House, Senate education budgets differ by $600 million

As anticipated, the Florida House unveiled a PreK-12 spending planWednesday that’s more than a half-billion dollars leaner than the version released Tuesday by the Senate.  Both differ from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request.  After introducing his $21.6 billion proposal, House PreK-12 Appropriations chairman Rep. Chris Latvala made clear he anticipated changes as the session progresses. Read More

FSBA Session Spotlight — March 20, 2019

Today’s schedule called for consideration of the Senate’s school safety bill – SB 7030 – this afternoon in the  Senate Infrastructure & Security Committee but there was not sufficient time for discussion, public testimony, and debate of the bill.  Committee Chair, Tom Lee, apologized and rescheduled consideration of the bill for Tuesday, March 26.  However,…

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…

Florida House advances Ron DeSantis’ charter school expansion plan

Florida House leadership has unveiled another proposal aimed at enacting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ goal of widely expanding school choice programs.  This time, it would open the door for a broader influx of charter schools into the state’s poorest communities.  A bill from the PreK-12 Innovation subcommittee, filed late Friday, would allow the establishment of “Hope” charter schools in “opportunity…

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 13, 2019

Today’s schedule appears fairly light, but several bills of interest will be considered, including bills relating to public records, facilities, growth management, and government accountability. In addition, the House will be in Session this afternoon to conduct 2nd Reading on the House and Senate versions of bills that address the medical use of marijuana.  These…