FSBA Legislative Update Week of January 26-30, 2026 | Session Week 3
HB 1071 (Education) by Rep. Trabulsy – This sweeping omnibus bill advanced through Pre-K-12 Budget Subcommittee (12-3) after extensive debate. If you attended Day in the Legislature then you heard Dr. Kim McDougal and I break down some of the more detailed provisions. There is lots going on with this bill that can’t fit into one concise summary, as it revises K-12 education requirements, funding restrictions, academic standards, and parental rights provisions. Major provisions include granting the Commissioner authority to remove instructional materials that violate state standards (even after approval), creating “educational emergency” status that exempts districts from collective bargaining provisions, restricting state funding for organizations engaged in “political or social activism,” and removing the guaranteed racial minority seat on the FHSAA public liaison advisory committee. Minority members raised concerns about the Commissioner’s expanded authority, potential impacts on student organizations, and funding restrictions. There are 8 amendments to this bill so far. The bill now moves to Education and Employment Committee.
HB 1119 (Materials Harmful to Minors) by Rep. Bankson – Passed House Education and Employment Committee (16-5) after contentious debate. The bill defines “harmful to minors” and strengthens processes for objecting to and removing instructional materials from schools. Rep. Hinson raised constitutional concerns about removing one prong of the Miller test, potentially exposing the law to First Amendment challenges. Several Democratic members questioned whether the bill would restrict access for students whose parents lack transportation or resources to obtain materials elsewhere. Supporters argued it simply prevents pornography in schools while allowing parental access to challenged materials outside the classroom. Additionally, supporters argued that the law does not prohibit the sale of such materials, just their presence in a school library.
HB 1279 (Education) by Rep. Kincart-Jonsson – Advanced through Careers and Workforce Subcommittee (12-5) with significant opposition. This comprehensive bill caps nonresident student enrollment at state universities at 5% for first-time-in-college students and ties preeminence funding to a 95% in-state freshman enrollment threshold. The bill also unifies weighted grading, requires lawful presence for financial aid, adjusts advanced course funding, and removes requirements that law schools seek American Bar Association accreditation specifically. Critics argued the residency caps could reduce tuition revenue, limit international student diversity, and harm Florida’s competitive university rankings. Supporters emphasized that Florida taxpayers deserve priority access to state universities.
SB 156 (Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers) by Sen. Leek – Passed the Senate floor (31-4) after advancing through Rules Committee. The bill enhances penalties for crimes committed against law enforcement officers and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to the list of offenses requiring life imprisonment without eligibility for release. Named in memory of Officer Jason Raynor, the legislation clarifies that persons cannot resist officers with violence or threat of violence when officers are performing official duties.
There are many, many bills that we are tracking. These are just some “highlights” of what transpired this week.
Thank you!
Joe McGehee
Director of Advocacy and Legislative Services
To review the bills we are monitoring, click on the bill tracker prepared by Dr. Kim McDougal and the Arrow Group.
Session 3 Report – Education
Property Taxes
Week 4 Calendar
