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 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…

Florida House committee eases gun restrictions at schools, churches

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…

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 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…

Florida Supreme Court approves DeSantis’ ask for grand jury on school safety

The Florida Supreme Court justices unanimously agreed to impanel a statewide grand jury to broadly investigate school safety, in an order issued Monday. The decision came after Gov. Ron DeSantis filed a petition on Feb. 13 to ask for the grand jury, which he said should have sweeping powers to oversee both the government failures…