All,
SB 170 Local Ordinances passed the Senate last year but failed to pass the House, so they are trying again this year. The bill is scheduled for a first hearing on Feb. 8 in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. This bill:
Requires local governments to prepare business impact statements before the enactment of any proposed ordinance;
Empowers business owners to sue cities and counties for passing ordinances that cause them financial losses;
While a court decides the legitimacy of a business claim on a fast-tracked basis, the local government must suspend enforcement of the ordinance in question;
Businesses that prevail in a lawsuit would receive attorney fees and costs up to $50,000, but prevailing local governments would not be entitled to the same reimbursement.
This bill is a trial lawyer's dream and a local government's "home rule" nightmare. Just one claim can block cities and counties from best serving their constituents due to fear of malicious lawsuits. And the taxpayers get stuck with the costs in either case. We need you to contact the Community Affairs committee members below before next Wednesday and tell them to VOTE NO on this bad bill. Don't give them a pass.
Contact the Committee Members & our Citrus House Representative:
Calatayud.Alexis.web@flsenate.gov; Osgood.Rosalind.web@flsenate.gov; Baxley.Dennis.web@flsenate.gov; Berman.Lori.web@flsenate.gov; Bradley.Jennifer.web@flsenate.gov; Brodeur.Jason.web@flsenate.gov; Gruters.Joe.web@flsenate.gov; Martin.Jonathan.web@flsenate.gov; Pizzo.Jason.web@flsenate.gov
CITRUS:
Tallahassee #: (850) 717-5034
District #: (352) 527-4510
State House - District 23
Thank you,
Jean Siebenaler LEGISLATIVE CHAIR, DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S CLUB OF FLORIDA