Bills signed by Governor DeSantis, as of May 17, 2023
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS The goal of this new law is to lower the costs of prescription drugs by regulating pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and drug manufacturers. They both will also have to notify the state if there is an annual increase totaling 15% or more in wholesale drug prices, or a 30% cumulative increase over a 3-year period.
GOVERNOR VS. DISNEY The Governor has signed a bill that allows a tourism board appointed by the Governor to cancel development agreements its predecessor body approved. The development agreement had greatly diluted the powers of the newly created board. This action further inflames the animosity between the two parties, which has resulted in the filing of two lawsuits.
GUNS The legislation prohibits credit card companies, or others who facilitate payments, from using a merchant category code that identifies the seller as being a merchant of guns and ammunition. It further creates penalties for persons keeping a registry of privately owned firearms.
EDUCATION The governor signed several education bills that do the following: create a four-year, year-round K-12? school pilot program; authorize students to use a combination of volunteer hours and paid work hours to qualify for the Bright Futures scholarship program; prohibit teachers’ unions from deducting dues from paychecks; reduce term limits from 12 to eight years for district school board members; add a constitutional amendment to the 2024 ballot changing district school board races from nonpartisan to partisan; extend temporary teaching certificates from three to five years; designate September 11th “9/11 Heroes’ Day” and require 45 minutes of instruction on the events of 9/11/01 to middle and high school students; create a program to provide a one-time bonus to retired first responders and veterans who become full-time classroom teachers; and require public schools to provide instruction on the harmful effects of social media, including the prohibition of Tik Tok on district-owned devices.
FLORIDA FOREVER A major investment of $100 million for conservation efforts is approved for the Florida Forever program. The same bill prioritizes projects in the Florida Wildlife Corridor or areas at risk of development.
PHYSICIAN CONSCIENCE Doctors will no longer be required to perform a requested procedure if he/she has a moral objection. Insurance companies can refuse to pay for a procedure if it goes against their written moral or religious guidelines.
ESG All local and state funds invested in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors are prohibited. And, administrative sanctions would be levied against financial institutions operating in Florida who engage in the denial of services based on certain prohibited criteria.
BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM A Florida Museum of Black History Task Force within the Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources will provide recommendations for the planning, construction and operation of a Florida Museum of Black History by July 1, 2024.
CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS Floridians can book a Florida State Park camping, RV or cabin reservation up to 11 months in advance. Non-residents may reserve a site up to 10 months in advance. Time to plan a trip with the family!