A message from FPCA's President, Chief Richard M. Beary:

FPCA LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

November 1, 1998

With the elections now over, our Legislative Committee is preparing for another busy year in Tallahassee. We plan to support the following issues:

1. Recording of non-emergency lines. Legislation was proposed to permit the recording of emergency incoming telephone calls made to published non-emergency lines at law enforcement agencies.



2. Access to records of prior employers. Legislation was proposed that would require employers to provide records concerning former employees to prospective employers for background investigation purposes. Legislation that makes this information obtainable would be beneficial to law enforcement agencies seeking the best possible candidates.



3. Sex crimes/technical changes. Legislation was introduced to make technical changes that would facilitate the investigation and prosecution of sex offenses in which children and the elderly are victims.



4. Rescheduling of Ketamine HCL. A bill was introduced to reschedule Ketamine HCL to a Schedule II drug.



5. Imposition of 911 access fees to cellular service. Legislation was proposed to permit local governments to assess a fee for 911 access by cellular telephone.



6. Expenditure of 911 fees on dispatcher salaries. Currently, fees collected pursuant to Section 365.171, Florida Statutes, can, along with other related expenses, be spent on 911 call taker's salaries to the extent the call takers are handling 911 calls. The section would have to be amended to allow the 911 fees to support 911 dispatcher salaries.



7. Primary seat belt enforcement. Legislation was proposed that would change the enforcement of seat belt usage from secondary to primary enforcement.



8. Prohibit minor passengers in pickup truck cargo areas. Legislation was proposed that would prohibit minor passengers from riding in the cargo areas of pickup trucks unless the trucks are equipped with approved restraints.



9. Penalty increase for third DUI conviction. Legislation was filed that would increase the penalty for a third and subsequent conviction for DUI to a third-degree felony.