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As the 2026 Regular Session entered its second week, lawmakers continued advancing a broad array of policy proposals affecting Florida’s children, families, and communities. The House and Senate convened in Tallahassee to hear bills, move committee referrals, and set the stage for more substantive debates later in the session.
Education Policy Takes Shape
Education remained a central focus during the second week. The Senate unanimously approved an education regulatory reform bill that would reduce administrative requirements on Florida’s 67 school districts. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, would streamline mandates such as the uniform assessment calendar and provide expanded discretion to local school boards in how certain funds are used. The legislation now advances to the House for consideration. Broader scholarship reform continued to gain traction. The Senate passed SB 318, a bill to restructure and strengthen the state’s educational scholarship programs by consolidating funding sources, refining eligibility criteria, and tightening oversight. This move may affect the state’s flagship Family Empowerment and Hope scholarship initiatives.
Committees held hearings on several bills that will shape future debate, including measures on school safety, teacher contracts, and classroom technology. Subcommittees addressed topics ranging from limiting personal devices on campuses to discussions on teacher assessment and curriculum standards.
Child Welfare Advances in Committee
Lawmakers also focused on legislation affecting children’s health and welfare:
On child welfare, bills advanced that would revise oversight and services for youth under department care. For example, HB 763 and its Senate companion CS/SB 560 were positioned in committees to reconsider how psychotropic medication reporting, postsecondary support services, and performance metrics for aftercare services are managed for children in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
Lawmakers also reviewed proposals like HB 1229, which would establish licensure standards and safety requirements for residential homes serving medically or technologically dependent children.
Health Care Issues Continue to Emerge Early in Session
Health-related priorities surfaced both in committee hearings and advocacy circles:
Early session news and advocacy reports highlighted proposed bills (e.g., those focused on maternal and child health workforce expansion such as doula support programs) as part of the emerging health agenda. While not yet advancing to floor votes, these measures reflect early movement on disparities in maternal and infant care and expanded support services.
Juvenile Justice on the Legislative Calendar
Juvenile justice reforms were introduced and referred to committees:
The Senate looked to introduce SB 1734, a juvenile justice bill that, among other provisions, authorizes the governor to recognize heroism among juvenile detention and probation personnel. While largely procedural, its introduction signals early session attention to youth justice system personnel and structure.
Looking Ahead
With the legislative session scheduled to run through March 13, committees will continue shaping policy proposals in the coming weeks. The second week set the foundation for major debates on education reform, child welfare practices, health care access, and juvenile justice standards. As bills move through appropriations and full chamber calendars, attention will turn to balancing fiscal priorities with the needs of families and children across Florida.
Until next time!
Sincerely,
The Florida Alliance of Children’s Councils & Trusts
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