Legislative Session Update

Legislative Update

I am honored to have been appointed as Vice Chair to the Redistricting Committee by Speaker Cannon. During the 2012 Session, the House will engage in the constitutionally required process of redistricting. The lead up to that process will begin this summer. Starting in July and ending in November, the House, in conjunction with the Senate, will hold approximately 30 public hearings across Florida. I look forward to working with Chairman Weatherford and members of the Committee on this important issue.

For more information on the Redistricting Committee visit the Committee page here or visit www.floridaredistricting.org.

Pill Mill Legislation Passes the Florida House

Florida's prescription drug abuse problem has reached epidemic levels, killing 7-10 Floridians a day and affecting countless other Americans across the country. In 2008-09, 49 of the 50 practitioners who dispense the most Oxycodone in the country were located in Florida (half were in Broward County) according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Florida has 5% of the population, yet Florida doctors alone dispense 85% of the Oxycodone dispensed in the entire country.

Previous legislatures have tried to tackle the problem but have fallen far short. This year, CS/CS/HB 7095 aims to put an end to this epidemic once and for all by taking a multi-faceted, aggressive approach. The practitioner dispensing ban is a front end approach that will quickly and effectively stop the prescribing and dispensing of medically unbelievable amounts of narcotics, which has lead to the problem. The bill also requires wholesale distributors of powerful narcotics to report and record the distribution of controlled substances, which will allow law enforcement officials to stop those dispensing large amounts of drugs before they hit the streets.

In addition to shutting down "pill mills", HB 7095 prevents unscrupulous individuals from operating pharmacies by strengthening licensing requirements, and it shuts down the practice of "doctor shopping" by keeping the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in-tact and tightening the reporting requirement. HB 7095 passed the House with a vote of 116-1.

Court Reform Legislation Passes the Florida House

The House Joint Resolution (CS/HJR 7111) and Implementing Bill (CS/HB 7199) propose an amendment to the Constitution to make substantive reforms to Florida's judicial branch. The Court Reform package will increase judicial efficiency, transparency, and accountability by making multiple changes to the current court system. The proposed joint resolution would be considered by the electorate at the November 2012 general election.

The proposed court reform:
• Creates a stronger check on the judicial branch by giving the Legislature the authority to repeal a court rule with a majority vote.

• Increases accountability in the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) by allowing the Speaker of the House to request the House of Representatives review its investigative files in order that the House may better perform its constitutional duties relating to oversight and impeachment.

• Increases efficiency in the administration of justice by creating a criminal and civil division of the Supreme Court.

• Increases accountability by requiring the Senate to confirm gubernatorial appointments to the Supreme Court.

• Ensures accountability for judicial appointments by making the Governor, who is directly accountable to the people, solely responsible for his judicial appointments.

Around the District

In local news, Workforce Central Florida is hosting a virtual job fair set for May 9-13th. Job seekers are invited to log on from the convenience of any computer with Internet access and post their resume starting Monday, May 9th. There is no cost to participate and available jobs range from entry level to top management positions. Employers are also encouraged to join and there is no cost for a basic package, which includes a virtual booth and company logo. For more information, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com/jobfair or call 407-531-1222. I encourage you to participate and spread the word to any friends or family members who may be looking for employment opportunities!