Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida January Ditchmen | Page 9

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Gaming will be heavily lobbied as well this year. Governor Rick Scott and the Seminole Tribe agreed in December on a new $3-billion compact that would allow the tribe to continue running blackjack and craps while opening the door to new slots in Palm Beach County. Fantasy sports will also be in play as the growing industry seeks regulation of their business.

For NUCA of Florida there are a few issue that I will be working closely on this session.

Open Completion on Public Works Projects --- NUCA of Florida Supports

HB 181 by Van Zant (R – Palatka)/SB 598 by Brandes (R – St. Petersburg)

A priority for NUCA of Florida this year, the bill would prohibit any local ordinance from requiring specified employment provisions. Specifically, the state or any local government may not require a contractor, subcontractor or material supplier engaged in the construction, maintenance, repair or improvement of public works to:

1) Pay employees a predetermined amount of wages or prescribe any wage rate;

2) Provide employees a specified type, amount or rate of employee benefits;

3) Control, limit or expand staffing; or

Recruit, train or hire employees from a designated, restricted or single source.

Public Corruption

HB 593 by Metz/SB 686 by Gaetz/Anticipated House PCB RCEC 16-05 Workman

This bill is a major initiative by former Senate President Don Gaetz to get at public corruption issues. Contractors need to watch this bill carefully as the definition of a “public servant” is expanded. Unfortunately, in an effort to get at corruption involving entities that perhaps are awarded the contract to run state prisons or develop software, etc., this legislation draws in anyone who contracts directly with the state – construction contractors, suppliers who sell direct, etc. Say your company has an annual Christmas barbecue and invites all your good customers. If you are a state contractor, under this proposed legislation, you would fall under the same corruption laws as an elected state official and be guilty of using undue influence and potentially criminally charged with public corruption.