District 3 Rep. Jayer Williamson October 2021 Newsletter

| OCTOBER 2021 |

GOVERNOR CALLS FOR SPECIAL SESSION

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his plans to call the Florida Legislature into a Special Session to take a stand against the federal government's overreach. His announcement outlined protections for employees who face termination due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and reaffirm that a government entity may not fire employees based on vaccine status. The call also included re-evaluating employers’ broad liability protections if they harm employees through vaccine mandates and providing greater protections to parents for managing the health care decisions of their children.   In a joint statement following the announcement, Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson said, "we will review the Governor’s specific proposals as well as discuss our own ideas for legislative action, including whether now is the time for Florida to withdraw from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and establish our own state program. We believe that by doing so, Florida will have the ability to alleviate onerous federal regulations placed on employers and employees."   Rep. Williamson joins Speaker Sprowls and President Simpson in their goal to clarify state laws and remains committed to Florida, serving as a refuge for families and businesses who want to live in freedom. Additional details and dates regarding the Special Session will be provided as they become available.

INTERIM COMMITTEE WEEKS 1-3 RECAP

Representative Williamson and his colleagues descended upon the state Capitol to facilitate the first three interim committee weeks in preparation for the 2022 Legislative session.   During these first three weeks (Sept. 20-24, Oct. 11-15 and Oct. 18-22), the meetings covered various topics, including hospital care innovation, criminal justice data transparency, cybersecurity advancements, maternal and child health improvements, strengthening Florida’s resilience against significant risks, preserving our natural resources and improving water quality.    Restoring the Everglades, fighting insurance fraud, keeping kids in school and providing mental health resources to veterans were also discussed. Members of the Public Integrity & Elections Committee also received updates on recent developments resulting from the House’s ongoing mission to combat waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.   Updates were also provided to members on how recently enacted laws transformed our job training system, expanded access to higher education, and improved literacy outcomes for students are being put into action to improve the lives of Floridians. The House Republican Conference also designated Rep. Williamson’s fellow legislative classmate, Rep. Paul Renner, as its next Speaker of the Florida House for the 2022-2024 legislative term.   Lawmakers also heard from state agencies and organizations who presented their priority issues and budget requests, including presentations during the Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Williamson.   Additional committee weeks are scheduled for Nov. 1-5, Nov. 15-Nov. 19 and Nov. 29-Dec. 3 with the 2022 Regular Legislative Session scheduled to convene on Tues., Jan. 11, 2022.

REP. WILLIAMSON FILES THREE BILLS FOR THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

HB333: Physician Certifications for the Medical Use of Marijuana   While the initial in-person visit process for a physician’s certification for the use of medical marijuana will not be altered, this bill’s passage will allow patients and physicians to conduct the renewal visits (every 30 weeks) through telehealth as defined in s. 456.47.  LEARN MORE

HB315: Transportation Facility Designations   This Transportation Facility Designations bill honors the late Reverend Murray Hamilton, Sr. This legislation designates the portion of U.S. 90 between Canal St. and Stewart St. in Santa Rosa County in his name. Rev. Hamilton impacted the lives of so many. He is truly missed but his legacy lives on. LEARN MORE

HB331: Transportation Facility Designations   This bill honors the late Ira Mae Wells-Bruce by recognizing the portion of State Road 87 between East Bay Blvd. and U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa County in her name. A pioneer in business and the local community, she was the first woman to serve as a County Commissioner, among other notable accomplishments.  LEARN MORE

LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION MEETINGS

SANTA ROSA MEETING TONIGHT   Representative Williamson along with Representative Alex Andrade and Senator Doug Broxson will host the Santa Rosa Legislative Delegation Meeting this evening (Oct. 26) at  5:30 pm in the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commission Chambers located at 6495 Caroline St. in Milton.    Please contact Rep. Andrade’s Legislative Aide, Katie Doughty, at Katie.Doughty@myfloridahouse.gov for additional information.

OKALOOSA MEETING SCHEDULED   Representative Williamson will join Representative Patt Maney and Senators Doug Broxson and George Gainer for the Okaloosa County Legislative Delegation Meeting on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Bldg. in Shalimar.   To be placed on the Okaloosa County Legislative Delegation meeting agenda, you must submit a speaker form no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 1. Forms may be requested from Rep. Maney’s Legislative Aide, Amelia Keaton at Amelia.Keaton@myfloridahouse.gov.

The 2022 “Why I Love Northwest Florida” art competition is now open for submissions. Entries into the competition must be submitted by K-5 students residing or going to school within House District 3. Entries are due to Representative Williamson's District office in Pace (4519 Woodbine Rd.) by Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.   Use the buttons below to download the official entry form and competition rules. An official competition entry form must accompany the entry.

COMPETITION ENTRY FORM (PDF)

COMPETITION RULES (PDF)

The House Clerk's Office has not yet released details for the 2022 Page & Messenger Program. However, those interested in receiving direct notification once the process and application have been finalized should email housepagesandmessengers@myfloridahouse.gov or call (850) 717-5401 and request to be added to the notification list.

NOVEMBER CONSTITUENT SERVICE DAYS

Tuesday - November 2 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tiger Point Community Center 1370 Tiger Park Ln, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Thursday - November 18 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. UF IFAS Extension Okaloosa Co. 3098 Airport Rd, Crestview, FL 32539

Thursday - November 11 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. SRC Economic Development 6491 Caroline St., #4, Milton, FL 32570

Constituent Service Days are held in South Santa Rosa County on the first Tuesday of each month, in Central Santa Rosa on the second Thursday of the month and in North Okaloosa County on the third Thursday of each month.    Appointments are not required for our Constituent Service Days and meetings are held on a first-come-first-served basis.    For additional information about any of our Constituent Service Days, please email Ashley.Jeffrey@MyFloridaHouse.gov.