Bill Summaries: Consumer Protections
Consumer Finance Loans SB 640, by Senator Rouson, FAILED. The companion bill HB 747, by Representative Santiago, was workshopped but never had a committee vote. AARP opposed this legislation. The legislation would have established the “Access to Responsible Credit Pilot Program.” Under the pilot program, a loan could have been from $300 to $10,000, with a maximum fixed interest rate of 36% per annum. The duration of a loan could have been from 120 days to 60 months, and the loan could not have had a prepayment penalty. See Voting Record for SB 640 p. 64. Energy 2040 Task Force SB 1038, by Senator Brandes, FAILED. The companion bill HB 1411, by Representative Diamond, never had a committee hearing. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation would have created the “Energy 2040 Task Force” within the Public Service Commission. The Task Force would have projected Florida’s electric energy needs over the next 20 years and would have recommended how to meet those needs in an efficient, affordable and reliable manner. See Voting Record for SB 1038 p.65. Energy Grid CS/SB 1586, by Senator Simmons, FAILED. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation would have required the Florida Public Service Commission to develop a disaster preparation and energy grid improvement plan for each publicly regulated electric utility. See Voting Record for CS/SB 1586 p.66. Tax Exemptions for the Elderly SB 1448 by Senator Passidomo, FAILED. The companion bill HB 1123, by Representative Berman, never had a committee hearing. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation would have created a state sales tax exemption on products that assist independent living for persons age 60 or older. See Voting Record for SB 1448 p.66. Medically Essential Electric Utility Service CS/CS/HB 1081, by Representative Perez, FAILED. The companion bill SB 1630, by Senator Hutson, never had a committee hearing. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation would have required all electric utilities to provide more residential consumer education about their medically essential electric service programs. It also would have required counties, as part of their local emergency management plans: (1) to identify facilities for which the restoration of electric service is deemed critical for public health, safety, welfare, or security reasons; and (2) to regularly update and share this information with local electric utilities. See Voting Record for CS/CS/HB 1081 p.66-67.
43
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker