FSBA Session Spotlight — January 10, 2018

There were several bills of interest considered in committee meetings today. These bills address public records and meetings, the McKay Scholarship program, students with disabilities, the Florida Price Level Index, graduation requirements, instructional materials, and impact fees.  Please click on the links below for our report on outcome of action on these bills and to…

FSBA Session Spotlight — January 9, 2018

The Legislature convened the 2018 Legislative Session today with much of the traditional ceremony. In their respective chambers, Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran both offered comments highlighting legislative successes in the 2017 Session and outlining in their priorities for the 2018 Session.  In his remarks, President Negron touched on several issues…

Republican senator proposes more oversight for state voucher schools

Sen. David Simmons, a veteran Republican lawmaker, is pushing for higher standards for the thousands of private schools that take nearly $1 billion in state scholarships, aiming to reduce potential waste and improve the quality of education at some schools.  Among the most significant changes proposed by Simmons in a bill he filed Friday is…

Legislative Weekly – 2018 Session Kickoff

Tallahassee, FL – With Florida’s 2018 Legislative Session kicking off next week, Executive Director Andrea Messina provides members with an overview of what’s to come. Be sure visit the FSBA Session Spotlight Blog and 2018 Legislative Session page for in-depth summaries, resources, and analyses.

FSBA Session Spotlight — December 11, 2017

The Legislature held a sixth, and final, round of Interim Committee Meetings last week. Please click on the link below for a report on the bills and issues that were considered.  Also, the Constitution Revision Commission Committees will meet this week to consider several education related presentations and proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution.  Please…

FSBA Session Spotlight — December 4, 2017

The Legislature will hold a sixth, and final, round of Interim Committee Meetings this week. Please click on the link below for a preview of the bills and issues will be under consideration.  Also, last week the Constitution Revision Commission Committees considered several education related proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution.  Please click on the…

FSBA Session Spotlight — November 20, 2017

The Legislature held a fifth round of Interim Committee Meetings last week, Governor Scott released his 2018 Budget Recommendations, the Constitution Revision Commission is considering 103 proposed amendments to the Constitution, and Congress is moving forward with the 2018 federal budget and competing tax reform packages. Please click on the links below to access our…

Editorial: Continuing debate shows need for legislative do-over

With the 2018 legislative session just weeks away, key failures of the 2017 Legislature continued to frustrate local elected leaders at separate meetings Tuesday in Collier County.  Two positive steps the Legislature could take in the next session that starts in January are to immediately repeal — then start over on components of — House…