Florida Sheriffs Association

The 2010 Legislative Session is in full swing in Tallahassee. Again this year, well over 2,000 bills will be filed. Part of the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Association is to track legislation and support efforts that would strengthen public safety and oppose efforts that would weaken public safety in our state.

The top issue for Sheriffs across the state this year is to pass legislation that would ensure that Sheriffs and other county constitutional officers retain the right to resolve collective bargaining issues (see Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Cameron’s in depth article here). All the constitutional officers and Florida Association of Counties have expressed support for this issue.

Senator Mike Fasano filed SB 610 and Representative Alan Hays filed HB 417 to address this matter. The Senate Bill sailed through the committees and is now on the Senate floor for hearing. The House Government Affairs Committee passed an amended version Thursday, March 25. Your Florida Sheriffs will be tracking it closely, as it moves through the legislative process.

I want to thank all of you who have contacted your state representative in support of this issue and ask that you continue to urge your lawmakers to assist us with this important legislation. We will continue to provide you information on this issue as it occurs. (Click here to review the FSA Legislative Agenda for 2010)