Following the passage of HB 7019, the legal landscape in Florida would be directly impacted, as several older statutes would be repealed. Specifically, any laws enacted prior to the special sessions of May 2022 that are not carried over into the new codification would be negated. On the other hand, laws passed in subsequent special sessions, particularly those occurring in December 2022 and through the regular session of 2023, would remain intact, preserving continuity in the legal system despite the changes brought by this bill.
Summary
House Bill 7019 proposes the adoption of the Florida Statutes for the year 2023. This bill amends multiple sections of the current Florida Statutes to include provisions regarding the publication and official recognition of new statutes, as well as the repeal of certain existing laws that are not included within the new codification. The intent behind this legislative measure is to ensure that the state's statutory framework is updated and accurately reflects current laws, making it easier for citizens and government officials to access and reference legal statutes.
Contention
While the bill facilitates necessary updates, it does not appear to have generated substantial public debate as it incorporates standard legislative procedural changes. However, issues may arise regarding the transparency of how certain laws are chosen for repeal, and what implications these removals may have for specific stakeholders affected by those statutes. As such, critical examination of the legislative process surrounding this bill may be warranted to ensure that necessary protections, rights, or provisions are not inadvertently lost.