE Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read Second Time; Substituted SB 1604, Laid on Table, refer to SB 1604
HB 0791 Relating to Intangible Personal Property Tax Appropriations
4/15/2004 HOUSE Placed on Calendar
HB 0881 Relating to Airport Zoning/Education Facilities Arza
3/22/2004 HOUSE Died in Committee
SB 1126 Relating to Space Development Fasano
12/18/2003 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1128 Relating to Space-related Tourism Fasano
12/18/2003 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1130 Relating to Space & Defense-related Industries Fasano
12/18/2003 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1132 Relating to Department of Military Affairs Fasano
12/18/2003 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1148 Relating to Transportation Sebesta
12/18/2003 SENATE Died in Committee
HB 1193 Relating to Commerce With Terrorist States Act Commerce
4/30/2004 HOUSE Read Third Time; Passed as amended (Vote: 118 Yeas / 1 Nays); Died in Senate Messages
HB 1195 Relating to State Homeland Security Trust Fund Commerce
4/30/2004 HOUSE Read Third Time; Passed as amended (Vote: 118 Yeas / 0 Nays); Died in Senate messages
HB 1229 Relating to Defense Appropriations Bill Stargel
3/5/2004 HOUSE Referred to Procedures
SB 1284 Relating to Tourism, Trade & Economic Dev. Off. Appropriations
4/2/2004 SENATE Read Third Time; Substituted HB 1855; Laid on Table, refer to HB 1855
SB 1314 Relating to Consumer Services Agriculture
4/23/2004 SENATE Died on the Floor
HB 1345 Relating to Military Installations/Pub. Rec. State Administration
4/26/2004 HOUSE Read Third Time; Substituted SB 2496; Laid on Table, refer to SB 2496
SB 1360 Relating to Drivers' Licenses Commerce, Economic Opportunities and Consumer Services
4/12/2004 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1362 Relating to Commerce Garcia
4/24/2004 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1368 Relating to Engineering Regulated Industries
4/14/2004 SENATE Read Second Time; Amendment(s) Adopted; Substituted HB 419; Laid on Table, refer to HB 419
SB 1452 Relating to Career & Technical Education Education
4/29/2004 SENATE Withdrawn from Governmental Oversight and Productivity; Appropriations Subcommittee on Education; Appropriations; Placed on Special Order Calendar; Read Second Time; Substituted HB 769; Laid on Table, refer to HB 769
SB 1494 Relating to Tax Refund Programs/Businesses Commerce, Economic Opportunities and Consumer Services
4/28/2004 HOUSE Substituted for HB 583; Read Second Time; Temporarily Postponed on Second Reading
SB 1524 Relating to Space Development Fasano
1/28/2004 SENATE Died in Committee
HB 1553 Relating to Corporate Income Taxation Bucher
3/17/2004 Died in Committee
SB 1560 Relating to Domestic Security Dockery
3/23/2004 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1562 Relating to Fla. Institute for Nuclear Detection Governmental Oversight and Productivity
4/28/2004 SENATE Withdrawn from Rules and Calendar; Placed on Calendar, on second reading
SB 1580 Relating to Innovation Fla. Scholarships Education
3/31/2004 SENATE Died in Committee
SB 1604 Relating to Military Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development
4/30/2004 HOUSE Read Second Time; Read Third Time; CS passed(Vote: 110 Yeas / 0 Nays); Senate Ordered enrolled
SB 1820 Relating to Seaport Security Standards Home Defense, Public Security and Ports
4/30/2004 HOUSE Received from Messages; Substituted for HB 2011; Read Second Time; Read Third Time; CS passed; (Vote: 119 Yeas / 0 Nays); Senate Ordered enrolled
To receive a copy of any of these bills contact Senate Documents at 850/487-5915 or House Documents at 850/488-7097 or on the web at www.leg.state.fl.us
|
| 2003 Legislative Session Final Report , 6/11/2003 11:52:05 AM |
|
The Legislature wrapped up its regular session on Friday, May 3rd and did not have much to show for its work. The budget, workers compensation, medical malpractice, the smoking ban issues were all left unresolved. Governor Bush has called for a special session to take place from May 12 – May 27th. It may be the first of several special sessions.
There were 2,549 bills filed this year and only 297 bills passed both chambers. Only 11% of the bills filed passed both chambers to await final action by the Governor. This was a difficult session to achieve any legislation.
Communications Services
Representative Connie Mack is sponsoring House Bill 79 and Senator Jeff Atwater is sponsoring Senate Bill 1078. This proposed legislation revises and defines specified definitions. It also prohibits certain interception, reception, decryption, disruption, transmission, retransmission, or acquisition of access to described communications services and prohibits others in doing so.
Final Action: House Bill 79 passed both chambers. It awaits action by the Governor.
Workers Compensation
The main vehicles for workers compensation reform are included in Senate Bill 1132 and House Bill 1837. The Senate version includes proposals to increase reimbursements to physicians, decrease reimbursements to hospitals, limit the amount of hourly attorney’s fees, create a mutual insurance fund, and create a new dispute resolution process.
Final Action: House Bill 1837, the main bill for reform died on the floor. The issue was taken up during the special budget session during May. A seperate report on workers compensation reform is posted to this website.
Career & Technical Education
Representative Ed Jennings, Jr. is sponsoring House Bill 191. Senate Bill 1914 is sponsored by Senator Mike Bennett. This proposed legislation provides legislative intent to require that career and technical education programs within comprehensive high school programs of study to be industry certified, and provides for State Board of Education rules be applied for the certification process. It also provides for career and technical education endorsement on high school diploma and incentive funding to school districts for students endorsement, etc.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
Insurance Plan Participation
House Bill 1087 and Senate Bill 718 deal with Insurance Plan Participation and could impact companies that use Owner Controlled Insurance Programs.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority
Representative Ron Reagan is sponsoring House Bill 271 and Senator Michael Bennett is sponsoring Senate Bill 1364. This proposed legislation provides for the codification of special laws about special districts pursuant to specified provision for the Sarasota Manatee Airport, a special district in Manatee & Sarasota counties. It codified, amends and reenacts the specified provision, and omits provisions that have had their effect and other obsolete and redundant provisions.
Final Action: House Bill 271 passed both chambers. It awaits action by the Governor.
Economic Development
Senator Daniel Webster is sponsoring Senate Bill 408, Senator Lee Constantine is sponsoring Senate Bill 552, and Senator Rudy Garcia is sponsoring Senate Bills 980, 982 and 990. House Bill 809 by Representative Bev Kilmer and Senate Bill 2492 by Senator by the Commerce Committee clarify the powers of Enterprise Florida. Senate Bills 408, 552, 980 and 982 expresses legislative intent to revise laws about economic development. Senate Bill 990 expresses legislative intent to revise laws to promote development of high technology economy in the state of Florida.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
Workforce Development
Senator Daniel Webster is sponsoring Senate Bill 410 and Senator Rudy Garcia is sponsoring Senate Bill 984. Senate Bill 410 expresses legislative intent to revise laws about workforce development. Senate Bill 984 expresses legislative intent to enact policies enhancing the state’s workforce development activities and labor force.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
Economic Recovery
Senator Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is sponsoring Senate Bill 470. House Bill 857 is sponsored by Representative Gelber. This proposed legislation provides criteria, requirements and limitations on certain training, provides power and authority of Agency for Workforce Innovation and provides definition and application of alternative base period. It also specifies, for a limited time period, alternative time periods and amounts of certain payments, increase in weekly benefit amounts and waiver of waiting period for certain individuals for unemployment compensation purposes, etc.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
Electronics/Disposal
Senator Skip Campbell is sponsoring Senate Bill 674. This proposed legislation creates a program for responsible disposal of certain electronic products and components and provides definitions. It also provides duties for the Department of Environmental Protection and other government entities and agencies, and marketers of such products and components. This bill would prohibit certain methods of disposal of such products and components and provides for a funding program. It creates fees for sales of components and a surcharge for waste disposal, and creates a review council.
Final Action: Bill died this session.
Military Affairs
The Military & Veterans Affairs and Base Protection & Spaceports Committee is sponsoring Senate Bill 684. The companion bill is House Bill 1759. This proposed legislation specifies person’s exempt from military duty and provides for military law of state, duties and authority of the Governor. It designates Adjutant General as the head of the Military Affairs Department, and provides additional duties of the Governor as Commander in Chief of militia of state. The bill provides that persons declaring intention to become citizens may be members of the Florida National Guard, etc.
Final Action: Senate Bill 684 passed both chambers. It awaits action by the Governor.
Space-related Growth & Development
Senator Mike Fasano is sponsoring Senate Bill 1084. This proposed legislation expresses legislative intent to review operations of the Florida Space Authority in its efforts to create space-related economic growth and educational development.
Final Action: Bill died this session.
Space-related Economic Growth/Tourism
Senator Mike Fasano is sponsoring Senate Bill 1088 and Senate Bill 1090.
Senate Bill 1088 expresses legislative intent to provide for and support program, facilities and strategies to accelerate space-related economic growth. Senate Bill 1090 expresses legislative intent to provide for and support program, facilities and strategies to accelerate space-related tourism.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
State’s Space Industry
Senator Mike Fasano is sponsoring Senate Bill 1092 and Senate Bill 1094.
Senate Bill 1092 expresses legislative intent to provide for retention and expansion of employment opportunities in the space industry. Senate Bill 1094 expresses legislative intent to provide for industry-driven research to leverage resources in support of the state’s space industry and it’s expansion, diversification and transition to commercialization.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
Military Bases
Senator Mike Fasano is sponsoring Senate Bill 1096, Senate Bill 1100 and Senate Bill 1102. Senate Bill 1096 expresses legislative intent to provide for and support programs, facilities and strategies to enhance and expand missions of military bases and defense-related industries within the state. Senate Bills 1100 and 1102 express legislative intent to provide for and support programs, facilities and strategies to reduce exposure of military bases located in the state to closure or realignment of mission.
Final Action: These bills died this session.
SAFE Airports Bonding Program
Senator Jim Sebesta has filed Senate Bill 2578 and House Bill 1833 would create a Secure Airports for Florida’s Economy Council and develop a plan for developing airport facilities and Intermodal transportation system.
Final Action: House Bill 1833 passed both chambers. It awaits action by the Governor.
To receive a copy of any of these bills contact Senate Documents at 850/487-5915 or House Documents at 850/488-7097 or on the web at www.leg.state.fl.us
|
| 2002 Legislative Issues of Interest, 1/9/2002 5:39:35 PM |
|
Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance
2002 Legislative Issues of Interest
Issue I: Aerospace Infrastructure
Representative Bob Allen is sponsoring this legislation in House Bill 83. The proposed legislation creates the Aerospace Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2002. It provides that amounts due under chapter on sales, use, & other transactions collected by dealers conducting business at fixed location at Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Air Station on admissions thereto & on sales of tangible personal property at such business shall be separately returned & distributed by DOR to Fla. Commercial Space Financing Corporation, etc. It amends Florida Statutes 212.20, and if passed, would become effective on July 1, 2002.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: Business Regulation, Economic Development & International Trade, Transportation and the Fiscal Responsibility Council.
Issue II: State Board/Nonpublic Career Education
Representative Stan Mayfield is sponsoring this legislation in House Bill 251. The proposed legislation includes flight training schools and fixed based operations in definition of “school” for purposes of regulation and licensure. It would require each flight training school and fixed based operation licensed by State Board of Nonpublic Career Education to collect and maintain specified information about its students. It also would require specified scores on Test of English as Foreign Language. This legislation reenacts specified provisions and amends Chapter 246 of the Florida Statutes, and if passed, would become effective upon becoming law.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: Workforce & Technical Skills (LLC), Business Regulation (SGC), General Government Appropriations (FRC) and the Council for Lifelong Learning.
Issue III: Small Aircraft Transportation
Representative Carey Baker is sponsoring this legislation in House Bill 329. The proposed legislation provides for legislative intent re NASA’s Small Aircraft Transportation System. If passed, it would become effective on July 1, 2002.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: Transportation (RIC), Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations (FRC) and the Council for Ready Infrastructure. It was passed favorably by the Transportation Committee by a vote of 12 to 0, and is now in the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.
Issue IV: FRS/FAA Pilots/Mosquito Control
Representative Carole Green is sponsoring this legislation in House Bill 509. The proposed legislation amends the provision to include certain members employed as Federal Aviation Administration-licensed pilots authorized to provide mosquito control services into a specialized risk class. It amends Florida Statutes 121.021,.0515, and if passed, would become effective on July 1, 2002.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: State Administration (SGC), Fiscal Responsibility Council, and the Council for Smarter Government.
Issue V: Aviation School Requirements
Senator Rod Smith is sponsoring this legislation in Senate Bill 514. This proposed legislation expresses intent to enact legislation regulating aviation schools. If passed, it would become effective upon becoming law.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: Education, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Appropriations and the Rules and Calendar Committee.
Issue VI: Community Colleges/Aviation Students
Representative Mark Weissman is sponsoring this legislation in House Bill 673. This proposed legislation creates a low interest rate loan program for students in community college aviation programs. It provides maximum loan amounts, interest rates, eligibility criteria and a loan repayment plan. If passed, it would become effective on July 1, 2002.
This legislation has not been referred to any committee as of 1/9/02.
Issue VII: Spaceport Florida Authority
Senator Howard Futch is sponsoring this legislation in Senate Bill 688. This proposed legislation changes the name of the Spaceport Florida Authority to the Florida Space Authority and defines the term “Spaceport Florida”. It also revises the membership and mission of Spaceport Management Council and its executive board, and conforms the provisions to name change. It amends the Florida Statutes, and if passed, would become effective upon becoming law.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: Commerce and Economic Opportunities, Governmental Oversight and Productivity, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and the Appropriations Committee.
Issue VIII: Sales & Use Tax
Senator Ken Pruitt is sponsoring this legislation in Senate Bill 938. This proposed legislation provides a constitutional amendment to declare policy regarding sales and use tax. It reduces the sales tax rate and abolishes exemptions except on specified products and services. The legislation would require Legislation to enact new exemptions to ensure revenue neutrality, and requires conditions and 3/5 legislative vote for exemptions or rate increases. It also provides for using excess sales tax revenue to provide local tax relief, etc. It creates Florida Statute 19, Article VII.
This legislation has been referred to the following committees: Finance and Taxation, and the Rules and Calendar Committee. This legislation was on the Finance and Taxation Committee agenda for the January 9th meeting.
|
| 2001 Legislative Session Report, 7/3/2001 12:35:46 PM |
|
Final Legislative Report for the 2001 Session
Although, the Alliance members should be pleased with some of the actions of the legislature this year, a number of the Alliance’s key issues were derailed due to a tight budget year and no sympathy for industry tax exemptions. Below is a synopsis of key issues important to the aviation and aerospace industries.
Issue I: Tax Exemption on Space and Defense Research
Representative Chris Hart sponsored this legislation in House Bill 633. The proposed legislation provides full, rather than partial, exemption for machinery & equipment used to produce defense or space technology products or used in defense or space research & development activities. It amends Florida Statutes 212.08 and if it passed would become effective on January 1, 2002.
Neither, House Bill 633 or the Senate version, Senate Bill 664 by Senator Donald Sullivan passed this year.
Issue II: Aviation Fuel Tax
This legislation was sponsored by Senator Lee Constantine in Senate Bill 1668. It rescinds the repeal of the alternative tax rate for aviation fuel. If the bill passes, it would have an effective date of July 1, 2001.
Representative Rafael Arza sponsored a House version, House Bill 1629.
Neither the House nor Senate version passed this year.
Issue III: Sales Tax Exemption for Aircrew Training Simulators
FAAA was requesting to exempt any facility, school or business that trains aircraft pilots and flight crews, as provided under Part 142 of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, for approval, certification, or regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration, or a comparable foreign regulatory authority, from sales taxes. No bill numbers are available at this time.
This issue did not pass this year.
Other Bills the Alliance Monitored:
Relating to Kennedy Space Center/Sales Tax
Senator Charlie Bronson sponsored this legislation as Senate Bill 1482. The bill provides that taxes collected by dealers conducting business at fixed location at Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Air Station on admissions thereto & on sales of tangible personal property at such business shall be separately returned distributed by the Department of Revenue to the Florida Commercial Space Financing Corporation, Spaceport Florida Authority & used for funding aerospace infrastructure.
This language was similar to House Bill 1111 by Representative Allen. Although Senate Bill 1482 did not pass, Senator Bronson was able to secure a one time appropriation of $1.3 million of General Revenue and spending authority and the definition for Spaceport Infrastructure included as part of the Transportation package, House Bill 1053 which did pass both Chambers.
Taxation/Industrial Machinery
Representative Rob Wallace sponsored this legislation in House Bill 527. The bill revises exemption for industrial machinery & equipment used in expanding spaceport or manufacturing facilities; removes restriction that exemption apply only to expanding facilities; provides for full, rather than partial, exemption; removes provisions re qualification for exemption for machinery & equipment used in expanding phosphate or other solid minerals severance, mining or processing operations, to conform. It amends Florida Statutes 212.08 and .0805. It has an effective date of July 1, 2001.
Neither, House Bill 527 or the companion bill, Senate Bill 1800 by Senator Ginny Brown Waite passed this year.
Math & Science Teacher Education
Senator Donald Sullivan sponsored this legislation as Senate Bill 746. This bill authorizes mathematics & science teacher-education program; provides program purpose, required components, & resource allocation; authorizes incentives & certification; creates nongovernmental organization to plan & implement program for mathematics & science teacher education; authorizes salary bonus for teachers who complete certain training programs.
Senate Bill 746 passed the Florida Senate but was not taken up by the House of Representatives. A companion bill, House Bill 1463 by Representative Mike Haridopolos did not make it through its committee references in the House.
Local Airport Authority
Senator Diaz de la Portilla sponsored Senate Bill 506, which would authorize creation of an airport authority in Dade County.
The language passed as part the Transporation package, House Bill 1053.
Small Aircraft Transportation Systems (SATS)
This legislation authorizes funding for developing a Small Aircraft Transportation Systems (SATS) in Florida. The proposal was sponsored by Senator Jones in Senate Bill 1776 and Representative Baker in House Bill 1059.
The language expressing legislative intent and recognition of the importance of SATS in Florida passed as part of House Bill 1053.
Spaceport Infrastructure Act
Representative Allen in House Bill 1111 sponsored this legislation. The bill creates a Spaceport Reinvestment fund; and requires that sales of tangible personal property collected by dealers conducting business at Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Air Station shall be returned to the Department of Revenue and distributed to the Florida Commercial Space Financing Corporation.
House Bill 1111 passed the House of Representatives but was not taken up by the Senate. It was a similar bill, to Senate Bill 1482 by Senator Bronson.
Spaceport Florida Authority
Senate Bill 1976 was sponsored by Senator Sebesta. The bill creates a Space Commerce Board, and revises the membership and functions of entities under the Spaceport Management Council.
This language also passed as part of the Transportation package, House Bill 1053.
Economic Development and Business Issues:
Appropriations
Here is a summary listing the Governors request and the final legislative appropriation:
EFI $10,872,698 $$10,972,698
QTI $24,700,000 $$24,000,000
QACF $ 4,000,000 $1,500,000
Roads$20,000,000 $20,000,000
QRT $6,000,000 $6,000,000
HIPI $5,380,000 $5,375,000
Rural $4,000,000 $4,000,000
Defense $4,000,000 $5,000,000
SERPL $16,000,000 $16,000,000
CAMACOL $200,000 $300,000
Qualified Target Industries Cap
The Senate passed Senate Bill 2008 and Senate Bill 1750, both bills that had provisions included which would increase the QTI cap to $35 million. The QTI Cap increase was also added in the House to House Bill 1225. The bill passed the House 107-1 in the final hour: consequently, achieving a QTI Cap increase from $30 million to $35 million.
Public Records Exemption
The House passed House Bill 1541, which provides for a public records exemption for economic development agencies and contains enhancement language. The Senate took up the companion bill, Senate Bill 484 and then substituted the House bill. This issue is now headed to the Governor’s desk.
Workers Compensation
Senate Bill 1926 was substituted by the House for House Bill 1803 in the closing hour of the session and passed. The bill moves the Workers’ Comp Judges to Dept. of Administrative Hearings and makes several minor administrative changes recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Task Force. Unfortunately, the major workers’ comp reform bill, CS/Senate Bill 1188, died on the calendar.
Rural Economic Development
The House passed the rural economic development package in the final hour on May 4th by a vote of 107-1. House Bill 1225 provides that businesses that are eligible for QTI refunds are also eligible for the rural job tax credit program as well as other financial incentives. The bill also includes other items such as increasing the enterprise zone jobs credit against sales tax in addition to revising the method used to compute these credits. The companion bill, Senate Bill 460, had previously passed the Senate by a vote of 33-0 and the contents were amended onto House Bill 1225.
High Speed Rail
House Bill 489 passed both Houses; however, the bill was revised. Originally, the bill called for the creation of the High Speed Rail Study Commission, which would study the costs associated with building and maintaining such a system. However, an amendment was offered to the bill, which made the bill create the High Speed Rail Authority, which would begin planning and performing pre-development measures immediately.
Intangibles Tax
The House and Senate both passed House Bill 21, a measure which would exempt a person with investments valued at less than $250,000, or couples with $500,000 in assets from paying the state’s intangibles tax. This is up from the current $80,000 exemption for individuals, and $100,000 exemption for couples. The bill also contains a provision that exempts businesses from paying the tax for all assets less than $500,000.
Growth Management
The House worked diligently and passed House Bill 1617. The bill would have required all growth management plans to include a public school facilities requirement. The Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 310, was never taken up and with the Senate adjourning at 9:00 p.m. all hopes of any growth management legislation being passed were put to rest. The issue is almost certain to be a top priority next session as the Governor has made it very clear from his Legislative Opening Day Speech of Florida’s vital need for some type of improvement in Florida’s growth management laws. One of the major concerns seems to be whether to allow local school boards the authority to levy taxes to pay for infrastructure needs.
To receive copies of any of the bills by mail, contact Senate documents at 850-487-5915 and House documents at 850-488-7475 and ask for the enrolled versions of the bill, and they will be mailed to you free of charge.
|
| Tax Exemption for Research and Development and Manufacturing Equipment for Defense and Space Industr, 1/19/2001 8:44:43 AM |
|
Tax Exemption for Research and Development and Manufacturing Equipment for Defense and Space Industry
Summary: Florida has long reaped the economic benefits of hosting strong Defense and Space Industries. Florida's tax structure and aggressive competition from other states threatens the future strength of these industries. The market is driving these industries toward consolidation in the most competitive locations. Florida is less competitive as one of the few states, which still tax machinery and equipment used by space and defense companies for research and development and manufacturing. States that are attempting to lure this high-tech, high wage business, such as California, Texas, Arizona and Georgia, have exempted machinery and equipment from their sales and use tax.
Legislation Requested: Amend s.212.08 F.S. to provide an exemption from taxation for machinery and equipment used in defense and space technology research and development and production.
Facts:
· The space and defense industries are major contributors to Florida's economy.
· Annually NASA and the Department of Defense award approximately $10B in contracts to Florida companies. In addition Florida currently has a strong supplier/sub-contractor base that receives contracts from Prime contractors based in other states. For example, the F-22 program, based in Texas, has approximately 220 contracts with Florida based suppliers/sub-contractors.
· Space and defense companies employee more than 45,000 Floridians in high skilled, high wage jobs. These industries create another 75,000 indirect jobs.
· Increasing communication demands, growth of the Space Station and other defense and technology demands for access to space will drive continuing growth in the space industry.
· The defense budget growth is expected to exceed the previously forecast growth rate of 2% per year for the next 10 years. A recent public opinion survey showed 59% in favor of increased defense spending. The enacted FY 01 defense budget grew 8% over FY 00.
Discussion:
· The worldwide competition for space and defense contracts is increasing. Space and defense companies face increasing pressure to reduce costs. In response these companies are attacking all aspects of their product and service costs to include the location cost of doing business.
· Florida's competitor states are increasing their efforts to attract these high-tech, high wage businesses. Failure to consider and respond to these threats could severely impact Florida's economy.
· Granting this request will make Florida's space and defense companies more competitive and will help them grow. If it does nothing more than make it possible for these companies to maintain their current share of the NASA and Defense budgets the resultant contribution to the financial well-being of our state by far than the collection of sales and use tax on machinery and equipment.
· One example of the potential contribution to Florida's economy could be based on the expected growth of the defense budget. If the defense budget grows between 2% and 8% per year for 5 years and Florida companies can maintain their current share the current annual average of $6B in defense contracts awarded to Florida companies would grow to between $6.624B and $8.81B per year at the end of 5 years. This would mean a job increase over the 5 years of between ~2600 and 12,600 direct jobs and 4700 and 21,000 indirect jobs. This example does not include the expected growth in the space industry nor does it include the growth that Florida's supplier/sub-contractor base would experience.
Recommendation: That s.212.08 F.S. be amended to eliminate the taxes on machinery and equipment used in defense and space technology research and development and manufacture.
For more information contact:
Andy Bertron or Mike Huey at 850-224-7091
Jim Bodine at 407-862-4458
Jerry Sansom at 850-224-4750
|
| Sales Tax Exemption for Aircrew Training Simulators, 1/19/2001 8:44:03 AM |
|
Sales Tax Exemption for Aircrew Training Simulators
(January 19, 2001)
Summary: Commercial Aviation is undergoing a period of rapid growth and change. Over the next 10 years it is estimated that ~16,000 new aircraft will be delivered to air carriers to serve growing markets and to replace aging, existing fleets. This change will generate a need for approximately 533 new aircrew-training simulators. Each of these simulators generates new, high wage jobs, significant capital investment and increased spending in local areas. These new simulators will be located in the most cost competitive locations. To attract a reasonable share of these new simulators Florida must become more cost competitive.
Legislation Requested: Amend s.212.08 F.S. to exempt any facility, school or business that trains aircraft pilots and flight crews, as provided under Part 142 of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, for approval, certification, or regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration, or a comparable foreign regulatory authority, from taxes imposed by this chapter.
Facts:
· An aircrew-training simulator can cost between $5.5M and $12.5M. It generates approximately 15 direct jobs with an average wage of $47,500. Each simulator requiring a facility generates construction costs up to $650K.
· Each simulator generates 7000 bed nights annually. With meals, transportation and entertainment this can add up to $1.4M/year.
· Approximately 12,000 aircraft serve commercial aviation today. In the next 10 years it is estimated that 16,000 new aircraft will replace and expand this aging fleet. These new aircraft will generate a requirement for 533 new training simulators.
· Florida is well positioned geographically to expand its aircrew training industry, but in this highly competitive business Florida must improve the business climate for this industry.
Discussion:
Approximately 533 new simulators will be installed in the next 10 years. Training companies and airlines will install these simulators in locations that will serve their potential clients and in the most cost competitive location. Currently Florida training companies are planning expansion. In just one example, Pan Am Flight Training Academy is planning to expand by 8 new simulators. However, their location has not yet been decided. That decision will be based on where they can be most competitive. Other training companies such as FSI, AirBus and Lockheed Martin are facing similar decisions.
A number of air carriers contract out their training needs. Others are considering a move in that direction. Most of the Latin American air carriers contract out their training needs and these same air carriers fly into and out of Florida. Florida could become the aviation training center for the Americas.
The requested legislation could make the difference in the decision process that will determine if Florida gets a good share of these new simulators and the attendant economic benefits.
Recommendation: That s.212.08 F.S. be amended to exempt business from the sales and use tax imposed on Type 142 aircrew training simulators.
|
| Proration of the Aviation Fuel Tax, 1/19/2001 8:42:46 AM |
|
Proration of the Aviation Fuel Tax
References:
· Section 206.9825(2), 1999, FS
· Interim Project Report 2000-49, Senate Committee on Fiscal Resources, August 1999
Summary: Referenced FS authorized air carriers that utilized mileage apportionment for corporate income taxes purposes to prorate their aviation fuel taxes based on the ratio of Florida mileage to total mileage. This proration benefits 1) air carriers based in Florida who buy more fuel in Florida than they expend in Florida airspace AND 2) Florida's economy.
Legislation Requested: Section 206/9825(2), FS was automatically repealed in July 2000. It is requested that new legislation be enacted that is essentially identical to the repealed section of the FS that will allow for the proration of aviation fuel taxes effective July 1, 2001 and continuing indefinitely.
Facts: (Based on referenced Senate Committee Report or on data provided by Florida air carriers)
· In August 1999 there were 56 active air carrier dealers registered in Florida, Fifteen of these prorate their aviation fuel taxes.
· The larger air carriers do not use fuel tax proration because their Florida mileage is small compared to their total mileage.
· Forty percent of these 15 air carriers were interviewed to develop the data contained in the referenced Senate Committee Report.
· The forty- percent interviewed reported an estimated purchase of 33,000,000 gallons of aviation fuel in Florida that would have resulted in a tax rebate of $1,537,000.
· The current aviation fuel tax rate is 6.9%. The average rebate is ~4.5%.
Discussion:
· The aviation fuel tax rebate was enacted to help the small air carriers, to encourage their basing in Florida and to encourage fuel purchase in Florida.
· The air carriers based in Florida have a positive economic impact in Florida. It is estimated that the small air carriers that prorate their fuel taxes in Florida create approximately 8500 direct Florida jobs. Direct and indirect jobs created would be 21,250.
· Based on the 40% interviewed for the Senate Committee Report total fuel purchased in Florida by air carriers using fuel tax proration could be 82.5 million gallons. At a 6.9% fuel tax rate fuel taxes would be ~$5.7 Million.
· Some air carriers report a 34% decrease in fuel purchased in Florida based on the repeal of the fuel tax exemption. If this 34% is extended to all of the carriers using fuel tax proration the revenue loss would be ~$1.9 million, 28,000,000 fewer gallons of fuel would be purchased in Florida and fuel retailers and suppliers in Florida would be severely impacted.
· Aviation fuel represents one of the major operating costs of air carriers. Those interviewed for this analysis report that it is as high as 22% of costs. The cost increase represented by the repeal of the fuel tax exemption will threaten the existence of some Florida carriers and adversely impact the competitiveness of all of the carriers. All of the carriers interviewed indicated that their growth and expansion plans for Florida have been adversely impacted. Expansion plans in Florida had ranged from 5% to 20% over the next 5 years. That translates to ~1100 to 4200 new jobs if the expansion and growth plans are realized.
· Florida in recent years has taken steps to make Florida a more attractive location for aviation and to reap the significant economic benefits of increasing aviation jobs and capital investment in Florida. These steps have begun to pay off; however, the repeal of the aviation fuel tax proration now threatens these gains.
Recommendation: That legislation be enacted to reinstate the aviation fuel tax proration exemption.
|
|
|
