Capitol Connection
2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: WEEK 4
This week marked week 4 and the halfway point of the Regular Legislative Session. On Friday, February 4th both chambers released their initial budget proposals. The Senate’s budget proposal totaled $108.6 billion while the House’s budget proposal totaled $105.3 billion. As the final few weeks of the legislative session unfold these spending plans will continue to be refined and negotiated within and across each chamber.

The budget press release from the Senate President’s Office may be found here.
The budget press release from the House Speaker’s Office may be found here.

On Thursday, February 3rd the House Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee met to unveil its proposed committee bill, PCB CFS 22-01 regarding Child Welfare. This bill looks at establishing a number of programs to support increased fatherhood engagement as well as supporting children in the child welfare system who may also become involved with the state’s juvenile justice system.

This week also saw movement on priority legislation. HB 195 the Juvenile Diversion Program Expunction bill by Representative David Smith, (R- Winter Springs) passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee and now heads to the House floor. SB 1830 by Senator Jason Brodeur, (R- Lake Mary) regarding Background Screening passed unanimously in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Lastly, HB 1199 by Representative Erin Grall, (R- Vero Beach) regarding funding for the School Readiness program passed unanimously out of the House Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee.

Next week, HB 1319 by Representative Angie Nixon, (D-Jacksonville) regarding School Readiness is agended to appear in the House Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee. In the Senate Appropriations Committee bills agended to appear include the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs committee bill SB 7034 relating to Child Welfare, SB 1048 by Senator Manny Diaz, (R- Hialeah Gardens) relating to Student Assessments, and SB 342 by Senator  Keith Perry, (R- Gainesville) regarding Juvenile Diversion Program Expunction. 

Until next week!

Sincerely,

The Florida Alliance of Children's Councils & Trusts
Healthy Development
Early Learning
Juvenile Justice
Child Protection
K-12 Education
Children With Disabilities
Economic Self-Sufficiency
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