At the start of the 2008 legislative session, the Florida Sheriffs Association was already tracking over 350 proposed bills that had been filed. Many of the proposals strengthen law enforcement and provide needed changes or improvements of existing processes. Others are problematic for law enforcement and cause concern for the ability to effectively and efficiently protect our citizens and their property. The following is a snapshot of some of the issues that are a prime focus to Sheriffs for passage and for opposing this session.

Support Impasse legislation—Clarify language of “Legislative Body” in F.S. 447.203. Sen. Steve Oelrich has filed SB 368 on behalf of the FSA, and Rep. Sandy Adams has agreed to file the House companion.

Oppose HB 493 by Rep. Grant and SB1306 by Sen. Saunders—FOP version of Impasse resolution that shifts impasse decision to Board of County Commissioners.

Support Licensing Second Hand Dealers—Expand licensing language to better track theft of metals and to track destruction/recycling of vehicles. Rep. Baxter Troutman has filed HB 105, Sen. Victor Crist has filed SB 748 and Sen. Lee Constantine has filed SB 556 to address the stolen metals. Additionally, Rep. Stan Jordan has filed HB 349, and Sen. Jim King has filed SB 1076 and Sen. Charlie Justice has filed SB 1526, all related to the recycling of vehicles.

OTHER ISSUES:

Amend HB 7197 from last session related to Social Security Numbers, to provide an exemption for law enforcement. The new law requires an official who asks a person for social security number to provide them with a written Departmental policy as to why the number is being requested and what will be done with the number.

Support HB 389 by Rep. Precourt and SB 798 by Sen. Dean, the "Adam Pierce Act" that provides eligibility requirements for membership in Special Risk Class for certain members suffering qualifying injury.

Support SB 1032 by Sen. Al Lawson that provides increased health insurance subsidy for retirees.

Support HB 209 by Rep. Seiler and SB 300 by Sen. Crist that amends and updates Service of Process.

Oppose any effort by pawnbrokers group to amend or eliminate the statutes that requires them to provide law enforcement with personal identifying information about items being pawned.

Oppose Miccosukee Retrocession issue that repeals all Florida criminal and civil law on the Miccosukee Reservations: SB 150 by Sen. Wilson and HB 423 by Rep. Thurston.

Oppose SB 1380 by Sen. Jones that provides licensed Pari-Mutuels the ability to implement full electronic gaming wherever they are licensed in the State. Oppose any general expansion of gambling.

Oppose Mandatory Recording of Interrogations—HB 721 by Rep. Thurston and SB 1434 by Sen. Joyner.

Oppose SB 336 by Sen. Saunders: Adding Sheriffs and Deputies to a State Complaint Review Board.

Oppose SB 338 by Sen. Saunders providing for $10,000 fine from CJSTC for violations of Policeman’s Bill of Rights.

Oppose HB 777 by Rep. Priscilla Taylor that requires data to be collected and reports be submitted for every stop made by a law enforcement officer, regardless of citation or arrest, to be examined or investigated by the FDLE for racial profiling.

Oppose SB 1330 by Sen. Siplin: Required annual salary increase for union only law enforcement officers.

Please refer to this page at the end of the session for our legislative wrap up.