Senate committee backs Labor Pool Act changes to end placement fees and require registration

The Florida Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy reported SB1112 favorably after sponsor Senator Garcia and multiple witnesses described the changes as a way to remove barriers to stable employment and reduce recidivism.

Senator Garcia said the bill would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when a third-party employer hires a referred worker, require annual registration of labor pools with the Department of Commerce to improve transparency, and strengthen enforcement by allowing prevailing parties to recover attorney’s fees and costs. "Stable employment is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce recidivism," Garcia said.

Public testimony included Clay Lee Blackford, who said the placement fees prevented formerly incarcerated people from taking jobs that would let them support families, and Gene Tuffin, policy lead at Beyond the Bars, who detailed workers’ experiences and said registration would help workers know whether a labor pool actually operates. "We ask for you to support, to vote in favor of SB1112," Tuffin said.

Supporters included groups that waived in support during the hearing; Senator Garcia closed by saying the bill would make vulnerable lives easier. The committee reported SB1112 favorably and it will proceed to the full Senate.