ABC of Florida State Convention Registration Flyer

 Sponsor options at the 2013 ABC of Florida Convention

-------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------

ABC-Sponsored SB-318 Passes Senate - On to Guv

Potential to make significant changes for school contractor personnel badging

April 25, 2013 - Tallahassee, FL ABC's Workplace Security Bill (HB 21/Perry and SB/318 Sen. Denise Grimsley) providing for a single, statewide badge for educational projects was just passed by the Florida Senate today, and it is on the way to Gov. Rick Scott after passing the House of Representatives earlier this month. 

In 2005, the Jessica Lunsford Act became law and required among other things that all non-instructional workers must pass a Level II FDLE background check prior to being allowed to work on or near school grounds. 

ABC came back to the legislature in 2007 to reform the law because of the disparate application and unclear regulations.  Many counties were not approving workers who had any minor or major criminal past - including DWI or other misdemeanors - and require badging on any school site regardless of the presence of children.  ABC was able to amend the law to allow for fencing off the construction site, and specified the 8 criminal acts which would lead to automatic rejection. 
  
Yet some school districts persisted in invoking the "moral turpitude" clause and disallowed workers who might be approved in other districts.  They also refused to recognize the background check approved in another school district even though the 2007 amendments specified this solution.  Even 8 years after its passage, it is not uncommon for school contractor personnel to have multiple JLA badges.

ABC supports that law and for providing security for school children.  However, the application has been redundant, inconsistent and costly and places a tremendous burden on the construction industry.

HB 21/SB 318 will provide for a single, state-issued badge -- issued to the worker with a photo id -- and will be his or her badge to work in any county school district, on any project requiring Level II background security.  
  
If signed by Governor Rick Scott, the bill will go into effect July 1, 2013.

Many thanks to Representative Keith Perry R-Dixie for his hard work on this important issue. Co-sponsors in the House were Representatives Janet Adkins R-Nassau; Katie Edwards D-Broward; Erik Fresen R-Miami-Dade; Elizabeth Porter R-Baker; Jake Raburn R-Hillsborough.
  
ABC is pleased that this high-priority legislation has gained passage after several earlier attempts.  It would not have been possible without the engagement of ABC members with candidates, elected officials, and frequent messages to make this change by ABC contractors in Tallahassee and in the home districts of the state Representatives and Senators.
 

Senate Bill 84 (de la Portilla) and House Bill 85 (Steube) Public Private Partnerships

This issue is a high priority for ABC in 2013, again after several years of attempting to get this passed.  This year HB 85 has cleared the House and SB 84 will be voted on 05-02-2013 and may be going to the governor before the end of the session.  Contact your chapter for more information.

2013 ABC Florida Legislative Goals
2013 ABC Florida Board of Directors

2012 ABC Legislative Successes

ABC works hard to keep you informed on how we protect the merit shop philosophy through politics. 

Take a moment to review our 2012 Legislative Successes. 


 2012 Florida Legislative Scorecard

How Florida Legislators voted on issues that affect the Commercial Construction Industry in 2012.

2012 Florida Legislative Scorecard 

ABC works hard to keep you informed on how we protect the merit shop philosophy through politics.  Take a moment to review our .How Florida Legislators voted on issues that affect the Commercial Construction Industry in 2012. 
Find a Contractor
Fill in any criteria below to begin your search, or simply click 'GO' to view all contractors.
Search for the best construction contractors and suppliers.

Locate a Chapter
To obtain addresses and phone numbers of ABC Chapters, select a state from the drop down menu below.

Sponsors