Bill > S0944

This bill, titled the "Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act," establishes the Florida Concrete Masonry Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization that will support the Florida Building Commission. The council is authorized to collect an assessment, or fee, on the sale of concrete masonry units, but only if manufacturers approve this by a referendum vote. This assessment, which would be called the "Florida Building Sustainability Fee" and clearly stated on sales documents, would fund programs aimed at improving the concrete masonry industry through education, promotion, research, and developing new uses and markets for these products, including enhancing their quality for windstorm protection and energy efficiency. The council will be governed by a 15-member board representing manufacturers, the Florida Building Commission, home builders, contractors, and others with expertise in the industry. If an assessment is approved, manufacturers will collect it from buyers and forward it quarterly to the council, which must maintain separate accounting and undergo an annual financial audit. The council can also take legal action to collect unpaid assessments and will have the ability to accept grants and gifts to further its objectives, while being prohibited from political campaigning. The assessment's authorization will last for a maximum of five years unless reauthorized by another referendum, and a referendum to continue the assessment can be held if at least 25% of manufacturers petition for it.