Finishing On Time or Overtime?
With just two weeks remaining in the regular 60‑day Legislative Session, momentum is building, and so is uncertainty. While committees are wrapping up and floor calendars are stacking up, one major obstacle stands in the way of an on‑time finish. As of today, the House and Senate remain more than $1 billion apart in their budget proposals, making it increasingly likely that Session will spill into overtime as negotiators work to close the gap. Until negotiators bridge that gap, it is increasingly likely Session will roll into overtime.
Election Watch
We continue to track one race this month: the special election for Senate District 14, where Election Day is March 24.
State Representative Josie Tomkow remains strongly positioned, and we expect her to win the seat. We will follow up with results after the election.
Our Priority Legislation
This Session has brought meaningful momentum on the issues most important to the RV industry. The Senate delivered the first major breakthrough when its version of the bill dealing with assessments on recreational vehicle parts passed the full chamber unanimously, signaling broad support and positioning the issue strongly for the final stretch.
On the House side, the companion measure, HB 39, has now cleared all of its committees and is waiting for a full floor vote. That vote could come as early as Thursday, March 5, placing the legislation within reach of final passage in both chambers.
In addition to the main bill, the House’s tax package added another development for the industry: a provision that would extend homestead treatment to certain long‑term mobile home leases. While the Senate has not yet taken up matching language, we are actively engaged in conversations with senators and staff to elevate the issue during these last two weeks of the regular Session.
Looking Ahead
Once the regular Session concludes, we expect the Governor to call multiple special sessions to address two major unresolved issues:
- Property tax reform, where the chambers remain divided
- Congressional redistricting, which will require legislative action before the next election cycle
As these high‑stakes discussions unfold, the association’s advocacy efforts will be more important than ever. Your involvement strengthens our ability to represent the RV industry effectively in Tallahassee, especially during high‑stakes moments like budget negotiations, special sessions, and final bill negotiations. Please consider contributing to the PAC, which strengthens our ability to represent the industry effectively when it matters most.
Andres Malave | Director, Government Relations
Jones Walker LLP
D: 850.214.5145
amalave@joneswalker.com