The following are just a few of the legislative issues that may be considered by UUCF and the construction industry for the 2010 Legislative Session:

Sunshine State One Call of Florida
The Sunshine State One Call of Florida, Inc. (SSOCOF) Legislative Committee is currently working on a legislative package that will make several changes to Chapter 556, The Underground Facility Drainage Prevention and Safety Act. Proposed changes include:

♦ Create definition for “High Priority Subsurface Installation”
♦ Increase fines and penalties
♦ Create a Low Impact Marking provision
♦ Create an Alternative Dispute Resolution Process. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Process would resolve issues of concern for UUCF of facility damage between excavators and member operators.

Amendment #4
After three failed attempts to reach the ballot, the so-called “Hometown Democracy” proposal has the required number of petition signatures and will appear on the 2010 ballot as Amendment 4. Amendment 4 is a “Vote on Everything” initiative that would force Floridians to vote on every comprehensive land use plan change, resulting in hundreds of referenda on each ballot in some areas. This “Hometown Democracy” amendment will increase costs and add uncertainty to Florida’s burdensome land-use approval process and cripple future job creation.

UUCF has joined Floridian's for Smarter Growth to oppose Amendment 4 on November 2, 2010 ballot.

Please visit the Vote No on 4 website for additional information on Amendment 4.

Additional Issues
Other issues that may be considered during the 2010 Legislative Session could include changes to Florida’s Construction Lien Law. The Senate considered a lien law bill during the 2009 Legislative Session but could not get the House engaged on the issue. The Department of Business & Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board may develop language to address experience requirements through Pre-Licensure Education. The proposal may also address licensing of Out-of-State Contractors.