House Speaker Dean Cannon | Credit: myfloridahouse.gov - Meredith Hill

With less than a week left till adjournment, the Florida House kept up a hectic pace Friday, tackling more than 70 bills in a lengthy session that covered everything from open house parties to bath salts to red light cameras.

It was, like the ones held earlier in the week, a lengthy session as the House tried to advance as much legislation as possible.

The session started on a lighter note, despite the finish line drawing ever closer and budget conferencing continuing.

“I know it’s Friday and we’re all glad we made it,” said House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. “Representative Williams says we’re all in a good mood because of the royal wedding and I know that’s it.”

The House passed bills on a range of subjects that cracked down on sexual predators, child molesters, and thieves using stolen debit and credit cards.


Health and Medical issues

Most of the bills passed with little acrimony, though the representatives spent more than two hours tackling HB 479, a measure from Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, backed by the Florida Medical Association, that would make the state Department of Health issue expert witness certificates for out-of-state medical witnesses and would increase protection for hospitals when contracted employees are sued for malpractice.

Two Democrats -- Rep. Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg and Rep. Richard Steinberg of Miami Beach -- offered a string of amendments on Horner’s bill, which failed on near-party-line votes. Unlike many of the other bills, which were forwarded to third reading and passed, the House left HB 479 for next week’s agenda.

A measure introduced by Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, that prohibits Floridians “from being compelled to purchase health insurance except under specified conditions” passed 81-34. This sets the stage for a vote next week as Republicans look to forward a constitutional amendment allowing Floridians the option of opting out of the federal health-care law backed by President Barack Obama.


Serving minors alcohol

The House unanimously backed a proposal from Rep. Tom Goodson, R-Titusville, increasing the penalty of second-degree misdemeanor to first-degree for repeat offenders holding open house parties which involve serving alcohol to minors.

“We have worked very hard to get this legislation through the legislative process and are thankful for its continued bipartisan support,” said Goodson. “This bill aims to protect Florida’s families and advance public safety. This is a serious offense and has lasting consequences for teens and those injured due to the supplier’s thoughtless behavior. We are sending a message to all that we must provide solid leadership for our children, the future of our country.”


Synthetic stimulant 'bath salts'

The House also unanimously passed a measure backed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, banning the synthetic stimulant MDPV, better known as “bath salts.”

“I am truly grateful for Representative Patronis and Speaker Cannon’s commitment to banning this dangerous drug,” said Bondi. “Almost immediately after I took administrative action in January, poison control centers reported a dramatic drop in the number of overdoses on MDPV. The permanent removal of this destructive drug from the store shelves will continue that protection for Floridians.”