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Florida Pool Pro
sm
• April 2015
FSPALegislative Days and 2015 Legislative
Bill Tracking Report
By Jennifer Hatfield, FSPA Government Relations Consultant /
Week 3 of the 2015 Florida Legislative Session saw firemen, the farm bureau
and a slew of other groups descend on the Capitol, and most importantly the
Florida Swimming Pool Association held its annual Legislative Days Event!
Thirty-five pool professionals from across the State spent a fast-paced 24
hours speaking to legislators and agency staff. All told, FSPA members sat
down with approximately 90 legislative offices to discuss our priority bills and
introduce ourselves to any of the newly elected House or Senate members.
The event began on Wednesday when officials from the Department of
Health (DOH) and Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
spent time with us to discuss areas of importance: public pool regulation,
Florida Building Code, unlicensed activity, Construction Industry Licensing
Board, and any legislation that impacts these agencies. In addition, leaders
from the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) stopped by and noted
that in their meetings with legislators questions had arisen about bills we have
a common interest in (both our building code and pool lighting bills).
On Thursday the group hit the ground running, breaking up to hit legislative
offices to discuss both SB 1232 and SB 926, which were now slated to be heard
in the Health Policy Committee on March 23 (increasing the importance of our
talks). The highlight of the event was the group’s meeting with Senate President
Andy Gardiner – who not only took the time to meet with our contingent but
brought us into the Senate Chambers and had staff from the Secretary of the
Senate provide us an overview of the history within the chambers. Thanks
also goes out to one of our own members, Rep. Larry Ahern, who once again
visited with the group during our lunch at the Governor’s Club and in his office.
All in attendance felt the event was a success and worth taking the time – FSPA
encourages all members to considering take part next year!
Here is a list of the bills FSPA is tracking with comments and current status
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
