FSBA Session Spotlight — March 19, 2019

Before diving into this third week of the Legislative Session, please be sure to watch our FSBA Weekly Video Update featuring FSBA Executive Director Andrea Messina providing a recap of the main events during the second week of the Session.  The third week of the Legislative Session begins with a particularly busy schedule today that…

FSBA Session Spotlight – March 14, 2019

Today’s schedule shows only two meetings of interest but includes consideration of bills that could have a significant impact on school districts, including bills that address and school choice.  Today’s schedule is posted below and will be updated throughout the day with the outcome on these bills after each meeting concludes.   [toggle title=”Committee/Subcommittee Meetings…

FSBA Session Spotlight — March 12, 2019

The second week of the Legislative Session is underway with several bills of interest scheduled to be considered today, including bills relating to health and safety, government accountability, exceptional students, curriculum, personnel, and term limits for school board members. Today’s schedule is posted in the file below and is updated throughout the day to show…

Florida school voucher bill passes first committee but Republicans disagree on funding source

It was only the second day of the legislative session, but Tuesday already saw a packed committee room and spirited debate over an education package bill that could be one of the most consequential bills of the 2019 session.  Senate Bill 7070 passed the Senate Education Committee along party lines on Tuesday. Read More

FSBA Session Spotlight — March 6, 2019

The schedule for the 2nd day of the 60-day Legislative Session may appear to be light, but some very significant issues will be under consideration that are likely to produce lively discussion and debate.  Of particular interest, the Senate Education Committee will consider a Proposed Committee Bill (PCB) that addresses expansion of existing scholarship programs,…

FSBA Session Spotlight — March 5, 2019

Welcome to the opening of the 2019 Legislative Session! As is typical for the opening day, each chamber will hold separate sessions in the morning to hear from their chamber’s leader and conduct other business.  The two chambers then will meet in joint session to receive the State of the State address by Governor DeSantis. …

Florida Legislature has a lot on its plate

With a new Florida governor and a reboot of leaders in the state Legislature, fresh ideas abound as the 2019 legislative session readies for take-off Tuesday.Gov. Ron DeSantis is advancing a sweeping plan to address the state’s water quality problems, which fouled both coasts last summer. House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami, wants wholesale changes to…

FSBA Session Spotlight — February 22, 2019

This was the last round of Legislative Interim Committee Meetings prior to the start of the 2019 Legislative Session. The schedule of committee/subcommittee meetings was relatively light this week, with bills and presentations addressing a wide variety of topics including, among others, school board member term limits, school choice, and impact fees. In related news,…

Senate Education Leaders Announce 2019 Priorities

Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. (R-Hialeah Gardens), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and Senate President Pro Tempore David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs) today announced key components of legislation the Senate will consider during the 2019 Legislative Session. Read More