.FAST FACTS
On the hit list
Armed with new veto-proof majorities, the new Republican-controlled Legislature will flex its muscle Tuesday by overriding a handful of vetoes made by Gov. Charlie Crist. The overrides could include these bills:
HB 1565: Easing the rules
This is the bill big business wants. It would restrict the power of state agencies and bureaucrats to make rules that would cost business or government $200,000 in the first year or $1 million over five years after implementation.
HB 5603: The Rx for cost savings
This bill, opposed by some in the medical community, overhauls workers' comp rules and limits the amount of money that can be made by those who repackage drugs for injured workers.
HB 5611: Less power for the governor?
The governor would lose power over the Department of Management Services, whose chief would be placed under the Cabinet as well as the governor under this legislation.
Crist's strangest veto
Crist's ultimate flip-flop: a $9.7 million line item for Shands Teaching Hospital — an expense he recommended until he clashed with House Speaker Larry Cretul, who has Shands in his district. Crist then vetoed the money, which helps poor, sick patients.
HB 545: Caveat emptor in hurricane zones
Rejoice, home sellers! You won't have to disclose, come Jan. 1, your home's "windstorm mitigation rating" to home buyers. Counties affected: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Pinellas, Sarasota, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard.
CS/CS/SB 1842: Median hearings
If a newly erected median barrier affects access to some properties, the state transportation department would have to hold a public hearing.
HB 569: Trash heaps
In the name of producing alternative fuels from trash heaps, this would allow Class I landfills to accept yard waste.
HB 981: Greenways
Those who have an agricultural tax break on their land can keep it and still sell their properties under this bill.
HB 1385: Petroleum site cleanup
This bill could make it easier for some landowners to avoid fully cleaning up underground gasoline tanks.
SB 1516: State-owned lands
How much land does the state own and where? The Department of Management Services will soon have to know because the bill requires the state to maintain a database to keep track.
Marc Caputo, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
What about the bill requiring an ultrasound before an abortion that was vetoed by Crist? Saving lives should be the priority not these other bills, that's why I voted for you people in the first place!
Deacon John
