What's at stake for Tampa Bay this legislative session
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Lawmakers are heading to Tallahassee for a 60-day legislative marathon — and what happens there will ripple far beyond the Capitol.
Why it matters: Everything from funding our local governments to restoring our landmarks and widening our roadways will be decided when lawmakers convene on Jan. 13.
- Here's a round-up of what we're monitoring.
📜 Bills
🚗 Renaming campus roads: HB 113 would direct the University of South Florida, Hillsborough College, St. Petersburg College and New College of Florida to rename campus roadways after slain political activist Charlie Kirk.
- Any university or college that refuses to comply would have its state funding withheld. The bill must clear three committee stops before reaching the House floor.
🪪 Isaiah's law: Named after Isaiah Raposa, an 18-year-old killed in a hit-and-run in Hillsborough County, HB 35 would designate those with three convictions of driving without a license as habitual traffic offenders.
- Those drivers would face a five-year license revocation and a third-degree felony for getting behind the wheel again. It has two more committee stops.
🚫 AI claims adjusters: SB 202 would require insurance companies to use qualified human professionals when denying claims, barring the use of algorithms or artificial intelligence as the sole deciding factor.
- The legislation has been referred to three committees.
🤖 More AI regulation: SB 482 would, against President Trump's wishes, establish an "AI Bill of Rights," including the right to pursue civil remedies when one's likeness is used without consent.
- Parents would also have the right to supervise and limit a minor's use of AI, and everyone would have the right to know whether political advertisements were created using AI.
- The legislation, filed Dec. 22, hasn't yet been assigned to a committee.
🗳️ Ballot referenda
👀 Hillsborough County residents may have a crowded ballot this year — with referenda under consideration that would decide whether to elect or appoint our superintendents and expand the county commission.
💰 Property taxes galore: The state House filed four proposals to exempt a homeowner's principal residence from some or all property taxes — leaving in place only those levied by school districts.
- Analysts say they could cost local governments billions of dollars, money now used for critical infrastructure and emergency services.
💸 Budget requests
⛴️ Port of Tampa Bay: State Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) wants $7.5 million to expand East Port to meet existing demand and reduce shipping costs — ideally, lowering prices for residents and businesses.
🍿 Tampa Theatre: Tampa Theatre is seeking $1 million to restore its historic auditorium and upgrade its technology ahead of its 100th anniversary on Oct. 15.
🛣️ East Lake Road: State Rep. Adam Anderson (R-Palm Harbor) is seeking $15 million to overhaul a congested roadway frequented by commuters from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.