House Bill 1435, titled the "Florida Economic Prosperity and Immigration Act," seeks to enhance the integration of immigrants and refugees into Florida's economy and society. It establishes the Office for New Americans within the Department of Commerce, tasked with promoting immigrant inclusion and connecting employers with immigrant job seekers. The bill modifies identification requirements for obtaining a driver license, allowing a wider range of foreign government-issued documents as proof of identity. It also introduces the "Driver License Privacy Act," which restricts the disclosure of personal information to immigration enforcement agencies without a lawful court order. Additionally, the bill prohibits discrimination based on immigration status in access to services and employment, and repeals several existing statutes related to immigration enforcement.

The bill further amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning employment verification and anti-discrimination measures. It removes the requirement for employers to use the E-Verify system and establishes protections against discrimination based on immigration status, treating it similarly to other forms of discrimination. The bill also prohibits law enforcement from engaging in immigration enforcement activities near schools and child care facilities, and mandates reporting on compliance with this prohibition. Furthermore, it modifies provisions related to health care licensing by removing references to human smuggling, streamlining the legal framework for health care practitioners. Overall, HB 1435 aims to create a more inclusive environment for immigrants while enhancing protections against discrimination and clarifying law enforcement's role in immigration matters.

Statutes affected:
H 1435 Filed: 20.60, 322.08, 322.12, 322.142, 322.17, 322.19, 454.021, 760.01, 760.05, 760.07, 760.08, 760.24, 760.26, 760.60, 775.0848, 787.07, 908.102, 908.104, 908.11, 1002.31, 1003.21, 1009.40, 435.04, 480.041, 480.043, 775.30, 794.056, 921.0022, 938.085