Sen. Mack Bernard

Property Tax Administration; Revising the definitions of the terms "maximum total county ad valorem taxes levied" and "maximum total municipal ad valorem taxes levied" to conform to changes made by the act; revising limitations on the maximum millage rate that may be levied by certain units of government; authorizing the ballot summary of a specified proposed amendment or revision of the State Constitution to exceed a specified word limit, etc.

Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes; Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to revise the limitation on annual assessment increases for specified real property, to increase the homestead exemption, to provide a limitation on the use of ad valorem taxes levied by counties and municipalities, and to provide an effective date, etc.

Maddy summarySB 428 revises Florida's Swimming Lesson Voucher Program to lower the maximum age for eligible children from 7 to 4 years old. The bill directly affects low-income families (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) with children aged 1 through 4 who qualify for free swimming lessons. It updates the program's eligibility criteria in statute, requiring children to be between 1 and 4 years old (instead of 1-7) to receive a voucher. The program aims to increase water safety by removing barriers for younger children in qualifying families.

Towing Disabled Vehicles; Requiring a law enforcement officer to provide the driver of a vehicle impounded under certain circumstances with certain information; authorizing the driver of a vehicle disabled under certain circumstances to take certain action; requiring a law enforcement officer and wrecker operator to provide specified information to the driver of a vehicle disabled under certain circumstances, etc.

Elections; Requiring that the Secretary of State be elected, rather than appointed, and serve a specified term; requiring the Florida Commission on Offender Review to develop and maintain a database for a specified purpose; authorizing a person who meets certain requirements to register to vote for the early voting period or election day at an early voting site or his or her polling place and cast a ballot immediately thereafter; authorizing the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to preregister certain individuals to vote; revising the information a third-party voter registration organization is required to provide to the Division of Elections of the Department of State, etc.

Electric Utility 10-year Site Plans; Revising requirements for estimates included in the 10-year site plan; requiring the Florida Public Service Commission to issue a final order within a specified timeframe after receiving a proposed plan; authorizing the commission to reject such plan under certain circumstances; requiring electric utilities to submit a revised plan within a specified timeframe upon such rejection, etc.

Fees/Florida Public Service Commission; Increasing the maximum administrative fee that the Florida Public Service Commission may establish to carry out certain duties, etc.

Surrendering to Law Enforcement; Citing this act as “Vassallo’s Law”; requiring law enforcement agencies to implement a procedure for interviewing a surrendering person; authorizing a law enforcement officer interviewing a surrendering person to temporarily detain or arrest such person under certain circumstances; requiring a law enforcement officer interviewing a surrendering person to deliver, or have delivered, such person to the nearest receiving facility for involuntary examination under certain circumstances, etc.

Maddy summarySB 1472 requires Florida public schools to teach grade-specific lessons on Hispanic contributions to U.S. history, culture, and society across all K-12 classrooms. For example, elementary students learn about Hispanic holidays and leaders, while high school students explore Hispanic roles in conflicts, civil rights, and economic growth. The bill mandates content covering topics like Spanish exploration, cultural influences, overcoming barriers to equality, and civic contributions, with the State Board of Education encouraged to develop standards. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, directly affecting Florida's public school curriculum and instructional materials.

Right Turns at Intersections Using Traffic Infraction Detectors; Prohibiting certain right turns at intersections using traffic infraction detectors; requiring certain signage at such intersections, etc.