Banking and Insurance — Closed Captions

>> THE COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND INSURANCE WILL NOW COME TO ORDER. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> CHAIR GRUTERS >>HERE >> Vice Chair Sharief: HERE. >> Senator Boyd: HERE >> Senator Burton: HERE. >> Senator Hooper: HERE >> Senator Burton: HERE >> Senator Osgood: HERE. >> Senator Passidomo: HERE. >> Senator Pizzo: EXCUSED. >> Senator Truenow: – A QUORUM IS PRESENT. >> Sen. Gruthers: PLACE SOUNDS ON ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO SILENT. ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COMMITTEE SHOULD COMMIT TO COMPLETE A APPEARANCE FORM. SHOULD YOU WAIVE YOUR TIME YOUR POSITION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMITTEE MEETING RECORDS. BEFORE WE BEGIN, PLEASE SHOW TAB NINE SPD 742 ON LEGAL TENDER. WE HAVE SEVERAL SENATORS AND WILL ADJUST THE ORDERS ACCORDINGLY. PLEASE SHOW TAB NUMBER SEVEN SENATE BILL 1380 TP. FIRST WE WILL TAKE UP TAB ONE. CS FOR SB 326 ON CURATORS OF THE STATES BY SENATOR BURGESS. SENATOR BURGESS, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> Sen. Burgess: GOOD AFTERNOON CHAIR AND SENATORS. THE MODERNIZATION OF THE CURATOR STATUTE. FLORIDA'S CURATOR MAY BE APPOINTED DEFINING THE DEFINITION, WHAT THEY MAY NOT DO AND WHAT OVERSIGHT OF THE CURATOR MUST BE DONE. THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruthers: QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? REAGAN MULLINS WAIVING IN SUPPORT. ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL? SENATOR BURGESS YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL. >> WAIVE CLOSE. >> PLEASE CALL ROLE ON CS FOR SB 326. >> Sen. Boyd: YES. >> Sen. Burton: YES. >> Sen. Hooper: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Send. Osgood: YES. >> Sen. Passidomo: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. Sen. Truenow: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: -- >> Chair Gruters: YES. >> YES. CS SB 326 REPORTED FAVORABLY. WE WILL TAKE UP TAB SIX. SENATE BILL 1256 ON PHARMACY AUDITS BY SENATOR GRALL. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> Sen. Grall: THANK YOU COMMITTEE FOR SEEING THIS THIS MORNING. MAKING SURE PHARMACIES ARE CONDUCTED TRANSPARENTLY ACROSS ALL SORTS OF PHARMACIES REQUIRING AUDITORS APPLY UNIFORM AUDIT STANDARDS TO SCOPE FREQUENCY AND PENALTY THE AUDIT STANDARDS CONTEMPLATED IN THIS LEGISLATION APPLY TO ALL PHARMACIES IN THE NETWORK INCLUDING INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES, PBM AFFILIATED PHARMACIES THE BILL ADDRESSES HOW AUDITS ARE CONDUCTED AND PROVIDES PHARMACIES WITH THE APPROPRIATE DUE PROCESS AND AN AUDIT SITUATION. >> Sen. Gruthers: ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? WE HAVE KEVIN DEWAYNE SPEAKING. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU CHAIR AND SENATORS. THANK YOU FOR TAKING UP THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION TODAY IN THE COMMITTEE. I WANT TO BE DIRECT BY STANDING HERE TODAY I FEEL LIKE I MIGHT BE PAINTING A TARGET ON MY BACK BECAUSE CURRENTLY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THERE IS NO LIMITS ON AUDIT FREQUENTLY OR SCOPE. ANY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT DOES NOT LIKE WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TODAY CAN AUDIT ME EVERY DAY WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY CLAIMS JUST BURYING ME IN PAPERWORK. I AM HERE ANYWAY BECAUSE I THINK PATIENTS DESERVE ACCESS TO COMMUNITY PHARMACIES AND I THINK SOMEONE IS TO SAY WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY OUT LOUD. WE SUPPORT THIS BILL IS PHARMACIST BECAUSE WE WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THREE IMPORTANT PROBLEMS THAT IT ADDRESSES. THREE COMPANIES CONTROL 80% OF THE INSURANCE MARKET AND EACH OWNS A PBM BUT ALSO ON OPERATES PHARMACIES. THEY CAN AUDIT ME WHILE OWNING THEIR OWN STORES WHEN THEY HIT ME WITH VERY STRICT AUDITS MAYBE PATIENTS MIGHT SWITCH TO ONE OF THE STORES THAT THEY OWN AND THEY RECAPTURE ALL OF THOSE FEES. AUDITORS CAN ALSO BE PAID BY COMMISSION OR A PERCENTAGE OF RECOVERY AMOUNT. IT'S LIKE A SPEED TRAP THAT I USED TO GET HIT ON WHEN I DROVE TO GAINESVILLE FROM JACKSONVILLE. I CAN SETTLE FOR LESS MONEY OR I CAN SPEND MORE MONEY FIGHTING BUT THE AUDITOR CAN STILL GET A PERCENTAGE EITHER WAY. THESE COMPANIES TO, THE PHARMACIES CAN ALSO BE HIT FOR MASSIVE FRAUD SETTLEMENTS AND I THINK ME JUST SEARCHING THE FIRST PAGE OF GOOGLE SHOWS THAT SOME OF THESE MASSIVE PHARMACIES AND IN PBM'S HAVE SETTLED FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS. THERE WAS ONE THAT WAS MORE THAN $1 BILLION. THEY ARE SETTLING THEIR OWN CASES WHILE REPORTING TO FIND FRAUD IN PHARMACIES LIKE OURS. THIS BILL LOOKS TO FIX IT. THINGS LIKE IF SMALL CLERICAL ERRORS FOR THE PATIENT THAT GOT THE MEDICATION DERIVED FROM A CAN NO LONGER TAKE THE FULL WEIGHT OF ALL OF THE MEDICINE COST. RIGHT NOW IN THE STATE THERE IS NO ENFORCEMENT. THEY CAN REALLY VIOLATE THE EXISTING AUDIT STATUTE AND THERE IS REALLY NO RECOURSE FOR US. BUT, CRITICALLY AND I REALLY WANT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS, ALL THE PROTECTIONS FOR ROOTING OUT FRAUD IS PRESERVED. MEDICATED FRAUD IS EXEMPT. THEY JUST NEED TO SAY THAT IT'S A FRAUD INVESTIGATION AND WHY. RIGHT NOW WE SEE A LOT WHERE THEY WILL CALL AN AUDIT AND USE THAT TO START SIDESTEP THE CURRENT REGULATION THAT FLORIDA HAS. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS QUESTIONS MAYBE I READ IT ANY ANALYSIS ABOUT THE SAMPLING SIZE AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT A FRAUD IS SUSPECTED THERE IS NO KIND OF CAP OR LIMIT THEY STOP FISHING UP OPPOSITIONS. THEY CAN AUDIT BE CLAIMS IN EVERY SINGLE WEEK SO WE REALLY APPRECIATE THIS AND REGARD TO FAIR TREATMENT FOR ALL PHARMACIES AND TAKING OUT THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND CREATING ENFORCEMENT FOR FRAMEWORK. PHARMACIES IN FLORIDA PROVIDE CRITICAL SERVICES ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS. FAIR AUDITS PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE PHARMACY SYSTEM BUT WITHOUT DESTROYING PHARMACY PRACTICES OVER SIMPLE CLERICAL ERRORS. THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT OF YOUR BILL AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE REGARDING IT. >> Sen. Gruthers: KELLY MILLETT FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION WAIVING IN SUPPORT. REAGAN MULLINS WAIVING IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU. ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL? SENATOR GRALL, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL. >> Sen. Grall: WAIVE CLOSED. >> PLEASE CALL ROLE IN SB 1256. >> Sen. Boyd: YES. >> Sen. Hooper: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Passidomo: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Osgood: YES. >> Sen. Gruthers: YES SENATE BILL 1256 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. NEXT WILL TAKE UP TAB NUMBER TWO. SENATE BILL 598. FUNERAL CEMETERY SERVICES BY SENATOR TRUENOW. SENATOR TRUENOW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> Sen. Truenow: THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN. SENATE BILL 598 MAKES A FEW UPDATES TO FLORIDA LAW GOVERNING THE FUNERAL AND CEMETERY SERVICE PROVIDERS. KEY PROVISIONS OF THE BILL INCLUDE LIMITING EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS BETWEEN CEMETERY LICENSEES AND CERTAIN SERVICE PROVIDERS. THE BILL REQUIRES PROCEDURES FOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS, DIRECT DISPOSERS AND CEMETERY ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDING UPDATES TO ENDORSEMENT AND RENEWAL CRITERIA. TRYING TO INCENTIVIZE A PIPELINE OF FUTURE PROFESSIONALS IN THE INDUSTRY.] SENATE BILL 598 ALSO UPDATES THE HANDLING SENATE BILL 598 ALSO UPDATES THE HANDLING OF UNCLAIMED HUMAN REMAINS ALLOWING LICENSED PROVIDERS TO DISPOSE OF REMAINS AFTER A SPECIFIED. IF NO LEGAL AUTHORIZED PERSON PROVIDES DIRECTION. OVERALL, SENATE BILL 59 A AIMS TO STREAMLINE REGULATION MODERNIZE CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AND IMPROVE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCIES WITHIN FLORIDA'S FUNERAL AND CEMETERY SERVICES. THAT IS THE BILL. >> TAKE UP BARCODE -- SENATOR TRUENOW, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE AMENDMENT. >> Sen. Truenow: THIS AMENDMENT REMOVES PROVISIONS IN THE BILL DEALING WITH CAPS ON DAMAGES OF CIVIL SUITS AND REMOVES LANGUAGE PHASING OUT DIRECT DISPOSERS. WORKING WITH STAKEHOLDERS WE COULD NOT COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON THOSE PROVISIONS AND WE REMOVE THAT. THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruthers: IS THERE QUESTIONS OF THE AMENDMENT. SENATOR BOYD, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Boyd: SORRY I DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO TALK TO YOU BEFORE THIS BUT DID YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION? I HAD SOMEONE BRING THIS TO ME. IT SOUNDED ODD BUT I WILL ASK IT ANYWAY. IS THERE ANYWHERE IN THE BILL THAT IT ALLOWS SOMEONE TO BURY A LOVED ONE OR FRIEND ON THEIR OWN PROPERTY BE IT SMALL OR LARGE? >> SENATOR TRUENOW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO GO BACK AND FORTH. >> Sen. Truenow: NOT IN THE BILL. I THINK THERE IS A WAY FOR YOU TO DO THAT UNDER THE LAW CURRENTLY. NO, WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING IN THE BILL SPECIFICALLY. >> SO TO BE CLEAR. TO BE CLEAR, THE BILL DOES NOT ALLOW OR DISALLOW A PERSON FROM BURYING SOMEONE THE PROPERTY? >> Sen. Truenow: NOT THAT I'M AWARE OF. >> Sen. Gruthers: ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT? SENATOR TRUENOW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE AMENDMENT. >> Sen. Truenow: WAIVE CLOSED. >> Sen. Gruthers: ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING YAY. OPPOSED? THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED? YES. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Osgood: THANK YOU MR. CHAIR. SENATOR TRUENOW I DEAL A LOT WITH -- IN MY AREA WITH A LOT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO ARE GETTING SERVICES THROUGH END-OF-LIFE CARE PROVIDERS AND SOMETIMES CERTAIN FUNERAL HOMES HAVE CONTRACTS OR AGREEMENT WITH THOSE END-OF-LIFE CARE PROVIDERS. WITH THIS BILL PROHIBIT THEM FROM DOING THAT. IF I AM A FUNERAL DIRECTOR, IF I HAVE A CONTRACT WITH SOME ENTITY THAT PROVIDES HOSPICE CARE, WITH THIS BILL NEGATE THAT FROM MAKING THOSE CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS? >> Sen. Gruthers: SENATOR TRUENOW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED AND YOU CAN GO BACK AND FORTH. >> Sen. Truenow: THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. NO. >> THANK YOU. >> Sen. Gruthers: ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? TIMOTHY KITCHEN WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WE HAVE HEATHER BURNEA WAIVING IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU. IS THERE ANY DEBATE IN THE BILL AS AMENDED? SENATOR TRUENOW. >> WAIVE CLOSED. >> WE HAVE RICH MEADOWS WAIVING IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU. SENATOR TRUENOW, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. >> Sen. Truenow: WAIVE CLOSED. >> Sen. Gruthers: PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> Sen. Boyd: >> Sen. Hooper: >> Sen. Martin: >> Sen. Passidomo: >> Sen. Pizzo: >> Sen. Truenow: >> Sen. Sharief: >> Sen. Gruthers: REPORTED FAVORABLY. NEXT WILL TAKE UP TAB THREE SENATE BILL 632 ON TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY DRIVER AND VEHICLE OWNER INSURANCE BY SENATOR DICEGLIE. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> THANK YOU SENATORS. SENATE BILL 632 UPDATES FLORIDA LAW GOVERNING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES. LEFT, OVER, BY CREATING CLEAR REQUIREMENTS AFTER A RIDE IS ACCEPTED AT BEFORE THE PASSENGER ENTERS THE VEHICLE. DURING THAT PHASE REQUIRES 50,000 BODILY INJURY PER CRASH, $25,000 PROPERTY DAMAGE. PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION AND UNINSURED MINOR MOTORIST COVERAGE. COVERAGE MIGHT BE PROVIDED BY THE VEHICLE OWNER OR COMBINATION ONCE THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, THE EXISTING $1 MILLION LIABILITY REQUIREMENT REMAINS UNCHANGED. MR. CHAIRMAN, THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruthers: IS THERE QUESTIONS OF THE BILL? WE HAVE MATTHEW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED, SIR. >> THANK YOU CHAIR. JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA. I HAVE A REPRESENTED PEOPLE INJURED BY COMPANIES ON THE WAY TO GET PEOPLE. THE COMPROMISE YOU REACHED ALMOST 10 YEARS AGO FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE WAS A GOOD COMPROMISE IN HIS WORK FOR FLORIDIANS FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS. THERE IS NO NEED TO CHANGE IT. DECREASE THE COVERAGE WHEN THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DANGEROUS TIMES FOR DRIVERS RUSHING TO PICK PEOPLE OUT BEFORE THE TRIP IS CANCELED. ONCE THEY PICK YOU UP THEY ARE DRIVING BETTER IT'S COMMON SENSE THAT WHEN THEY ARE RUSHING, SEVERAL CARS RUSHING TO PICK SOMEONE UP THEY WILL BE DRIVING A BIT MORE DANGEROUSLY AND NEGLIGENT TO GET YOU. TO GET DECREASE THE NEED FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE DURING THAT TIME JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THERE IS NO LEGITIMATE BASIS FOR ITS WE WOULD ASK YOU TO VOTE NO ON THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruthers: THANK YOU. MATTHEW WAIVING IN SUPPORT. ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL? SENATOR DICEGLIE, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> I WILL WAIVE CLOSED. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLE ON 632. >> Sen. Boyd: >> Sen. Hooper: >> Sen. Martin: >> Sen. Osgood: NO. >> Sen. Passidomo: >> Sen. Truenow: >> Sen. Sharief: >> Sen. Gruthers: YES BY YOUR VOTE, REPORTED FAVORABLY. NEXT WILL TAKE UP TAB NUMBER FOUR. CS FOR SB 786 ON TRUST BY SENATOR BERMAN. SENATOR BERMAN, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> Sen. Berman: THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. FOR MY LAST BILL FOR THE REPTILE SECTION IT'S A REALLY SIMPLE BILL. I'M VERY HAPPY I DON'T HAVE TO TALK IN ESOTERIC TERMS ANYMORE. THE BILL, ALL IT DOES IS MODERNIZE TRUST LAW BY CREATING A SIMPLE PROCEDURE FOR CLOSING OUT A TRUST AND DISCHARGING A TRUSTEE WHEN THERE IS NO DISPUTE. UNDER CURRENT LAW, THERE IS NOT A PROCEDURE THAT OFFICIALLY AREAS HAVE TO SPEND MONEY, THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MONTHS OF TIME. THE RESULT IS THAT THE TRUST ASSET GETS UNNECESSARILY CONSUMED BY LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING FEES. THIS BILL ESTABLISHES A STATUTORY NONJUDICIAL PROCESS THAT ALLOWS ELIGIBLE TRUSTEES TO PROVIDE FULL DISCLOSURE TO BENEFICIARIES AND OBTAIN A DISCHARGE WITHOUT GOING TO COURT UNLESS, OF COURSE, A BENEFICIARY OBJECTS. IF THEY DO OBJECT THEY CAN OPT OUT WITH A SIMPLE OBJECTION TRIGGERING EXISTING COURT PROTECTIONS. IF NO OBJECTION IS MADE, THE TRUSTEE CAN INCLUDES THE TRUST OF ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALLY. THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? ANN MICHELLE FLORIDA BANKERS ASSOCIATION WAIVING IN SUPPORT. MARTHA EDENFIELD REAL PROPERTY PROBATE FLORIDA BAR. WAIVING IN SUPPORT. IS THERE DEBATE ON THE BILL? SENATOR BERMAN YOUR RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL. >> WAIVE CLOSED. >> Sen. Gruters: PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR SB 786. >> Sen. Boyd: YES. >> Sen. Hooper: -- >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Osgood: YES. >> Sen. Pizzo: YES. >> Sen. Passidomo: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Gruters: YES 786 REPORTED FAVORABLY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR TAKING TAB FIVE SENATE BILL 1110 ON COVERAGE FOR ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS SERVICES BY SENATOR TRUENOW. SENATOR TRUENOW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> Sen. Truenow: THANK YOU. SENATE BILL 1110 AUTHORIZES MEDICAID TO COVER SPECIFIED ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS AND DIRECTS THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION TO SEEK FEDERAL APPROVAL AND UP DATE MANAGED CARE. FREE FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS ACCORDINGLY. IT REQUIRES INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES AND HMO CONTRACTS TO COVER MEDICALLY NECESSARY ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS WITHOUT LIFETIME OR CONTINUOUS USE CAPS. IT ALSO BARS INSURANCE, INSURERS AND HMOS FROM DENYING THE CLAIMS WHEN SUCH DEVICES ARE NEEDED TO RESTORE OR MAINTAIN PHYSICAL FUNCTION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND MANDATES ANNUAL REPORTING ON ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS COVERAGE. PAYMENTS. MEMBERS, THAT IS THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU, SENATOR TRUENOW. THERE IS A DELETE ALL AMENDMENT. 27724 BY SENATOR TRUENOW. SENATOR TRUENOW, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE AMENDMENT IF IT'S ANY DIFFERENT. >> Sen. Truenow: THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN. 27724. THIS AMENDMENT CLARIFIES THE ELIGIBLE PERSON THAT THE CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE COLLEGE-AGE CHILDREN UP TO 26 WHEN LIVING AT HOME, DISABLED, HANDICAPPED. >> Sen. Gruters: QUESTIONS OF THE AMENDMENT? ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT? SENATOR TRUENOW YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE AMENDMENT. >> WAIVE CLOSED. >> Sen. Gruters: ALL IN FAVOR SAY YAY. ALL THOSE OPPOSED. THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED? WE HAVE SEVERAL SPEAKER FORMS. WE HAVE KIM ROWELS SPEAKING. AMPUTEE COALITION OF AMERICA. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK. MY SON BEN WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BONE CANCER AT THE AGE OF SIX. MY FAMILY WAS DONE INTO CHEMOTHERAPY, HOSPITALS AND FEAR OVERNIGHT. BEN WAS A FEW MONTHS LATER AMPUTATED OF HIS RIGHT LEG. AFTER CANCER TREATMENT WE THOUGHT THE BOTTLES WERE OVER BUT THEY JUST BEGAN. BEN WAS SIX AND HAD AN AMPUTATION AND WANTED TO GO PLAY WITH HIS FRIENDS. INSURANCE WILL ONLY COVER A PROSTHETIC LEG THAT ALLOWED HIM TO WALK, NOT RUN, NOT PLAY SPORTS. ONLY BECAUSE OF PROSTHETIC COMPANIES DID BEN RECEIVE A RUNNING LEG. RUNNING LEGS COST ABOUT $5000. HE BROKE 10 OF THEM AND EVERY TIME HE BROKE THEM INSURANCE COMPANIES STEPPED UP AND -- I'M SORRY, THE PROSTHETIC COMPANIES STEPPED UP AND PROVIDED ANOTHER ONE. INSURANCE COMPANIES REFUSED TO PAY. THEY SAID A RUNNING LEG WAS NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY FOR A CHILD TO GO OUT AND PLAY OR RUN. BEN, WITH HIS RUNNING LEG, PLAYED TENNIS, BASEBALL, TABLE TENNIS, HE SNOW SKIS. HE WENT VIRAL TWICE ON HIS RUNNING LEG DISSIPATING IN SPORTS. THAT SHOWS IF A CHILD HAS ACCESS TO PROSTHETIC DEVICES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SPORTS THEY CAN THRIVE. THANK YOU. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. TOBIAS KING. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. I WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY ABOUT THIS BILL. MY NAME IS TOBIAS KING, SENIOR NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HERE IN TALLAHASSEE. I DO LIVE WITH A PROSTHETIC LEG. I WAS BORN WITH FIBULAR -- AND MY RIGHT LEG. PARTS OF MY LOWER LEG AND FOOT NEVER FORMED. WHEN I WAS 10 MONTHS OLD SURGEONS AMPUTATED MY FOOT AND HOSPITALS APPOINTMENTS AND SURGERIES WERE MOST OF MY CHILDHOOD. THIS APRIL, I WILL FACE MY FOURTH SURGERY. I HOPE IT WILL BE MY LAST. SOME PROSTHETICS DO MORE THAN HELP ME WALK. THEY HELP ME PARTICIPATE. ONE OF THOSE IS MY RUNNING BLADE. THIS BILL DEFINES AS AN ACTIVITY. THAT BLADE HAS CHANGED WHAT I BELIEVE ABOUT MYSELF. BEFORE I HAD IT, I STOOD ON THE SIDELINES, WATCH MY FRIENDS RUN LAPS, PLAY GAMES AND ENJOY SPORTS. I WANTED TO JOIN THEM. MY BODY DID NOT COOPERATE. AFTER I RECEIVED MY BLADE I STEPPED ONTO THE FIELD WITH THEM. I RAN, NOT THE FASTEST, MAYBE NOT FIRST PLACE BUT I FINISHED. FOR THE FIRST TIME, I FELT INCLUDED INSTEAD OF DIFFERENT. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CHILDREN WHO TAKE PART IN SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BUILD STRONGER MENTAL HEALTH, HIGHER CONFIDENCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE. I FELT THE CHANGES FIRSTHAND. MY GRADES IMPROVED, FRIENDSHIPS GREW AND I START SEEING MY LEG AS A LIMIT START SEEING MYSELF AS CAPABLE. FAMILY SPACE COST IN TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THESE DEVICES. INSURANCE LABELS THEM AS EXTRAS OR RECREATIONAL. FAMILIES FACE A CHOICE BETWEEN FINANCES AND THE CHILD'S QUALITY OF LIFE. NO PARENT SHOULD EVER, EVER FACE THAT CHOICE. THIS BILL HELPS FIX THAT GAP. IT TREATS ACTIVITY LIMBS AS MEDICAL NEEDS NOT ADD-ONS. IT GIVES KIDS LIKE ME A FAIR SHOT AT A NORMAL CHILDHOOD. IT GIVES PARENTS RELIEF, STUDENTS THE CHANCE TO RUN PLAY AND GROW ALONGSIDE THEIR PEERS. I STAND HERE TODAY BECAUSE SOMEONE INVESTED IN MY MOBILITY. I THINK ABOUT MY FUTURE, NOT MY LIMITS. MANY OTHER KIDS DESERVE THE SAME CHANCE. YOU WILL THE POWER TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN SO PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL. HELP MORE YOUNG PEOPLE STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND INTO THEIR LIVES. THANK YOU FOR TIME AND LISTENING TO MY STORY. >> Sen. Gruters: -- [NAME] YES AND YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> I DO GYMNASTICS. I HAVE SOME SPECIAL PROSTHETICS. THEY HELP ME WITH GYMNASTICS. THE OTHER ONES ARE VERY HEAVY AND IT IS LIKE -- IT MAKES IT SO THAT I CAN DO LOTS OF STUFF EVEN THOUGH I HAVE HAVE TWO LEGS THAT I WAS BORN WITH LIKE THIS. AND WHEN I COMPETE IN GYMNASTICS, IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEN OTHER KIDS -- CAN SEE WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF. AND THAT THEY CAN ALSO, CAN ALSO BE CONFIDENT AND LEARN AND GROW AND HAVE FUN. OH YEAH. ALSO, I WAS TRYING TO -- TRYING TO GET PARA GYMNASTICS INTO THE PARALYMPICS AND WE ARE TRYING TO GET THAT IN AND HAVE THE FIRST PARALYMPIC GYMNASTICS BE IN LISBON IN 2032. BUT WE NEED MORE KIDS AND SINCE BLADES COST A LOT, IT'S NOT -- SINCE BLADES COST SO MUCH, IT'S KIND OF LIKE A LIMITATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PAY FOR THEM AND ALSO IF THERE IS NOT THAT MANY PEOPLE THERE, IT'S NOT GOING TO BE THAT GREAT OF A THING. >> Sen. Gruters: GREAT JOB. [APPLAUSE] MELISSA MEADOWS. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU. I AM ANSEL'S MOM. VERY PROUD. I WANTED TO TELL YOU GUYS SOME MORE THINGS JUST FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A MOTHER. SORT OF WHAT FAMILIES ARE FACING. ANSELL WAS BORN AT 32 WEEKS AND HE WAS BORN MISSING THE LOWER PARTS OF BOTH LEGS. WE DON'T KNOW WHY. WE DON'T HAVE A DIAGNOSIS. IT WAS REALLY HARD. HE HAS SHOWN US ALL THROUGH HIS LIFE HOW STRONG AND HOW CAPABLE HE IS. I JUST THINK THAT EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE TO THRIVE IN THE WAY THAT HE HAS. HE GOT HIS FIRST PROSTHETIC LEGS WHEN HE WAS 11 MONTHS OLD. HE HAS NEEDED A NEW COMPLETE SET OF LEGS BETWEEN EVERY SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR IS TYPICAL FOR A GROWING CHILD. AS YOU GUYS KNOW, WALKING LEGS ARE CONSIDERED MEDICALLY NECESSARY AND REQUIRED TO BE COVERED BY INSURANCE HOWEVER, IT IS COMMON THAT THE 20% COINSURANCE PAYMENT FALLS ON THE FAMILY. FOR A CHILD WHO NEEDS TO PROSTHETIC LEGS, THAT COST IS ABOUT $10,000 PER YEAR. SO OVER THE COURSE OF ANSELL'S LIFE WE HAVE ALREADY SPENT ABOUT $100,000 ON PROSTHETICS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE. THAT IS WITH INSURANCE COVERAGE. CURRENTLY, PROSTHETICS FOR ACTIVITIES LIKE GYMNASTICS, LIKE RUNNING, BASEBALL, ALL OF THAT WOULD FALL COMPLETELY ON FAMILIES TO PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET. FOR TWO PROSTHETIC LEGS, I JUST HAD OUR DOCTOR TO GIVE US AN ESTIMATE FOR WHAT THE CURRENT IS THAT HE WEARS RIGHT NOW WHICH FORTUNATELY WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR BECAUSE WE GOT PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP BEFORE THAT THERE WAS NO WAY. THAT IS ABOUT $45,000. NO FAMILY UNLESS YOU ARE INCREDIBLY WEALTHY CAN DO THAT. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE. SO, YEAH. HE STARTED TAKING GYMNASTICS 2 AND A HALF YEARS AGO. HE WAS IMMEDIATELY PUT ON THE COMPETITIVE TEAM BECAUSE HE HAS A NATURAL TALENT. THIS CHILD TAUGHT HIMSELF TO DO A HANDSTAND AT AROUND TWO YEARS OLD. CLOSE TO THE SAME TIME YOU LEARN TO WALK, YOU LEARN TO DO A HANDSTAND ENTIRELY ON HIS OWN AND WALK ON HIS HANDS. SO THEY PUT THEM ON THE COMPETITIVE TEAM. WE FOUND VERY QUICKLY THAT THE EVERYDAY PROSTHETICS WERE VERY HEAVY. FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, NOT IDEAL FOR GYMNASTICS. SO I STARTED TRYING TO FIND HOW WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN FOR HIM. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO FIND A PRIVATE FOUNDATION THAT PROVIDES SPORTS PROSTHETICS FOR CHILDREN. NOT EVERY CHILD, NOT EVERY FAMILY, CAN GET SPONSORED. THERE IS JUST NOT ENOUGH MONEY. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH FOUNDATIONS. IT IS JUST SIMPLY NOT POSSIBLE. YOU KNOW, FOR THEM TO DO ALL OF THAT FOR EVERYONE. SO, WHAT I AM ASKING IS THAT YOU SUPPORT THIS BILL. MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR MORE FAMILIES TO BE ABLE TO GET THESE ACTIVITIES PROSTHETICS -- JUST LIKE IF YOU ARE A RUNNER, RIGHT? IF YOU HAVE AN INJURY FROM RUNNING, YOU WANT TO GET BACK TO RUNNING. YOUR INSURANCE DOESN'T SAY, WE WILL COVER YOUR SURGERY BECAUSE IT'S NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY FOR YOU TO RUN, WILL THEY? THEY WILL COVER THAT SURGERY. JUST LIKE THEY WILL COVER YOUR SURGERY SO THAT YOU CAN RUN, THESE CHILDREN DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR PROSTHETIC LEGS COVERED SO THAT THEY CAN RUN. SO THAT THEY CAN THRIVE. SO THEY CAN DEVELOP THE BALANCE, THE STRENGTH AND THE CONFIDENCE LIKE MY CHILD HAS TODAY. THANK YOU. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. JOE KALECKI. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK. MY NAME IS JOE KALECKI, BORN AND RAISED HERE IN TALLAHASSEE. I'VE BEEN AN AMPUTEE FOR 33 YEARS SINCE I WAS 11 MONTHS OLD. WHEN I WAS A VERY YOUNG PERSON, PLAYING BASEBALL AND BASKETBALL HELP ME FEEL EQUAL TO MY CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS. HELP ME DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS AND MAYBE FALL IN LOVE WITH SPORTS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. IN ORDER TO GET THE ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT THAT I NEEDED AS A TEENAGER WHAT I NEEDED TO COMPETE WITH MY PEERS I HAD TO BECOME SPONSORS WITH THE COMPANY THAT BUILT MY LEGS SINCE INSURERS WOULDN'T PAY FOR MY LEG AND OTHER ATHLETIC EVENTS. THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE RARE AND NOT ACCESSIBLE TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE. MOST PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE THAT TODAY MOST INSURERS DON'T EVEN FULLY COVER PROSTHETICS INTENDED FOR EVERYDAY USE. UNDER THAT IN OUR FLORIDA LOU I FACED 15 – $20,000 OUT OF POCKET COST JUST TO MAINTAIN THE ABILITY TO WORK AND WALK AND ATHLETIC LIMBS ARE OUT RIGHT REJECTED. THIS MAKES IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR MANY AMPUTEES TO MAINTAIN A LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THAT WILL PREVENT HEALTH ISSUES DOWN THE LINE. THE ABILITY FOR YOU FOCUS IS FIRST ON THE AMPUTEE YOUTH. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PASS THE BILL TO ENSURE THE KIDS WHO HAVE ACCESS TO THE EQUIPMENT THAT THEY NEED FOR A NORMAL AND ACTIVE CHILDHOOD DEVELOPING HEALTHY HABITS AND SET THEMSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS AS ADULTS. THANK YOU. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. OLIVIA KELLER. THANK YOU, OLIVIA. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU. IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK. OLIVIA REBRANDED. DIFFERENT NAME AND ORGANIZATION. GOOD TO BE BACK AS ALL OF YOU ARE VERY WELL AWARE I WAS BORN MISSING A FEW PARTS. WHILE THIS BILL DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY BENEFIT ME, I DO EXPERIENCE A LOT OF THESE SAME ISSUES. THERE IS NOT ONE DEVICE THAT REPLACES FULL FUNCTION. SO EVEN WITH ME, AS A CHAIR USER, THIS IS MY EVERYDAY USE CHAIR BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENT CHAIR THAT I USE FOR WHEELCHAIRS. INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER ALL OF THESE COST. ALL OF US BEAR OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. FOR ALL THE TALK THAT WE ARE HEARING RECENTLY ABOUT HEALTHY LIVING AND EXERCISE AND FOOD IS MEDICINE AND MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE, WE AGREE WITH THAT. THIS COMMUNITY IS BEING LEFT OUT. WE ARE NOT BEING PROVIDED THE TOOLS THAT WE NEED IN ORDER TO DO THAT. IF THERE WAS ONE LEG THAT WORKED FOR EVERYTHING, THAT WOULD BE GREAT. WE CAN'T GO DOWN TO THE BODY SHOP AND JUST PICK OUT A LEG THAT DOES EVERYTHING. SO PEOPLE NEED ACCESS TO THESE DEVICES. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT A HUGE POPULATION HERE. ESTIMATES ARE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 5 MILLION AND 10 MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY MISSING LIMBS EITHER DUE TO CONGENITAL, SUCH AS MYSELF OR LOST LIMBS. SO THAT IS NOT JUST IN FLORIDA. THAT IS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I THINK THE BILL ANALYSIS WAS VERY REFLECTIVE OF THAT. THE FISCAL IMPACT TO MEDICAID THROUGH THIS IS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. WE ARE NOT TALKING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. WE HAVE DONE FISCAL ANALYSIS SO THIS BILL HAS PASSED IN 12 OTHER STATES. WE ARE HOPING THAT FLORIDA WILL BE THE LUCKY 13. THE HOUSE BILL NUMBER IS ACTUALLY 1301 SO I AM HOPING THAT IS A SIGN. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THIS IS NOT HIGH. YOU'VE HEARD MEMBER PREMIUM INCREASE IS CHANGED. WE ARE TALKING ANYWHERE FROM A PENNY TO A DOLLAR INCREASE. PER MEMBER, PER MONTH INCREASE. THE COST BENEFITS DOWN THE ROAD FOR PREVENTING DIABETES, PREVENTING ADDITIONAL COMPOUND DISABILITIES LATER IN LIFE BECAUSE PEOPLE AREN'T BEING GIVEN THESE TOOLS COULD HAVE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN THE LONG TERM. WE ARE REALLY HOPING YOU WILL SUPPORT THIS BILL AND GIVE PEOPLE THE TOOLS THAT THEY NEED IN ORDER TO BE ACTIVE AND PARTICIPATE LIKE ANYONE ELSE JUST TO BUILD OFF OF MELISSA STORY REALLY QUICK, IF YOU WERE TO INJURE YOURSELF AND NEEDED SURGERY, MOST PEOPLE WOULD CONSIDER ABSURD IF YOU WENT INTO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WITH A TORN ACL AND ALL THEY DID WAS HAND YOU A KNEE BRACE AND SOME CRUTCHES AND SAY WELL, GOOD LUCK. YOU DON'T NEED AN ACL. IT'S NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY IN YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN FUNCTION WITH CRUTCHES IF YOU ARE NOT AN ATHLETE. THAT'S WHAT WE ARE DOING TO PEOPLE WITH MISSING LIMBS. I DON'T USE PROSTHETICS. THEY ARE NOT BENEFICIAL TO ME. MY RIGHT LEG -- I HAVE HAD 30 SURGERIES AND THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SURGERY AS NEEDED TO TRY TO MAINTAIN MY FUNCTION AND NOT LEG. IT'S PROBABLY BEEN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OVER THE COURSE OF MY LIFE. SO, WHEN SOMEONE HAS A LIMB, WE WILL KEEP INVESTIGATING AND REPAIR AND THERAPY AND INFECTIONS IN DEALING WITH ALL OF THOSE THINGS. THE SECOND SOMEONE MAKES A DECISION OR PUTS IN A POSITION WHERE THERE ARE NO OTHER OPTIONS LEFT, THEY GO TO THE AMPUTATION. WE WILL GIVE THEM THE MINIMUM THAT THEY NEED TO LIVE THEIR LIVES AND WE JUST KIND OF CUT THEM OFF AND LEAVE THEM ON THEIR OWN. WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT CYCLE AND. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. PETER -- INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS WAIVING IN SUPPORT. KEEGAN ALLISON, WAIVING IN SUPPORT. IS THERE A DEBATE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED? SENATOR BOYD YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Boyd: THANK YOU MR. CHAIR AND SENATOR TRUENOW FOR THE BILL. THANK YOU FOR THE ADULT THAT TESTIFIED, MORE IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU TO THE YOUNG MAN. YOU ARE AMAZING YOUNG PEOPLE AND YOUR STORIES ARE INCREDIBLE. YOU HAVE A LOT OF COURAGE AND FAITH AND HOPE. YOU WILL BE WILDLY SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE, I AM SURE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND TELLING YOUR STORY. IT MEANS A LOT. >> Sen. Gruters: SENATOR HOOPER YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Hooper: THANK YOU.. I ECHO SENATOR BOYD'S COMMENTS. I NOTICED SOME OF YOU HERE TODAY FOR COMMITTEES AND SOMETIMES WE ARE ALL NOT PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION AS PRESENTERS COME UP. THIS ENTIRE COMMITTEE WAS PAYING ATTENTION. TO SENATOR TRUENOW, YOU SIR FILED A GREAT NUMBER OF BILLS. SOME OF THEM ARE SPORTY. SOME OF THEM ARE COMPLICATED. I AM GOING TO SAY, SIR, THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST IMPORTANT BILL THAT YOU WILL PASS IN YOUR LEGISLATIVE CAREER. I WILL BE HONORED TO SUPPORT YOUR BILL. THANK YOU MR. CHAIR. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU SENATOR HOOPER. SENATOR OSGOOD YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Osgood: I HAVE TO GIVE MY SHOUT OUT TO THE AMAZING YOUNG PEOPLE THAT CAME UP AND TOLD YOUR STORY. THESE MEETINGS ARE RECORDED SO YOU WERE BLASTED OUT ON THE FLORIDA CHANNEL HAVING COURAGE AND SPEAKING AND GIVING VOICE. IF YOU DON'T TELL US HOW TO HELP YOU, WE DON'T KNOW BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE YOUR LIVED EXPERIENCE. I COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY THIS MORNING. COMING FORWARD AND THE YOUNG MAN THAT ASKED ABOUT THE OLYMPICS -- YOU CAN SEE SENATOR GRUTERS, HE IS LOADED AND HE WILL WRITE YOU A CHECK AFTER THIS MEETING. >> GREAT RECOMMENDATION. SENATOR SHARIEF, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Sharief: I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT BEING IN HEALTHCARE, I SEE A LOT OF KIDS WITH DISABILITIES AND I ALWAYS CALL THEM SPECIAL ABILITIES AND YOU HAVE PROVEN THAT TODAY. WIND CAME UP HERE AND YOU SO BRAVELY TALKED ABOUT WANTING TO COMPETE IN THE OLYMPICS, I JUST FELT VERY MOVED. INSPIRED BY YOUR STORY. VERY MOTIVATED TO HELP. SO, I AM SO HAPPY TO SUPPORT THIS BILL TODAY. I WILL BE PUTTING IN A COSPONSORSHIP OF THIS BILL FOR MY GOOD FRIEND SENATOR TRUENOW AND ALL OF HIS EFFORTS AND YOURS. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING FORWARD. >> Sen. Gruters: SENATOR BURTON, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen. Burton: THANK YOU, CHAIR. I THINK YOU CLEARLY -- WE REMOVED AUDIENCE MEMBERS AND I SAW PEOPLE WIPING THEIR EYES. WE ARE ALL MOVED MORE BY THE STORIES AND IMMENSELY GRATEFUL THAT YOU CAME IN AND SHARED YOUR STORY. IN CASE THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE LISTENING THAT DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE STORIES, I THINK THE LAST PRESENTER LAID THE FACTS OUT. VERY WELL AS SHE ALWAYS DOES. IF WE CARE ABOUT HEALTHCARE AND WE CARE ABOUT THE HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS, THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT DIRECTLY IMPLICATES SOMEONE'S HEALTH. THE ABILITY TO MOVE. IT IMPLICATES THEIR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH MOVING INTO ADULTHOOD. IT IMPLICATES THEIR OVERALL HEALTH FOR MANY REASONS. CERTAINLY EVERYONE'S MENTAL HEALTH. WE ARE ALL IMPLICATED BY THE INABILITY TO MOVE SOMETIMES. IMAGINE LIVING YOUR LIFE LIKE THAT. HAVING A MOM OR ANOTHER FAMILY MEMBER WHO LOVES YOU AND IS WILLING TO FIGHT THE FIGHT. NOT EVERYONE HAS THAT. NOT EVERYONE HAS THAT. I THINK AS WE TALK A LOT ABOUT THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THINGS THAT WE DO THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THIS -- IT'S MAKING INSURANCE NOT -- IT'S MINIMUS. THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF NOT PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE PROSTHETICS THAT SOMEONE MIGHT NEED COULD FAR OUTWEIGH, PHYSICALLY, IF WE WANT TO GO DOWN THAT LANE. JUST COMMON SENSE. FAR OUTWEIGH THE DE MINIMIS INVESTMENT THAT IS MADE WHEN SOMEONE IS ORIGINALLY NEEDING PROSTHETICS, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT YOUNG. PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO WORK WHEN THAT HAPPENS. FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR TO GROW AND BE HEALTHY, IT IS A WONDERFUL -- THANK YOU SENATOR TRUENOW FOR BRINGING THIS GREAT BILL TO US. I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE. WE LIKE TO VISIT PLACES BUT NEVER BEEN IN HERE STORIES OF FOLKS WHO ARE NOT IN OUR LIVES. AS SENATOR OSGOOD SO ELOQUENTLY PUT, IT'S NOT OUR LIVED EXPERIENCE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY. THANK YOU FOR PRESENTING THE PRACTICALITY OF WHY IT'S GOOD POLICY MOVING FORWARD. OBVIOUSLY, I AM SUPPORTING THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. SENATOR TRUENOW THANK YOU FOR THE BILL YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. >> Sen. Truenow: THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN. WELCOME APPEAR TO WORK ON GOOD POLICY AND LOOK FOR THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MOVING THE NEEDLE AND THIS IS ONE OF THOSE. I WANT TO THANK THE FOLKS THAT WERE INVOLVED IN THIS LEGISLATION I WANT TO THANK THE FOLKS THAT CAME OUT TO SPEAK TODAY. I HAVE A LITTLE STORY. A FARM IN TENNESSEE FOR MANY YEARS. THE GUY WHO RAN THE FARM DID NOT HAVE ANY LEGS. HE RAN THE FARM FOR YEARS. YOU THINK ABOUT THE CHALLENGE EVERYONE HAS AND HOW THEY GET -- WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN AND THIS IS REAL. SO, I THANK EVERYONE TODAY. LET'S MOVE THIS FORWARD. >> Sen. Gruters: PLEASE CALL THE ROLL ON S B41110. >> Sen. Boyd: YES. >> Sen. Burton: YES. >> Sen. Hooper: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >>SENATOR OSGOOD. >> Sen. Passidomo: YES. >>SENATOR PIZZO. >> Sen. Truenow: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Gruters: YES. REPORTED FAVORABLY. I WILL HAND THE GAVEL OVER TO SENATOR SHARIEF. >> Sen. Sharief: LET'S TAKE UP TAB EIGHT, 1588 ON LEGAL TENDER BY SENATOR GRUTERS. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. THE FIRST STEP IN FORMALIZING THE HP 999 FROM LAST SESSION. RECOGNIZE THE GOLD AND SILVER AS LEGAL TENDER CREATED DEFINITIONS RELATED TO COINS CUSTODIANS AND IMPLEMENT AN SUNSET CLAUSE FOR JUNE 30, 2026. SPECIFICALLY THE BILL REFINES THE DEFINITIONS LIKE FOCUSING ON ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION IN THE FLORIDA-BASED PRECIOUS METAL DEALERS THAT HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED WITH BUSINESS SAFELY PRIOR TO 2025. IT ELIMINATES MORE PROVISIONS IN RATIFYING THE RULES AND DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES AND OFFICE MANAGE OF REGULATIONS REPEAL THE SUNSET CLAUSE ON JUNE 30. THAT IS THE BILL, MADAM CHAIR. >> Sen. Sharief: THANK YOU SENATOR GRUTERS. ANY QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? SENATOR OSGOOD? >> Sen. Osgood: THANK YOU. SENATOR GRUTERS, I NEED YOU TO INDULGE ME FOR A MOMENT. I WAS READING ABOUT THIS AND I FOUND DIFFERENCE OF OPINIONS ABOUT THE GOLD AND SILVER AND WHETHER IT SHOULD BE A LEGAL TENDER OR NOT AND I READ THE BIBLE A LOT. I KNOW A LOT OF THE EXCHANGE OF GOLD AND SILVER. COULD YOU JUST GIVE US SOME DETAIL ABOUT WHY YOU FEEL THIS IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO WITH THIS. >> Sen. Sharief: SENATOR GRUTERS. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. WHAT THIS BILL WILL DO AND WHAT LEGAL TENDER IS IS WHEN YOU HAVE GOLD, YOU CAN GO INTO A STORE AND BUY SOMETHING AND BARTER ALL THE TIME. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO BUY GOLD AND TO HOLD IT SOMEWHERE ELSE AND TO EXCHANGE IT AS NEEDED. THAT'S BASICALLY THE ABILITY THAT ALLOWS YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT. >> Sen. Sharief: YOU ARE FREE TO GO BACK. >> Sen. Osgood: SO I WENT TO GHANA IN 2025. I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT GOLD AND THE GOLD THAT THEY HAVE. THIS WOULD ALLOW US TO LEGALLY EXCHANGE LIKE WITH GHANA OR PEOPLE THAT DO GOLD LIKE THAT? >> Sen. Gruters: YES. >> Sen. Osgood: THANK YOU. >> Sen. Sharief: SENATOR GRUTERS, NO OTHER QUESTIONS. I HAVE ONE. I JUST WANTED TO ASK YOU, HOW DO YOU VERIFY THAT THE GOLD IS ACTUALLY EXISTING IF YOU DON'T INSPECT THE GOLD? >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU. THAT IS A VERY GOOD QUESTION. IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE CONTINUING TO WORK ON. THE AMENDMENTS FOR NEXT TIME. >> Sen. Sharief: THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THE BILL? ARE THERE ANY APPEARANCE FORMS? YES THERE IS. THERE IS MIKE CARTER. HE IS SPEAKING FOR -- MIKE? COME TO THE PODIUM. WAIVING IN SUPPORT -- OKAY. WONDERFUL. IS THERE ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL? PRESIDENT PASSIDOMO? >> Sen. Passidomo: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I LIKE THE CONCEPT WHICH IS WHY WE PASSED THE BILL LAST YEAR. THERE IS LIKE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT -- I READ THE BILL. THOSE WHO ARE INVESTING IT'S KIND OF A FUND THING TO HOLD THE GOLD AND SILVER AND WAIT UNTIL DOOMSDAY I DON'T KNOW -- REGULAR FOLKS. I AM A LITTLE TROUBLED BY THE LACK OF REGULATION OF BAD ACTORS WHICH COULD HAPPEN BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, IT'S ALMOST IN SECRET. I THINK AT SOME POINT, AS YOU ARE MAKING AMENDMENTS, YOU MIGHT WANT TO LOOK AT HOW DO WE PROTECT THE FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WANT TO HOLD THIS FOR FUN OR INVESTMENT OR WHATEVER VERSUS THOSE WHO ARE BAD ACTORS, MONEY LAUNDERING, TERRORISM AND THE LIKE. WHICH, I KNOW THAT HAPPENS WITH REGARDS TO ACTUAL MONEY BUT THERE IS BANKS -- BANKS CAN BE SUBPOENAED OR SHOW RECORDS. I THINK -- I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU, YOU KNOW, LOOK AT THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER BUT I HOPE BY THE TIME HE GETS TO ME YOU WILL HAVE HAD AN ANSWER. BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IT. [LAUGHTER] >> Sen. Sharief: THANK YOU. SENATOR BOYD? >> Sen. Boyd: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR AND THANK YOU SENATOR GRUTERS FOR THIS GOOD BILL. I INTEND TO SUPPORT IT AND ENDORSE IT. I APPRECIATE YOU BRINGING THIS INTO THE 21ST CENTURY IN FLORIDA. I KNOW, FEDERALLY, DAVID SACHS IN WHITE HOUSE AND OTHERS ARE WORKING ON A VARIETY OF FORMS OF CURRENCY THAT SOME OF US THAT ARE OLDER HAVE NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD. WE ARE LEARNING AND GETTING TO UNDERSTAND IT WILL. THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ON. IT'S A TOUGH ISSUE AND I KNOW YOU WILL GET IT RIGHT BEFORE IT GETS TO THE FLOOR WHERE WE CAN ALL SUPPORT IT. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THIS ON. IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT MOVE. >> Sen. Sharief: SEEING THERE IS NO OTHER DEBATE ON THE BILL, SENATOR GRUTERS YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO TRY TO FIND THE RIGHT MATCH. AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS A FREEDOM BILL AND MAKING SURE WE EMPOWER THE PEOPLE TO POSSESS SOMETHING THAT THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO POSSESS. WITH THAT, I APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S FAVORABLE CONSIDERATION. >> Sen. Sharief: THANK YOU. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL ON S B 1588. >> Sen. Boyd: YES. >> Sen. Burton: YES. >> Sen. Hooper: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Osgood: YES. >> Sen. Passidomo: YES. >> Sen. Truenow: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Gruters: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: BY YOUR VOTE SP 5188 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. YES. OKAY. LET'S TAKE UP TAB 10. BANKING AND RELATED TO GOLD COIN AND SILVER COIN. SENATOR GRUTERS YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED BILL. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR. THIS BILL EXPANDS CURRENT PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR MONEY SERVICES BUSINESS, FINANCIAL INSTUTIONS. PROVISIONS TO APPLY EXAMPTIONS TO RECORDS RELATING TO CUSTODIANS OF GOLD AND SILVER. CUSTODIANS ARE ENTITIES THAT WOULD BE REGULATED WITH THE LEGSILATION PASSED LAST YEAR RECOGNIZING GOLD AND SILVER AS LEGAL TENDER. >>ANY QUESTIONS ON THE BILL. SEEING NONE, ARE THERE ANY APPEARENCE FORMS? SEEING NONE, IS THERE ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL? SENATOR GRUTERS MOVES IT BE SUBMITTED AS A COMMITTEE BILL. IS THERE ANY OBJECTION? SEEING NONE, SHOW THE MOTION ADOPTED. PLEASE CALL ROLL ON SB 7044. >> Sen. Boyd: YES. >> Sen. Burton: YES. >> Sen. Hooper: YES. >> Sen. Martin: YES. >> Sen. Osgood: YES. >> Sen. Passidomo: YES. >> Sen. Truenow: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: YES. >> Sen. Gruters: YES. >> Sen. Sharief: BY YOUR VOTE SP 7044 REPORTED FAVORABLY BY A COMMITTEE BILL. AS VICE CHAIR I WILL HAND THE GAVEL BACK OVER TO YOU. >> Sen. Gruters: THANK YOU, SENATOR. SINCE IT'S OUR LAST MEETING IN BANKING AND INSURANCE I WANT TO THANK THE STAFF FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS HAVE DONE. IT IS SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING BILLS THAT WE FACE. YOU GUYS HAVE DONE AN AMAZING AN EXCELLENT JOB OF MAKING SURE THAT WE WERE PREPARED AND ALL THE BILLS WERE READY TO GO. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT. DOES ANY SENATOR WISH TO BE RECORDED AS VOTING ON BILLS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TODAY? YES? >> YES, SIR CHAIR GRUTERS I WOULD LIKE TO BE RECORDED AS VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE ON TAB ONE SENATE BILL 326. >> Sen. Gruters: SENATOR MARTIN. >> Sen. Martin: SAME. ONE AND SIX IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. >> SENATOR BURTON >> SAME. ONE AND SIX IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. >> ANY OBJECTION? SEEING NONE. SHOWING THE MOTION IS ADOPTED. ANY OTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE? SENATOR MARTIN MOVES THAT WE ADJOURN. NO OBJECTION. MEETING IS ADJOURNED.