Governor DeSantis Expands Florida's COVID-19 Executive Orders Invalidating Local Emergency Measures
May 13, 2021 | Jacksonville Beach, Duval County, Florida
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The Quarterly Pension Board Meeting for the City of Jacksonville Beach took place on May 11, 2021, with a focus on updates regarding legislative changes and retirement applications. The meeting commenced with an invitation for any visitors to address the board, followed by a legal update from Victor Herrera.
Herrera provided significant insights into recent executive orders issued by the governor, specifically Executive Orders 21-101 and 21-102, which invalidate local emergency measures related to COVID-19. He emphasized that local agencies can no longer enforce restrictions or mandates without going through the standard legislative process. This change is particularly relevant for the pension board, as it requires compliance with the Sunshine Law, mandating public meetings.
The legislative session concluded without any new laws affecting the pension plan. Herrera noted a proposed bill aimed at closing the defined benefit arm of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) for new hires, which did not pass. This bill would have marked a significant shift in public sector retirement plans, but its failure means the current structure remains intact.
Additionally, Herrera mentioned a potential $1,000 payment for essential first responders included in the state budget, which is expected to be signed by the governor. This payment could benefit police officers and firefighters within the pension plan.
The meeting proceeded with the approval of previous meeting minutes and several retirement applications. The board approved retirements for various employees, including Richard Langston and Kathy Martin, with motions and votes recorded for each case.
The session concluded with a report from Ryan Tucker of Purpose Grain Company, who was set to present further information, although technical difficulties arose regarding screen sharing.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the pension board's adherence to new legal requirements and the ongoing stability of the pension plan amidst legislative changes. The board will continue to monitor developments and ensure compliance with updated regulations.
Herrera provided significant insights into recent executive orders issued by the governor, specifically Executive Orders 21-101 and 21-102, which invalidate local emergency measures related to COVID-19. He emphasized that local agencies can no longer enforce restrictions or mandates without going through the standard legislative process. This change is particularly relevant for the pension board, as it requires compliance with the Sunshine Law, mandating public meetings.
The legislative session concluded without any new laws affecting the pension plan. Herrera noted a proposed bill aimed at closing the defined benefit arm of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) for new hires, which did not pass. This bill would have marked a significant shift in public sector retirement plans, but its failure means the current structure remains intact.
Additionally, Herrera mentioned a potential $1,000 payment for essential first responders included in the state budget, which is expected to be signed by the governor. This payment could benefit police officers and firefighters within the pension plan.
The meeting proceeded with the approval of previous meeting minutes and several retirement applications. The board approved retirements for various employees, including Richard Langston and Kathy Martin, with motions and votes recorded for each case.
The session concluded with a report from Ryan Tucker of Purpose Grain Company, who was set to present further information, although technical difficulties arose regarding screen sharing.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the pension board's adherence to new legal requirements and the ongoing stability of the pension plan amidst legislative changes. The board will continue to monitor developments and ensure compliance with updated regulations.
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