Florida legislators propose bills on immigration and cannabis

State lawmakers from Sarasota and Manatee County have introduced several bills that could change Florida's laws on illegal immigration, cannabis access, and hurricane recovery. These proposals aim to address significant issues affecting the state. Senator Joe Gruters has filed a bill that seeks to increase penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants. If passed, first-time violators could face a year-long license suspension and fines up to $10,000. Repeat offenses would lead to harsher penalties, including potential permanent revocation of licenses. Representative Fiona McFarland has introduced a bill to streamline hurricane recovery efforts. It requires local governments to undergo training every two years and establishes safety procedures for crane operations during hurricanes. The bill aims to improve disaster response and prevent issues that arise after such events. Gruters has also proposed two bills to regulate public smoking and increase access to medical cannabis. One bill would ban tobacco and cannabis use in public areas, while another would allow medical patients to grow their own cannabis plants at home. Additionally, McFarland’s proposal aims to ensure that media created using artificial intelligence is clearly labeled. This bill requires content to include information about its source to prevent misleading information. Another bill, named after a Sarasota teenager, seeks to track hit-and-run drivers. The "Lilly Glaubach Act" would require auto repair shops to report damage associated with accidents over $5,000, helping law enforcement follow up on such incidents. Finally, Representative Bill Conerly has introduced bills to facilitate environmental solutions, including new wastewater treatment technologies to replace septic systems and plans for using reclaimed water for environmental recovery projects. These bills are still in the early stages of the legislative process and could significantly impact Florida's laws on these important topics.