Sen. Jim Boyd celebrates bill to limit use of Chinese-made steel in Florida, favor U.S.-made

TAMPA, Fla. – Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, celebrated some of his legislative accomplishments, including a bill prioritizing the use of U.S. made steel in domestic production over foreign steel.

He discussed this and other topics relating to the 2024 Legislative Session in an interview on Florida’s Voice with Brendon Leslie.

HB 674 requires that local governments who contract for a public works project may only use iron or steel products made in the United States.

The only exceptions to the rule apply if the iron or steel products required are not in strong enough supply in the United States, if the U.S. steel causes a 20% increase in the total cost of the project, or if using U.S. steel is inconsistent with the “public interest.”

“We found through our research and talking with the stakeholders, inferior products coming from other countries, China specifically, and it wasn’t up to the same standards as U.S. steel,” Boyd said.

He emphasized how its a “big win” for U.S. workers. He explained how the ALF-CIO “wholeheartedly” and “enthusiastically” supported the legislation.

Rep. Phillip Griffitts, R-Panama City Beach, joined Boyd in sponsoring the bill. It’s set to go into effect on July 1 if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Boyd also explained the history of the legislature’s effort to implement property insurance reform in the state, as a growing number of citizens consider the issue to be top of mind.

“The property insurance reform, coupled with tort reform, is going to make a massive difference in homeowners’ premium costs over the foreseeable future,” he said.

“The reality is is that most people haven’t seen it in their rate reductions, or most of it, because it takes a year and a half to 18 months for those changes to filter through the rate making process,” he added.

The senator also talked about the future of the upper chamber under the upcoming leadership of President-Designate Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, the current majority leader.

“He’s a principled man, he’s an honest man, he’s a fair man, he listens to everybody,” Boyd said.

“But he’s genuinely engaged in the process,” he added. “I think he’ll be a a great leader, I think he’ll be a collaborative leader.”

Boyd mentioned how the Senate tends to be much more of a team-oriented environment where the entire body is attempting to work together and push forward meaningful legislation.