House Bill 1281 proposes a series of amendments to Florida statutes that primarily focus on the responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and various regulatory frameworks within the state. The bill changes the reporting subsystem for the CFO from the "Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem" to the "Financial Management Subsystem" and mandates the CFO to replace lost or destroyed warrants, ensuring these replacements hold the same validity as the originals. It also modifies the pay period for state employees to a monthly basis and introduces new rules for deferred compensation plans, allowing for both pretax and after-tax contributions. Additionally, the bill emphasizes transparency in government spending by requiring detailed expenditure data to be made available online.

Furthermore, the bill addresses workers' compensation laws by proposing the orderly closure of the Special Disability Trust Fund by July 1, 2025, and introduces stricter disqualification criteria for licensure applicants based on criminal history. It also streamlines the licensing process for embalmers and funeral directors, updates safety regulations for boiler operations, and enhances consumer protection within the insurance sector. Notably, the bill establishes the Florida Firefighter Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, which provides one-time bonuses to newly employed firefighters, contingent upon appropriations. Overall, HB 1281 aims to improve financial accountability, streamline regulatory processes, and enhance public safety and consumer protection in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1281 Filed: 17.11, 17.13, 110.113, 215.89, 215.93, 215.985, 216.141, 440.38, 440.107, 497.376, 497.380, 497.386, 497.604, 554.108, 554.114, 554.115, 624.307, 624.317, 626.171, 626.2815, 626.292, 626.611, 626.731, 626.785, 626.831, 626.8417, 626.8473, 626.927, 626.9541, 627.70151, 634.3077, 634.406, 648.33, 791.013, 1001.281, 1001.282