A proposal (HB 403) to allow concealed weapons in churches operating on the same grounds as schools — deemed too controversial to move a year ago after the Parkland school shooting — cleared its first hurdle in the Florida House on Tuesday, with lawmakers contending it would protect clergy and parishioners. The Criminal Justice Committee also advanced…
In a decision that could have statewide implications, an administrative law judge Tuesday ruled that the Palm Beach County School Board is required to assign safety officers to charter schools under a law passed last year. Read More
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…
FSBA Legislative Update Video – 2019 Session, Week 1 from Florida School Boards Assoc on Vimeo.
The first week of the Legislative Session is winding down with only a few meetings of interest on the schedule. Bills that were considered today address teacher preparation, Bible study, and civics education and the outcome on these bills is available in the file below. There are no meetings of interest scheduled for tomorrow so our…
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
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,…
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. …
The Legislative session doesn’t kick off until Tuesday but it’s already clear that the education policy debate will be different this year. With a new, conservative state Supreme Court and Gov. Ron DeSantis pushing for allowing tax dollars to subsidize students going to private schools, many long-time education advocates said 2019 feels like a turning…
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…