The information provided below is taken from an online update prepared and distributed by Peter Schorsch and Sachs Media. Schorsch is the editor of the blog FloridaPolitics.com.
The Senate’s draft of the 2020-21 state budget will be in the public’s hands by the end of the month, according to the timeline laid out by Senate Budget Chief Rob Bradley. The Fleming Island Republican also set some ground rules, most of them standard fare: amendments are capped at $250,000 unless they fund the entirety of a project, spending in amendments must be balanced out by cuts elsewhere, and no bundling allowed. If the chamber adheres to Bradley’s road map, budget meetings are on track to start in the third week of Session. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Parental consent marches on. After clearing its final committee stop, a controversial bill that would require minors to get parental consent before obtaining an abortion is expected to go before the full Senate in two weeks.
Adios, CRC? The House passed two bills poised to eliminate the Constitution Revision Commission. They won’t be the holdup this year.
Wrongful incarceration. A bill that would compensate Jacksonville’s Clifford Williams, who was locked up for 43 years for a crime he did not commit, cleared the House Civil Justice Subcommittee.
College-bound. A House panel approved two bills that would set up new college scholarship programs, one for students to attend state colleges and another for those who attend HBCUs.
Severing ties. A House panel voted unanimously to end the partnership between the Department of Children and Families and the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which has come under fire for alleged financial mismanagement.
Mission Act action. The state Senate voted unanimously in favor of a memorial bill that urges Congress to implement the 2018 VA Mission Act, which is aimed at improving veterans’ health care.
Sunscreen preemption primed. Senators moved a bill preempting local sunscreen bans to third reading, setting it up for a floor vote in the chamber.
Schools chief change. A measure that could make the Duval County school superintendent job an elected position was approved by the House Local Administration Subcommittee, but not without some objections.
Nicaraguan Prez denounced. The Senate passed a resolution condemning Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, claiming the foreign leader was oppressing the citizens of the Central American nation.
New Leader-D. Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. was named Leader-Designate of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2022-2024 term after a unanimous vote Wednesday.
Solo practice support. Top House Republicans and major business groups turned out in support of legislation to allow nurses and physician assistants to practice without physician oversight.