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Commissioner Davis asked if the suggested 5% cap would have to be a Constitutional Amendment or just a Legislative Action. Further, if the 5% initiative cap on non-homestead moved, would that be something the Legislature would put forth or would that have to go through the ballot process like the “Save Our Homes” program. Representative Poppell was not 100% sure but thought they would have to go back and check to see where they were and what established the base there. He believed whatever way it was done, whether constitutionally or legislatively, then that would be the way to do it. 6. BAKER ACT – DISTRIBUTION OF MONEY TO DISTRICTS FROM STATE Commissioner Voltz, as a registered nurse who works in the Baker Act Unit, was concerned about the non-increase of beds for the Baker Act unit, hence her reason for putting this item on the Agenda. She explained that there has not been an increase in bed count since 1980 when Circles of Care opened with twenty-eight (28) beds. She also advised that the State is not willing to fund more beds and read portions of a letter pertaining to the Governor’s budget indicating that they were not accepting requests for increased funding for Baker Act beds. Commissioner Voltz pointed out that the Florida Hospital Association is so concerned about the lack of Baker Act beds that it is considering asking the Legislature for funding. Also Circuit Court Judges are now finding the State of Florida in contempt of court for not being able to move persons found incompetent to stand trial due to their mental illness, from county jails to State forensic hospitals. Further, the State is out of forensic bed capacity and is calling community mental health centers in hopes of finding beds in Baker Act Units. She noted that the funding they October 25, 2006 8 Joint Workshop / Brevard