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Joe Casello Voting Record & Scorecard | Institute for Legislative Analysis

FL Representative

District: 90 • Democrat

2024 Alignment:

N/A

Lifetime Alignment:

32.29%

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Lifetime Ratings by Policy Category

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Provided by Transparency USA

Rep. Joe Casello (D-FL-90) is tracked on the Institute for Legislative Analysis legislative scorecard. Highest category scores: Local and National Security (60%), Education (50%), and Regulations (41%). Joe Casello represents the 90th District in the Florida House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 151 (House Version)House 20242x

Worsening Florida's Unfunded Pension Crisis by Restoring a Fiscally Irresponsible Cost-of-Living Adjustment.

Against
Limited
Government
This bill restores an annual 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for state employees enrolled before July 1, 2011, which will cost over $2 billion dollars in FY 2024-2025. The COLA (which was not contracted for nor promised to employees) was reduced in 2011 due to economic downturn.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill worsens Florida's unfunded pension liability crisis which is among the highest in the nation.
HB 455House 20241x

Expanding Government Overreach and Central Planning by Mandating a State-Wide "Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan".

Against
Limited
Government
This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to "develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan." The plan must include several components, such as "Identify recycling goals based on sustainable materials management and waste diversion" and recommendations "to develop and promote markets for recycling materials."
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further expands the size and role of government. It is the role of the private sector at the local level - not central planning by state bureaucrats - to carry out the most efficient and effective recycling initiatives.
HCR 693House 20241x

Imposing Term Limits on the U.S. Congress through a Convention of the States Amending the U.S. Constitution.

Against
Limited
Government
This bill applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution to establish term limits for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
Support is the Limited Government Position as term limits are a critical tool to ensure government remains accountable to the people and not lobbyists or special interests. A review of voting records shows the majority of lawmakers become less conservative in their voting the longer they remain in office.
HCR 703House 20241x

Restoring Fiscal Sanity in the U.S. Government by Applying for a Convention of the States to Amend the Constitution for a Balanced Federal Budget.

Against
Limited
Government
This bill applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget, except in the case of a national emergency.
Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HR 1209House 20241x

Strengthening National Security by Urging State Agencies to Disassociate from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Supports
Limited
Government
This resolution provides "That all executive agencies of the State of Florida, all law enforcement agencies, and all local governments in this state are strongly encouraged to suspend contact and outreach activities with the Council on American-Islamic Relations." The resolution references several individuals who have been affiliated with CAIR that have been charged with crimes related to supporting terrorism.
Support is the Limited Government Position as government entities should not associate with entities representing national security risks.
HB 1007 (House Version)House 20242x

Expanding Government Overreach and Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Nicotine Dispensing Devices that Have Not Been Authorized by the FDA.

Neutral
This bill prohibits the sale of nicotine dispensing devices, such as vaping products and e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. To be included on the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA, or had a denial stayed by a court.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction. The bill provides an advantage to big tobacco companies by only allowing the sale of the 23 vape products authorized by the FDA, and is expected to drive countless small vape shops out of business.
HB 1195House 20241x

Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote to Increase the Local Property Tax Millage Rate.

Neutral
This bill requires a two-thirds vote of a locality's governing body in order to increase the millage rate when calculating property taxes. The bill also leaves in place the existing protections against tax increases including voter approval for a rate more than 110% of the previous year's maximum rate.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect homeowners and businesses from even greater levels of taxation.
HB 1223House 20242x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Restoring the Age to Purchase a Firearm Back to 18 After Being Raised to 21 in 2018.

Neutral
This bill restores the age at which an adult age 18 and older may purchase or receive a firearm after the age requirement was increased to 21 in 2018.
Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. The state should not infringe the individual liberties of adults who at age 18 can fight for our country, vote, and enter into legally binding contracts.
HB 1241House 20242x

Increasing Crime and Weakening Public Safety Through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Reduces Accountability within the Parole System.

Neutral
This bill makes a series of changes to the parole system, generally reducing penalties on offenders who violate the terms of their probation. For example, the bill reduces judicial discretion by now placing a limit on the amount of time a court may hold an offender in jail for certain parole violations. Additionally, offenders can no longer be held accountable for previous parole violations that were addressed through the "alternative sanctioning program" in the event the offender's parole is revoked due to additional offenses.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances further crime by limiting the ability of courts to hold offenders accountable and protect communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.
HB 1291House 20242x

Protecting Teaching Programs from Critical Race Theory and Similar Politicized Concepts.

Neutral
This bill prohibits public college and university teaching programs from including "identity politics" or violating the "Florida Educational Equity Act", which bans Critical Race Theory (CRT). Programs also "May not distort significant historical events" or be "based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities."
Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to promote CRT or similar concepts which are ideologies that sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government.
HB 1347House 20242x

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans from 30% to 36%.

Neutral
This bill makes a number of reforms to the state's Consumer Finance Act, including raising the maximum allowable interest rate on consumer loans by 6% at each tier and raising the maximum rate from 30% to 36%. The bill is designed to slightly loosen government restrictions and price controls on interest due to high inflation and national interest rates.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities.
HB 1365House 20242x

Strengthening Public Safety by Prohibiting Localities from Allowing Homeless Encampments on Public Sidewalks and Streets.

Neutral
This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinance which allows individuals "to regularly engage in public camping or sleeping on any public property." Under the bill, counties are permitted to designate areas on public property for this purpose for up to 1 year, if approved by the Department of Children and Families, but must provide restrooms, prohibit illegal drug and alcohol use, and meet other requirements.
Support is the Limited Government Position as homeless encampments on sidewalks and streets present many health and safety concerns, including increased crime rates, open drug use, and sanitary concerns.
HB 1403House 20241x

Improving Educational Outcomes by Increasing the Number of School Choice Scholarships Available for Students with Disabilities Under the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions generally expanding school choice. Most notably, the bill increases the number of scholarships available under the Family Empowerment Scholarship for students with disabilities by 5% annually (previously 3%). The number increases by an additional 1% if more than 95% of available scholarships were used the previous year.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 1451House 20242x

Strengthening National Security by Prohibiting Localities from Accepting "Community ID" Cards which are Commonly Issued to Illegal Immigrants.

Neutral
This bill prohibits localities from accepting an identification card (aka community ID) or other document if it has been issued by an entity known to provide such identification to illegal immigrants.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps deter illegal immigration, which places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.
HB 1589House 20241x

Strengthening Public Safety by Increasing Penalties for Repeatedly Driving Without a License.

Neutral
This bill increases the penalty for driving without a license by making the second and subsequent violations a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days in jail for a third offense.
Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 159House 20241x

Increasing Healthcare Access by Expanding Pharmacist Scope of Practice to Include Prescribing HIV Post-Exposure Medications.

Neutral
This bill, the John W. Rheay Act, allows pharmacists to prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis medications if they have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician and complete a course. Pharmacists may also screen for HIV exposure.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill increases healthcare access and lowers costs by providing additional options for individuals seeking treatment.
HB 1615House 20242x

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Repealing the Ban on Selling or Possessing a Firearm in Public During a State of Emergency.

Neutral
This bill repeals existing law which prohibited the sale of firearms and ammunition, display of firearms and ammunition in a store, and possession of a firearm in public, if a state of emergency is declared due to a riot or disorder.
Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. These types of restrictions do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law.
HB 1645House 20243x

Strengthening Property Rights and Combatting Government Overreach Through an Omnibus Energy Bill.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions related to energy and the environment. Among the provisions is an increase, from 15 miles to 100 miles, in the maximum length of natural gas pipelines, before certification is required under the Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. The bill also prohibits the construction or expansion of offshore wind energy facilities, wind turbines and wind energy facilities within 1 mile of the coastline or intercoastal waterways and in state waters, among other restrictions. The bill also eliminates the requirement that the state and local governments purchase and lease vehicles based on the "greatest fuel efficiency." Furthermore, the bill updates the legislative intent of the state's energy policy by eliminating several provisions related to climate change, with the policy being "to ensure an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective supply of energy for the state in a manner that promotes the health and welfare of the public and economic growth." Finally, the bill also repeals the Florida Energy and Climate Protection Act, repeals the Florida Green Government Grants Act, and the Energy Economic Zone Pilot Program.
Support is the Limited Government Position as while the bill does contain some slightly negative provisions related to power plant retirement and utility company recovery of natural gas facilities relocation costs, the bill largely strengthens property rights and helps combat government overreach.
HB 17House 20242x

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Amending the Firearm Purchase Waiting Period.

Neutral
This bill amends the state's waiting period for retail firearm purchases. Under existing law, the waiting period is 3 business days or until a background check is complete, whichever is later. This bill removes the provision related to background checks, which allowed the waiting period to extend past 3 business days. As a result, the waiting period cannot extend past 3 business days.
Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers which do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.
HB 267House 20241x

Reducing Home Construction Costs by Shortening Timeframes for Localities to Approve or Deny Building Permits.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions related to buildings permits and codes. Most notably, the bill requires localities to approve or deny a building permit within 30 business days for certain structures under 7,500 sq. feet, such as family homes and accessory structures, and 60 business days if 7,500 sq. feet or more. The timeframe is also 60 business days for various other permits, such as nonresidential buildings under 25,000 sq. feet and multi-family housing with up to 50 units.
Support is the Limited Government Position as permitting delays can result in substantial additional costs imposed on builders and property owners and this bill helps strengthen government accountability.
HB 3House 20241x

Expanding Government Overreach by Requiring Age Verification for All Social Media Users.

Neutral
This bill requires social media companies to verify that any person making an account is 14 or older, and to prohibit anyone under 14 from doing so. The bill also requires any website that "contains a substantial portion of material harmful to minors," such as sexual content, to verify that any person accessing the website is 18 or older.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while the intent of this bill is noble, it is the role of parents - not politicians - to oversee their children's social media usage. Additionally, the photo ID requirements for all users weaken privacy rights, while also placing unnecessary burdens on social media companies and users. This bill expands the nanny state by imposing new regulations on private companies.
HB 433House 20242x

Expanding Employment Opportunities by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Various Excessive Employment Regulations.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions related to local employment regulations. The bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which regulate employee scheduling for private employers, unless allowed or required under state or federal law. Localities are also prohibited from using "purchasing or contracting procedures" as a means "to control or affect the wages or employment benefits provided by its vendors, contractors, service providers, or other parties." Finally, the bill prohibits localities from adopting any ordinances which impose "heat exposure requirements" on private employers, unless required under state or federal law.
Support is the Limited Government Position as businesses are already significantly financially burdened by a litany of federal and state mandates. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role of any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals and interfere in private contracting arrangements.
HB 433 (Amd. 354735)House 20241x

Growing the Regulatory State by Allowing Local Governments to Impose a Heat Illness and Heat Stress Poster Mandate on all Outdoor Employers.

Neutral
The Valdés amendment to a bill prohibiting various local employment regulations. This amendment adds language allowing localities to require private employers, that hire employees to work outside, to post a sign with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) information on heat illness and heat stress, "in a language understood by all of the employees."
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further expands the government regulatory and nanny state while also creating a new avenue for greedy plaintiffs' attorneys to wage lawfare against small businesses.
HB 49House 20241x

Expanding Employment Opportunities for Minors by Reducing Excessive Regulations on Work Hours.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions generally reducing regulations on the hours minors may be employed. Most notably, for minors 15 or younger, the 15-hour per week maximum only applies when school is in session, while for minors 16 or 17, the 30-hour per week maximum may be waived by a parent or school superintendent.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces regulations, expanding employment opportunities for minors.
HB 531House 20242x

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Certain Cross-County Crimes.

Neutral
This bill provides that if a person travels into a county they don't reside in, with intent to commit grand theft or any forcible felony, the offense classification is increased one level. Previously, this only applied to burglary. This does not apply to certain individuals, such as first-time offenders.
Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 549House 20242x

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Retail Theft.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions related to retail theft. For example, the bill makes retail theft a felony of the third degree if a group of six or more people act together "for the purpose of overwhelming the response of a merchant, merchant's employee, or law enforcement officer." The bill also lowers the threshold, from $100 to $40, for making "porch piracy" a felony of the third degree.
Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 611House 20241x

Increasing Public Investment Returns Through Expanded Competition by Allowing Credit Unions to Hold Public Funds.

Neutral
This bill allows credit unions to qualify as qualified public depositories (QPDs), which is currently limited to just banks and certain savings associations. The bill caps public deposits held by an individual credit union to 10% of its assets, and credit unions collectively are limited to 15% of the state's public deposits.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands competition among financial institutions, providing greater returns on investment funds. All public investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers. While the bill raised concerns over credit unions tax-exempt status, any concerns over "unequal taxation" should be addressed by lawmakers through other measures.
HB 705House 20242x

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting Prevailing Wage Requirements in Local Public Works Contracts.

Neutral
This bill largely prevents a local government from forcing a contractor to pay the "prevailing wage" rates. This is accomplished by expanding the definition of public works projects to also include projects using local funds. The prevailing wage is an above-market rate typically linked to labor unions.
Support is the Limited Government Position as prevailing wage mandates needlessly drive-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.
HB 735 (Amd. 052843)House 20241x

Strengthening Government Transparency and Accountability by Removing Financial Disclosure Exemption for Mayors of Small Localities.

Neutral
The Roach amendment #052843 to a bill which contains several provisions related to government accountability. This amendment eliminates language in the bill which exempts mayors and elected officials of localities with a population of 500 or less from financial disclosure requirements.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment strengthens government integrity by helping ensure officials at all levels of government are held accountable.
HJR 7075House 20243x

Providing Tax Relief by Amending the State Constitution to Double the Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption to $50,000.

Neutral
This resolution amends the state Constitution by doubling the tangible personal property ad valorem tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps provide broad tax relief to Floridians.
SB 1036House 20242x

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Deported Illegal Immigrants who Reenter and Commit Crime and for Crimes Related to Human Trafficking or Smuggling.

Neutral
This bill provides that if an individual has previously been convicted of "reentry of removed aliens" under federal law, and commits a felony, the offense classification is increased one level. The bill also provides for a one-level classification increase for any misdemeanor or felony committed "for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interests of a transnational crime organization," such as organizations regularly involved in drug or weapon trafficking or human trafficking or smuggling.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.
SB 1084House 20242x

Utilizing Government to Enrich the AG Industry and Restrict Competition through a Draconian Ban on Selling Lab Grown Meat.

Neutral
This bill contains a key provision which prohibits the sale or manufacture of lab-grown meat, with violators being guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government overreach and protectionism is merely designed to enrich the agricultural industry. Consumers should be free to choose what food products they purchase and consume without government interference.
SB 1286House 20242x

Strengthening Property Rights and Civil Liberties by Requiring Seized Firearms to be Returned if Not for Evidence or Forfeited.

Neutral
This bill requires weapons and arms taken by police during an arrest to be returned to the owner after their release from jail, rather than after a trial, unless the weapons are evidence or forfeited under state law. The weapons must be returned within 30 days of a request if the person is released from jail and completes a background check. The bill also ensures that a firearm taken by police without a search warrant is returned (a judge previously had to order it be returned).
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights and civil liberties.
SB 1420House 20241x

Expanding Cronyism through a New "Supply Chain Grant Program" and Increasing Subsidies for Government-Favored Entities.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions pertaining to the Department of Commerce. Most notably, the bill creates the "Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program", which awards grants to certain companies and projects selected by employees within the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the bill extends the repayment period for loans under the Local Government Emergency Revolving Bridge Loan Program, which provides interest-free loans, from 5 to 10 years.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure increase taxpayer spending, it also places taxpayer funds at greater risk.
SB 1526House 20243x

Strengthening Property Rights by Overriding Local Bans on Building Demolitions which Prevent New Development.

Neutral
This bill, the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, blocks localities from enacting any ordinances that would prohibit a property owner from demolishing an unsafe building in disrepair and redeveloping the property with a new structure, if the property is on the water side of the "coastal construction control line." The bill is in response to some property owners who have been unable to demolish their older buildings and redevelop the high-value real estate.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights by ensuring owners and developers can maximize the usage of their land. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 1526 (Stevenson Amd. 535587)House 20241x

Weakening Property Rights by Undermining Protections in the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act.

Neutral
The Stevenson amendment #535587 to the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, which limits local restrictions on building demolition and redevelopment. This amendment allows localities to consider the effects on "coastal management" plans when determining the building requirements for a development.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment weakens the bill by providing localities vague loopholes to undermine the property right protections established within the underlying bill.
SB 1600House 20241x

Reducing Employment Barriers and Improving Access to Healthcare by Expanding Occupational Licensing Reciprocity.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions which expand occupational license reciprocity. Most notably, the bill enacts the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act, which requires the Department of Health to issue an occupational license within 7 days to individuals who hold a license in another state, has passed a national examination or is nationally certified, has practiced for 3 of the past 4 years, and meets other requirements.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers and expanding access to healthcare. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
SB 1628House 20241x

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Reducing Loopholes to the "Business Impact Estimate" that Protect Businesses from Overregulation.

Neutral
This bill requires localities to produce a "business impact estimate" for ordinances related to land development and zoning, which were previously exempt from this requirement. The report must summarize the regulation and provide an estimate of the economic impact, such as costs and fees for businesses. Additionally, the bill requires that a local referendum authorizing a locality to issue bonds (debt) over $500 million must take place at a general election.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat government overreach and growth by increasing transparency surrounding the impact new ordinances will have on local communities. Furthermore, this bill helps protect taxpayers as turnout for local referendums is much lower than a general election, therefore reducing the likelihood that special interests push through unnecessary spending.
SB 1746House 20242x

Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Public Employees Through Reforms to the Union Membership Authorization Process.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions related to public employee unions. Most notably, the bill requires that, to join a union, public employees must fill out an authorization form from the Public Employee Relations Commission and send it to the union, rather than a form from the union. Additionally, a union must petition for recertification if less than 60% of employees submit an authorization form and pay dues (previously only required if less than 60% paid dues). Finally, the bill allows the Commission to revoke the certification of a union for refusing to allow the inspection of authorization forms and revocations.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill ensures public employees are properly informed of their rights before joining a union. Public sector collective bargaining unnecessarily hikes taxpayer costs while making it harder to reward top-performing employees and dismiss poor-performing employees. All employees should have the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.
SB 184House 20241x

Strengthening Law and Order and Safety for First Responders by Criminalizing Harassment.

Neutral
This bill makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet and harass on-duty first responders, after being warned not to approach. This includes law enforcement, probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. A violation is a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 60 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine).
Support is the Limited Government Position as, while police should be held accountable for their actions, this measure provides a critical protection to ensure safety in dangerous situations.
SB 544House 20241x

Growing the Size and Role of Government Through a "Swimming Lesson Voucher Program".

Neutral
This bill appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Health for a "Swimming Lesson Voucher Program" which provides free swimming lessons for children 4 or younger with a household income of up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this new welfare program merely further fuels runaway government spending. The funding of "swimming lessons" is not a proper role of government.
SB 674House 20242x

Hiking Taxpayer-Funded Public Works and Infrastructure Costs as Much as 20% Through Protectionist "U.S. Made" Iron and Steel Procurement Mandates.

Neutral
This bill requires any iron or steel materials utilized in public works projects to be sourced from the United States unless the sourcing drives up the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this "protectionist" interference by government in the free market unnecessarily drives-up costs to taxpayers. Free trade has been a foundational principle of limited government dating back to Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, who identified the disastrous consequences of protectionist trade practices in the "Wealth of Nations" in 1776.
SB 7018House 20242x

Worsening Government Central Planning by Establishing a Crony Health Care Innovation Council to Enrich Certain Healthcare Providers.

Neutral
This bill establishes the "Health Care Innovation Council" to hold public meetings on healthcare innovation and develop ways to improve healthcare such as "best practice recommendations." The bill then appropriates $50 annually through FY 2033-2024 for loans to select healthcare facilities, including certain hospitals and nursing homes, to implement such "innovative solutions."
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure further grow the size of government and central planning, but also worsens corporate welfare and cronyism by providing taxpayer-subsidized loans. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
SB 7028House 20242x

Expanding Wealth Redistribution Through Another $200 Million for "Hurricane Mitigation" Inspections and Projects with Priority Based on Income and Age.

Neutral
This bill appropriates $200 million to the Department of Financial Services for the "My Safe Florida Home Program" for FY 2024-2025. This program provides grants for "Hurricane Mitigation" inspections and projects. The bill also requires priority be given to low-income individuals 60 or older, then low-income individuals, then moderate-income individuals 60 or older, then moderate-income individuals, and then remaining individuals.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further expands government and wealth redistribution. It is the duty of the individuals who chose to purchase homes to make the necessary investments in securing their properties - not other individuals and property owners.
SB 812House 20241x

Reducing Home Construction Costs by Requiring Localities to Adopt an Expedited Building Permit Process.

Neutral
This bill requires counties with at least 75,000 residents and municipalities with at least 10,000 residents to adopt an expedited building permit program, allowing for up to 50% of a project's permits to be issued before final approval (this increases to 75% by December 31, 2027).
Support is the Limited Government Position as permitting delays can result in substantial additional costs imposed on builders and property owners and this bill helps strengthen government accountability.
SB 994House 20241x

Growing the Surveillance State and Encouraging "Taxation Through Citation" by Allowing School Bus Camera Companies to Receive Funds from Fines and Expanding Permitted Uses of Recordings.

Neutral
This bill allows companies that install, operate, or maintain school bus traffic infraction cameras to receive a portion of the fines from violations. The bill also allows school districts to use the fines for, among other uses, "driver recruitment and retention stipends." Additionally, the bill allows the photos and videos recorded by the system to be used to enforce other traffic violations.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fuels policing for profit by allowing companies to keep a portion of the fines from violations. Additionally, similar systems (speed cameras) have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, and the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.
SJR 1114House 20241x

Amending the State Constitution to Remove the Requirement of Public Funding for Political Campaigns.

Neutral
This resolution repeals Section 7 of Article VI of the state Constitution, which requires public funding for campaigns for statewide offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet). Candidates must agree to spending limits to receive public funds.
Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to fund political campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. Joe Casello's voting record?

Rep. Joe Casello (D-FL-90) is tracked on the Institute for Legislative Analysis legislative scorecard. Highest category scores: Local and National Security (60%), Education (50%), and Regulations (41%). Joe Casello represents the 90th District in the Florida House of Representatives.

Where does Joe Casello serve?

Rep. Joe Casello (D-FL-90) represents the 90th District in the Florida House of Representatives as a Democrat.

What issue categories does Joe Casello score highest and lowest on?

Joe Casello's strongest categories on the Institute for Legislative Analysis scorecard are Local and National Security (60%) and Education (50%). The lowest-scoring categories are Free Speech and Elections (0%) and Energy and Environment (0%).

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