Put down that phone and drive. After years of debate, Gov. Rick Scott will sign a bill Tuesday that bans texting while driving.
Scott also will sign a measure Tuesday that seeks to boost Everglades restoration. Meanwhile, state agencies will hold hearings on issues such as insurance and utility rates.
TUESDAY
SCOTT TO SIGN EVERGLADES BILL: Gov. Rick Scott will hold a ceremony to sign a bill (HB 7065) that is designed to boost Everglades restoration efforts. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Pine Jog Environmental Education Center, 6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach.)
BAN ON TEXTING WHILE DRIVING TO BECOME LAW: Gov. Rick Scott will sign a bill (SB 52) that would ban texting while driving. The bill has some exceptions, such allowing texting while motorists are stopped, such as at traffic lights. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School, 2601 NE 151st St., Miami.)
MEDICAID ISSUES DISCUSSED: The state Medical Care Advisory Committee, a panel that reviews issues related to the Medicaid program, will meet. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee.)
HEARING ON MEDS-AD RENEWAL: The Agency for Health Care Administration will hold a hearing as part of an effort to renew federal approval of what is known as the “MEDS-AD” program in Medicaid. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee.)
EDUCATION SUMMIT: The Florida Sterling Council will hold an education summit that will look at issues facing Florida’s schools, universities and communities. Among the expected speakers are state Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee; University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft; Glenn Good, dean of the University of Florida College of Education; and Jon Schnur, a former education advisor to President Obama and President Clinton. (Tuesday, 7:30 a.m, JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando.)
HEALTH CARE SYMPOSIUM: The Florida Sterling Council will hold a symposium looking at issues in the U.S. health-care system. Among the expected speakers are state Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, chairwoman of the House Healthy Families Subcommittee; Daryl Tol, president of Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center; and Henry Chueh of Harvard Medical School. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando.)
JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORMS: The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice will hold its 12th town hall meeting on proposed reforms to the juvenile justice system. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Community Center, 2990 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers.)
WEDNESDAY
FIRED TROOPER CASE HEARD: The state Public Employees Relations Commission is scheduled to hold a hearing in the case of Charles Swindle, a fired Florida Highway Patrol trooper who contends that state lawmakers were given special treatment when pulled over for speeding. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Building 4050, Capital Circle Office Center, Tallahassee.)
CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN’S ISSUES: The Florida Department of Children and Families and other organizations will take part in a three-day conference aimed at helping children and families be successful. The event is called, “Conference by the Bay: Partners in Progress.” (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Florida State University, Panama City Campus, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City.)
CITIZENS DEPOPULATION: The Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Depopulation Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting at the Capitol. The teleconference phone number: 855-312-8651. Participant Code: 4458606638# (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
TECO RATE HIKE DISCUSSED: The Florida Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing about a proposal by Tampa Electric Co. to increase base electric rates. The hearing is part of a months-long review process of the proposal. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Hillsborough Community College/Dale Mabry Campus, Student Services Auditorium — DSTU Building, 4001 West Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa.)
THURSDAY
FIDELITY NATIONAL RATE HIKE PROBED: The state Office of Insurance Regulation is scheduled to hold a hearing on a proposal by Fidelity National Property & Casualty Insurance Co. to increase homeowners rates by an average of 28.1 percent. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Larson Building, 200 East Gaines St., Tallahassee.)
TECO RATE HIKE DISCUSSED: The Florida Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing about a proposal by Tampa Electric Co. to increase base electric rates. The hearing is part of a months-long review process of the proposal. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Chain of Lakes Complex — Poolside Room, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven.)
STEM FORUM: The Florida Sterling Council will hold a forum about preparing students for manufacturing and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related jobs. Speakers are expected to include officials from numerous businesses, schools and colleges. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando.)
