by Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days Newsletter
February 25, 2022
The House and Senate have a $3.3 billion gap to bridge during budget conference meetings. But those can wait until next week, according to a joint memorandum issued Thursday. “Senators and Representatives can expect budget conference meetings to begin next week and, therefore, should feel free to return to their districts this weekend upon the conclusion of their scheduled obligations in Tallahassee,” the memo reads. So, what does the memo mean for onlookers? Enjoy your weekend — it’s likely your last chance to relax before Sine Die. Here’s your nightly rundown.
The Guv’s guy. A bill (HB 1295) that would allow the Governor to appoint a DEP Secretary without Cabinet approval is ready for the House floor.
Ballot police. The Senate could soon vote on a bill (SB 524) establishing an election crimes investigations unit, banning ranked-choice voting, changing vote-by-mail forms, and more.
‘Don’t Say Gay.’ The House has passed a controversial bill (HB 1557) to ban classroom “instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity” for kindergarten through third grade students.
Un-woke. The House approved a Republican effort (HB 7) to extinguish “woke” indoctrination in the classroom and corporate settings.
Safe schools. An update (HB 1421) to the MSD Public Safety Act passed the House unanimously to bipartisan applause.
Death dealer. The House passed a bill (HB 95) to open more drug dealers to the death penalty.
Butts off the beach. A bill (HB 105) that would allow local governments to bar smoking on beaches passed the House.
November or bust. A proposal (SB 1194) requiring to hold local tax referendums during a General Election cleared its final Senate committee.
All aboard. A Senate spending panel advanced a potential omnibus health care bill (SB 718) that amends home health care, assisted living facilities, and medical transportation laws.
401(k)-9. A bill (SB 226) creating a medical fund for Florida’s retired law enforcement dogs was approved in its final Senate committee.
Shine on. The full House approved legislation (HB 1411) that would open many water bodies to floating solar energy arrays.
Tag tussle. A bill (SB 364) that would lower the threshold for new specialty license plates ran into criticism as it rolled through its last Senate committee.
What’s your emergency? The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill (SB 890) requiring 911 public safety operators to complete telecommunicator CPR training every two years.
Action plan. A bill (SB 340) that would require schools to create a seizure access plan cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee with a unanimous vote.
