TODAY’S HAPPENINGS [For those who are new to this process, a brief explanation of what is meant by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading may be helpful in understanding how bills are handled in each chamber. In order for any legislation to be passed and enacted into law, the bill must be “Read” three times –…
TODAY’S HAPPENINGS In the Senate Education Committee: SB 138 – Meetings of District School Boards by Ring – PASSED Requiring district school boards to convene at least one regular meeting during the evening hours each quarter during the school year and to establish written criteria for convening such a meeting; providing that a district school…
TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP LEGISLATION Last Thursday afternoon, Senator Bill Galvano withdrew his bill – SB 1620 – that would have significantly expanded the Tax Credit Scholarship Program in terms of both student eligibility and overall cost. This move makes it extremely unlikely that the legislation will pass this year. Senator Galvano’s decision to withdraw the…
This Video Update features FSBA President Patty Hightower discussing events at our annual Day in the Legislature Conference. In addition, the video shows the presentation, by FSBA Legislative Committee Chair Becki Couch, of our 2013 Legislator of the Year Award to Senator Nancy Detert. Also, the video features Dr. Wayne Blanton providing an overview of…
[Editor’s Note: staff was unable to send out a Daily Update in a timely manner yesterday so this issue of the Update covers events for both Wednesday and Thursday.] Ladies and Gentlemen: WEDNESDAY’S HAPPENINGS In the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee: Subcommittee Chair Galvano released his budget proposal. As we reported earlier, House Education Appropriations Chair…
TODAY’S HAPPENINGS Commissioner Pam Stewart announced a new test has been selected to replace the FCAT 2.0 exams beginning with the 2014-15 school year. The new assessments will be provided by the not-for-profit American Institutes for Research (AIR). FSBA is in the process of reviewing the materials that were released today and will provide and…
This Video Update features Dr. Wayne Blanton providing an update on state revenues available for allocation based on the most recent state Revenue Estimating Conference. Dr. Blanton also discusses several bills that are of concern to FSBA, including: HB 753 (Similar to SB 968) relating to school safety. SB 864 (Similar to HB 921) relating…
March 10, 2014 STATE BUDGET DEVELOPMENT House Speaker Weatherford released a DRAFT budget development timeline that calls for the House Appropriations bill and related Implementing and Conforming bills to be released by Friday, March 21 – these bills will then be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 26. This means that next…
This Video Update features Dr. Wayne Blanton providing an overview of the likely education budget and discussing several key bills of interest, including: SB 864 (Similar to HB 921) regarding adoption of instructional materials. FSBA opposes this bill. HB 7083 (Similar to SB 1528) relating to charter schools. FSBA opposes this bill. SB 1620 (Similar…
Thursday, March 6, 2014 TODAY’S HAPPENINGS In the Senate Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee: SB 622 – Paper Recycling by Clemens — PASSED The bill requires each district school board to develop a paper recycling program to be implemented within each classroom of the school district; requires money received for the recycling of paper or…