Rep. Della Belatti

Maddy summaryHB 148 protects individuals who make claims about sexual misconduct from defamation lawsuits, directly affecting those reporting such incidents and potential defendants. The bill states that a defamation claim cannot succeed unless the person making the claim was proven to have acted with "malice" (knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth). This creates a legal shield for accusers in sexual misconduct cases, preventing lawsuits based solely on the truthfulness of their allegations. The bill remains pending in the 2026 session after being carried over from 2025.

Establishes a process, beginning on January 1, 2026, for automatically preregistering or registering public, charter, and private school-enrolled students who are at least 16 years old to vote.

Makes the members of the Elections Commission subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Clarifies that a majority of all members to which the Elections Commission is entitled shall constitute a quorum to do business. (HD1)

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for enterprise zone program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone that is to be used or consumed by the purchaser and not for resale, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, and the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health care related sectors.

Establishes fees that medical providers may charge for requests for a patient's medical records from the patient's family member, caregiver, or representative. Requires medical providers to respond to requests in a timely manner. Establishes penalties.

Appropriates funds for the Office of the Governor, in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to oversee and administer grants to low-income residents, and condominium associations on behalf of low-income condominium owners, to fortify residential real property against hurricanes.

Maddy summaryHB 1502 requires property and casualty insurance companies to establish specific pre-disaster planning and post-disaster assistance measures for policyholders. It directly affects homeowners and businesses covered by these insurance policies, as well as the insurers themselves. Key provisions mandate that insurers develop and implement plans to protect policyholders before disasters occur and provide clear support after events like hurricanes or wildfires. The bill takes effect on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.

Adds psychology, physician assistant, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, clinical social worker, rehabilitation counselor, and school counselor students to the definition of "eligible student" under the qualifications for the healthcare preceptor tax credit. Amends the definition of "preceptor" by adding psychologists, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, rehabilitation counselors, and school counselors to the list of preceptors eligible to receive the tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025.

Requires certain landlords to provide a specified notice to a tenant regarding the tenant's potential right to purchase the property, under certain conditions. Allows tenants, families, local governments, affordable housing nonprofits, and community land trusts forty-five days to match or beat the best bona fide offer to buy an eligible affordable housing property. Establishes conveyance tax rates for the sale of eligible affordable housing properties.

Requires the Civil Rights Commission to receive and investigate complaints related to acts of discrimination committed by transportation network company drivers against riders with service animals and report the results of its investigation to the Department of Transportation, which shall issue penalties to transportation network companies. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)