Governor Crist Signs First Responders Workers’ Compensation Bill; Two Bills Relating to Middle East Investments

 

Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed three bills into law today that passed during the 2007 Session.

• SB 746  Workers’ Compensation/First Responders
• SB 2142  Protecting Florida’s Investments Act
• SB 2224    Local Governments/Authorized Investments

 

The Governors’ office issued the following press release regarding SB 746, which relates to Workers Compensation for first responders to an emergency.

The other two bills are detailed below.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

Governor Crist Signs First Responders Workers’ Compensation Bill

PALM BEACH GARDENS – Governor Charlie Crist today praised the Florida Professional Firefighters at the 63rd Annual Conference in Palm Beach Gardens. He also signed legislation sponsored by Senator J.D. Alexander (R–Lake Wales) and Representative Sandra “Sandy” Adams (R–Orlando) that provides workers’ compensation benefits for Florida’s first responders. Representative Adams joined the Governor for the bill signing.

“These brave men and woman protect their fellow Floridians and put their lives on the line day in and day out. They are public servants of the highest caliber,” said Governor Crist. “Through this legislation, we have the opportunity to express in a tangible and meaningful way just how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.”

Senate Bill 746 helps first responders, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics – including volunteer first responders – gain eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. The legislation minimizes the requirements for benefits related to occupational diseases, increases benefits for responders who sustain a mental or nervous injury and extends payment of total disability benefits to certain retirees.

“First responders make our lives safer and more secure. We have a responsibility as citizens – and a duty as public servants – to provide these critical benefits to those injured in the line of duty,” said Governor Crist. “I am grateful to the Florida Legislature for making it easier and more likely that they will receive this important compensation.”

 

SB 746  Workers’ Compensation/First Responders by the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee and Senator J.D. Alexander.  Co-introducers:  Senators Atwater; Gaetz; Fasano; Justice  (Identical CS/H 0045).  Provides standard of proof for first responders having injury or disease caused by exposure to toxic substance; provides that any adverse result or complication re smallpox vaccinations is an injury by accident arising out of employment; provides standard of proof in cases involving occupational disease; provides for continuation of permanent total supplemental benefits after age of 62 for certain first responders, etc.  Creates112.1815.  Effective Date: 06/08/2007.

SB 2142  Protecting Florida’s Investments Act  by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee and Senator Ted Deutch.  Co-introducers:  Senators Pruitt; Joyner; Rich; Gaetz; Wilson; Atwater; Margolis; Aronberg; Baker; Bullard; Storms; Hill; Alexander; Argenziano; Bennett; Carlton; Constantine; Crist; Dawson; Diaz de la Portilla; Dockery; Fasano; Garcia; Geller; Haridopolos; Jones; Justice; King; Lawson; Lynn;Oelrich; Peaden; Posey; Ring; Saunders; Siplin; Villalobos; Webster; Wise  (Similar CS/H 0703, Compare H 1431, CS/CS/1ST ENG/S 2250) Provides reporting requirements for the executive director of State Board of Administration (“SBA”); requires SBA to identify all companies in which public moneys are invested that are doing certain types of business in or with Sudan & Iran; requires board to create and maintain certain scrutinized companies lists that name all such companies; requires board to divest of all publicly traded securities of scrutinized company under certain conditions, etc. Creates 215.442,.473.  Effective Date: 06/08/2007.

SB 2224    Local Governments/Authorized Investments by Senator Nan Rich; Co-introducers:  Senators Deutch; King; Atwater; Aronberg (Identical HB 1339); allows local governments to invest surplus public funds in rated or unrated bonds, notes, or instruments backed by full faith & credit of government of Israel. Amends 218.415.  Effective Date: 07/01/2007.