Florida Legislature Enacts New Laws Impacting Developmental Disabilities And More

Florida Legislature Enacts New Laws Affecting Developmental Disabilities, Canaveral Port District, and Homeless Service Professionals The Florida Legislature has recently approved several new laws that will impact various aspects of the state's governance and administration. Among the most significant are three bills set to take effect next month, which aim to improve the ⁘⁘⁘s of individuals with developmental disabilities, enhance the Canaveral Port District's operations... and streamline employment screening processes for homeless service professionals.

House Bill 73 establishes a "supportive decision-making agreement" (SDM) as a type of power of attorney for individuals with developmental disabilities. This new law requires courts to assess the need for assistance in exercising rights for "incapacitated individuals" and to determine the extent of that support. The SDM enables designated supporters to aid individuals with communication and decision-making, while maintaining the individual's autonomy. Another notable bill is House Bill 755, which amends the charter of the Canaveral Port District in Brevard County.

The law revises recordkeeping guidelines, foreign-trade zone boundaries, and the port's governing authority, aiming to improve the district's overall efficiency and effectiveness. Lastly... House Bill 975 revises state statutes regarding employment screening for homeless service professionals. This legislation aims to streamline the hiring process for service professionals, enhancing the quality of care and support provided to homeless individuals.

These new laws demonstrate the Florida Legislature's commitment to addressing important issues and improving the ⁘⁘⁘s of Floridians. By implementing these changes, the state is taking steps to promote the rights and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities, "enhance the operations of the Canaveral Port District," "and better serve the homeless population."

More details: Found here

Some of these laws will be joining over 150 others that are set to go into effect next month. For a full list of those laws, click here . House Bill 73 establishes a "supportive decision-making agreement" (SDM) as a type of power of attorney for those with developmental disabilities.