Florida PBA Memorial Motorcycle Draws Attention at the State Capitol, As the PBA’s Big Legislative Agenda Continues to Gain Steam, And Key Bills Move Quickly Through Their Legislative Committees!
Following the kickoff of the opening week of the Florida Legislature, Florida PBA President John Kazanjian said, “We’re off to a fantastic start! We began the week showcasing the PBA’s Memorial Motorcycle at the State Capitol on Monday and Tuesday, right next to the Fallen Officers’ Memorial. We also held a cookout led by the PBA Grill Team at the PBA Office and invited legislators to attend. Every legislator that visited the event left really impressed with the level of respect on display for Florida’s fallen officers.
I’m also very pleased to report that key pieces of our legislative agenda have already sailed through their relevant committees and will soon be ready for floor votes by both chambers. These particular Bills include: the Age and Years of Service Rollback for Tier II employees, the DROP Extension for Correctional Officers, and the Constitutional Carry legislation. In addition, members of the PBA will be in attendance during today’s Senate Criminal Judicial Committee hearing, which will feature our Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights legislation. The fast pace by which our legislation is moving is a clear reflection of the respect the PBA has earned over the years with legislative leaders in both chambers. We don’t just talk about getting things done, we deliver meaningful results for our members and their families!”
Highlighted Below is a Status Update of Our Legislative Agenda Thus Far:
FRS age and years of service rollback
HB 239 by Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera
SB 224 by Senator Ed Hooper
Unanimously approved by the House Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee on March 2nd.
This legislation rolls back the age and years of service normal retirement requirement for Tier 2 employees (hired after July 1, 2011) to age 55 after vesting or 25 years of continuous special risk service.
Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights remedy for violations
HB 927 by Representative Danny Alvarez
SB 1086 by Senator Joe Gruters
This legislation will strengthen appeals for officers and sanctions against violators when an agency violates the LEO Bill of Rights.
SB 1086 on Today’s Senate Criminal Justice Committee agenda
Extending the DROP for Correctional Officers
HB 613 by Representative Alina Garcia
SB 1034 by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez
This legislation will extend the DROP an additional 36 months for Correctional Officers. The PBA will attempt to add CPOs to this legislation.
Unanimously approved by the House Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee on March 2nd.
Constitutional Carry
HB 543 by Representative Chuck Brannan
SB 150 by Senator Jay Collins
This legislation will allow concealed carry of weapons without a permit for legal gun owners.
Passed the Senate Fiscal Policy committee on March 2nd.
Counseling for First Responders
HB 169 by Representative Vicki Lopez
SB 314 by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez
This legislation will require state and local agencies to provide licensed counseling for first responders and the agency must pay for the first 12 hours of counseling.
911 Dispatchers included as First Responders
HB 291 by Representative Jeff Holcomb
SB 436 by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez
This legislation will include 911 Emergency Dispatchers into the definition of “First Responder” in the Workers’ Compensation section of law. The PBA is also attempting to include the CPOs.
