FALI Lobbyists' Progress Report
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Posted by: Amy O'Rourke
The following was a status update from Cynergy Consulting that was presented to the FALI Board at their August 13, 2015 quarterly meeting in Tampa. The FALI Legislative Committee is currently looking at a draft of the bill that was put together by Representative Cortes' office. Once approved by the Committee, the bill will be submitted by the Representative. We will keep everyone posted on the progress.
 To: Florida Association of License Investigators
From: Cynthia Henderson and Robert Levy
Re: Summary of Services Report to FALI Board of Directors
Date: August 13, 2015
Robert M. Levy and Associates and Cynergy Consulting are proud to represent the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators. We were hired on May 20th to start reviewing the possibility of a veto of House Bill 197, passed in the House on April 27th.
We discussed the background of the bill with the bill sponsor, Rep Metz. Unfortunately, he was not truly aware of the implications of his bill. He understood our concerns (although not very sympathetic) but did commit to support us with a glitch bill to fix the issues next session.
We spoke with Sen Hukill’s office and committee staff on both sides. The bill was singularly driven by Rep. Metz.
We met with the Governor’s staff to discuss a veto. The Director was very concerned with the implications and assigned staff to research many issues. Unfortunately, we had a complete meltdown in the legislature, the House adjourned early without a budget. Therefore, special session was called for June 1-21, 2015. Sen Hukill was assigned as the sponsor of the Governor’s economic development issues-perhaps his single most important issue. Therefore, when the bill was presented to him, he immediately signed it without discussion on our issue, as promised. However, Governor’s staff did advise they would be very supportive in a glitch bill fixing the issues.
We have met with the Sheriff’s Association, the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and several other groups. We met with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services legislative director several times. First to discuss veto, and next to discuss next year. We have support from them and we are working with the licensing staff and research staff. We were able to confirm with them and gather needed data to show there were no violations or investigations of a PI for use of a tracking device.
We have met with a House sponsor for next year, Rep. Bob Cortes. He is a very well respected member of the Florida House of Representatives. He is reviewing our language with Rep Metz and researching any potential issues. We are meeting with potential Senate sponsors this coming week. We will advise when our sponsors are both 100% confirmed.
For this coming session, we will be meeting with the same folks mentioned above from the Governor’s Office down to House and Senate staff. We will build a coalition with law enforcement, courts, agencies and your association to advocate for the passage of a glitch bill.
During session we provide monitoring reports after each action takes place, keeping you apprised of the action. Additionally, if desired, email addresses we are given will be added to our news list and daily updates are sent on general actions at the legislature.
We look forward to working with you and on your behalf.
Thank you!
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