Okaloosa County BOCC — November 17, 2015 — 2015-2016-interim-legislative-program

2015-2016 Interim Legislative Program  2015-16 Interim Legislative Program Table of Contents FAC Interim Policy Priorities………………………………………………………..3 Finance, Tax & Administration…………………………………………………….. 9 Growth Management, Agriculture & Environment…………………………… 11 Health & Human Services…………………………………………………………… 17 Public Safety……………………………………………………………………………. 20 Federal…………………………………………………………………………………… 24 2  2015-16 Interim Legislative Program FAC Interim Policy Priorities Lisa M. Hurley, Esq., Legislative Director Email: lhurley@fl-counties.com Phone: 850-922-4300 or Fax: 850-488-7501 TAX R EFOR M SUPPORT tax reform measures that simplify administration and provide an economic boost to Florida’s taxpayers while at the same time considering and minimizing the collective and cumulative negative impact on local revenues, including state shared and local discretionary revenue sources that are critical to local governments in providing community services. Potential tax proposals that are of major concern to FAC include, but are not limited to: A. Communications Services Taxes SUPPORT amending and/or revising current law in a manner that is: 1) revenue neutral; 2) simplifies administration and collection of the current tax; 3) provides for a broad and equitable tax base; 4) provides for enhanced stability and reliability as an important revenue source for local government; and 5) provides the opportunity for market-based growth. OPPOSE legislation that would revise current law in a manner that significantly reduces current local government related revenues. B. Sales Tax Exemption on Commercial Leases SUPPORT legislation that would phase-in a reduction and eventual exemption of state sales tax on commercial leases, but preserving and “grandfathering-in” existing local (county) option sales taxes. C. Property Taxes – “Elimination of Recapture Provision” OPPOSE legislation that would eliminate currently existing recapture provisions for homestead and non-homestead property. 3  2015-16 Interim Legislative Program D. Local Discretionary Revenue Flexibility SUPPORT modifications to existing laws governing local discretionary sales tax revenue sources, including operational expenditures, to provide greater simplification, flexibility and more efficient administration and management. SUPPORT expanding the eligibility to levy the Charter County Transportation Surtax to all counties. ECONOM I C DEVELOP M ENT Economic Development: SUPPORT measures that empower local governments and provides resources to work with community partners towards the creation of quality jobs, more vibrant Florida communities and global competitiveness as envisioned by the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 20 year strategic plan. Related issues that are of major interest to FAC for the 2016 Legislative session include, but are not limited to: A. State and Local Economic Development Partnerships SUPPORT legislation and appropriation that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the state and local government partnership in economic development through the greater use of targeted strategies and strategic investments to induce and retain sustainable economic activity resulting in a consistent positive return on investment for both state and local governments. B. Film/Televi