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Committee advances motor-vehicle services bill; amendments add scalping misdemeanor, tougher texting penalties, DV sticker option
Summary
CS for CS SB 1348, sponsored by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after the committee adopted three amendments: criminalizing scalping of DMV appointments, converting texting-while-driving to a moving violation with 3/4 points and a new 4‑hour distracted‑driving course, and allowing a DV sticker option for veteran plates.
CS for CS Senate Bill 1348, a bill to expand and streamline motor-vehicle services delivered through tax collectors and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, was reported favorably by the committee after unanimous committee votes on the bill and three adopted amendments.
Senator Trumbull, the bill sponsor, summarized the bill as a comprehensive effort to "deliver critical state motor vehicle services locally by expanding efficiency and eliminating redundancy," and said the bill "reflects ongoing legislative intent to expand the tax collectors' efficiency and service capacity."
The committee adopted three amendments during the hearing. Senator Trumbull’s amendment (barcode 433154) made it unlawful as a misdemeanor to profit by selling or "scalping" motor-vehicle and driver’s license appointment slots; Trumbull said some appointments have been sold "for upwards of $250 just for a place in line." Senator Angolia’s amendment (barcode 539458) changed Florida’s texting-while-driving penalty structure from a nonmoving violation to a moving violation, assigning 3 points for a first offense and 4 points for a second offense; it also requires an expanded 4‑hour distracted‑driving education course (with one hour featuring survivor/testimonial material) as the remedial option to remove points. Senator Collins’ amendment (barcode 388348) provides a DV sticker option for veterans who have a DV designation on specialty license plates.
Supporters filed appearance forms or waived in support, including the Florida Tax Collectors Association and the Florida Police Benevolent Association. Senator Schooff and other committee members spoke in favor during debate, and several county tax collectors were described in the record as supportive.
The committee then recorded roll-call votes to report CS for CS SB 1348 favorably. The clerk’s roll call (as recorded in the hearing) shows all senators present voting Yes. Outcome: reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
Next steps: The bill proceeds from committee with the adopted amendments; sponsor representatives and supporting associations were placed on the record as supporters.
