Democrats and Republicans alike support bill overseeing transition when Gov. DeSantis leaves

Could Gov. Ron DeSantis be ordered to help with the transition when his replacement is elected?

It’s an idea that both House Republicans and Democrats liked during a Tuesday hearing.

With a unanimous bipartisan vote, the House State Affairs Committee OK’ed a bill setting the procedures for what happens when the term-limited DeSantis leaves office. It would require the Governor-elect to get access to state records, state offices and more and require DeSantis to name a liaison to help catch the newly elected leader up to speed.

“Transitions between administrations are a critical moment for our state government,” said bill sponsor Rep. Toby Overdorf as HB 1063 advanced without any opposition or concerns. “Without clear expectations, agencies may prepare inconsistently, creating gaps in institutional knowledge and operational continuity.”

HB 1063 would require DeSantis to appoint a liaison in his office within 10 days of the Primary Election to work with the incoming administration to oversee transition planning.

DeSantis’ contact would be required to summarize the statutory authority, programs, functions, and organizational structure of each state agency. DeSantis’ liaison would also give briefings on the executive branch’s structure, addressing everything from public meeting and public records rules, ethics and financial disclosure laws, state budgeting and more.

State agencies with DeSantis-appointed leaders would also need to designate liaisons 10 days after the Primary. The agency liaisons would be required to provide briefings on everything from pending litigation to key contacts and information on the agency’s mission to ensure the departments continue to run smoothly under changing leadership.

State agencies would be ordered to open up their headquarters for temporary office space for the Governor-elect and his staff.

In addition, the bill grants the Governor-elect and his staff access to all state records — even confidential ones.

The Governor-elect would be required to sign a memorandum of understanding acknowledging that unauthorized disclosure of those confidential records is prohibited.

The Florida Digital Service would also be required to assist the Governor-elect and staff in accessing state information technology systems, including setting up secure email accounts.

If passed into law, HB 1063 would take effect immediately.

Rep. Anna Eskamani called it a “really thoughtful bill.”

“I’m surprised we don’t have clarity on a transition process, and as we approach that on the upcoming year, I think it’s really smart for us to put this at the Governor’s desk and make sure there’s a clear process in place,” the Orlando Democrat said Tuesday.

A Senate companion bill (SB 1078) filed by Sen. Erin Grall advanced its first Committee stop with a 9-0 vote Monday.