If there was any year when Florida lawmakers might have seen fit to help working families who rent, this seemed to be it. The chance passed, with eviction laws still rigged against renters and in favor of landlords.
Controversial vote-by-mail bill is clearing hurdles in Tallahassee dailycommercial.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailycommercial.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
At the state Capitol, the state s lawmakers gathered to kick off the 60-day session.
Among them was Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who represents all of Sumter County and parts of Lake and Marion Counties.
Before the session, the veteran lawmaker talked with the Daily Commercial about his priorities.
Here s what he told us:
His No. 1 priority is a familiar one
Baxley has again filed his Baby Box Bill.
The measure, Senate Bill 122, would direct the Florida Department of Health to approve the design of safe boxes for babies to be surrendered at hospitals, emergency service and fire stations.
The measure would also increase the age of infants who may be surrendered anonymously to 30 days old from 7 days old.
He wants to tackle local issues
The representative hopes to tackle a variety of issues that have been impacting the community, with a focus on local water quality and studies.
Specifically, Truenow has filed a bill that would allow for a study of Little Wekiva River, where sediment accumulation and water quality would be measured. He has also filed several bills for the 2021 legislative session that would work to improve drinking water systems for Groveland and Monteverde, as well as improving wastewater treatment facilities throughout the area.
Truenow is also a co-sponsor on a bill that would allow counties to create boards comprised of qualified volunteers to investigate situations of alleged retaliatory conduct by landlords against tenants - and to impose fines if necessary. This bill was inspired by Marie Wissler, a Leesburg woman who says her apartment complex retaliated against her after she reported issues to code enforcement.
Florida may allow counties to investigate, fine landlords who lash out at tenants orlandosentinel.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from orlandosentinel.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.