This marked the eighth week of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session. Both chambers continued to move substantive legislation in each chamber’s respective sessions throughout the week. Additionally, committee budget conferences took place this week culminating in full appropriations budget conferences taking place throughout the weekend. All budget materials from the Florida House may be found here and similarly, all budget materials from the Florida Senate may be found here. All budget negotiations must be completed by Tuesday, March 5th in order for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session to “Sine Die” on Friday, March 8th the 60th day of session.
On Monday, February 26th, the Senate Committee on Rules took up HB 49 Employment and Curfew of Minors by Representative Linda Chaney, (R- Pinellas) setting it up for a vote on the Senate floor.
On Tuesday, February 27th, the Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy heard the following bills; SB 436 Pregnancy and Parenting Resources Website by Senator Erin Grall, (R- Ft. Pierce), SB 536 Community-based Child Welfare Agencies by Senator Ileana Garcia, (R- Miami), and SB 1486 Permanency for Children by Senator Jay Collins, (R- Tampa), which were all reported favorably.
On Wednesday, February 28th, the House substituted HB 7039 Education by Representative Alex Rizo, (R-Miami) for SB 7002 Deregulation of Public Schools/School District Finance and Budgets, Facilities, and Administration and Oversight by Senator Travis Hutson (R- Palm Coast) and sent the bill back to the Senate in returning messages. The Senate also took up SB 864 Autism Spectrum Disorder Training for Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers by Senator Jay Collins, (R- Sarasota) where it is now in House messages.
On Thursday, February 29th, the House substituted HB 7025 Education by Representative Dana Trabulsy, (R- St. Lucie) for SB 7004 Deregulation of Public Schools/Assessment and Accountability, Instruction, and Education Choice by Senator Rosalind Osgood, (D- Tamarac) and sent the bill back to the Senate in returning messages. The Senate heard SB 274 Child Water Safety Requirements by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, (R- Doral), SB 168 Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screenings by Senator Tina Polsky, (D- Boca Raton), SB 536 Community-based Child Welfare Agencies by Senator Ileana Garcia, (R- Miami), and SB 1224 Protection of Children and Victims of Crime by Senator Colleen Burton, (R- Lakeland).
On Friday, March 1st, the House took up on third reading HB 1083 Permanency for Children by Representative Dana Trabulsy, (R- St. Lucie). The following bills were also placed on special order calendar; HB 499 Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screenings by Representative Lauren Melo, (R- Naples), HB 185 Dependent Children by Representative Dana Trabulsy, (R- St. Lucie), and HB 1061 Community-based Child Welfare Agencies by Representative Fiona McFarland, (R- Sarasota).
This Sunday the 55th day rule went into effect which states: No House bills on second reading may be taken up and considered by the House.
As always, we look forward to bringing you all the information from the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.
Until next time!
Sincerely,
The Florida Alliance of Children's Councils & Trusts
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