2013 Florida Legislative Session Breakdown
A summary of many of the public policy decisions made in 2013, where they stand and what they’ll mean for Florida.
Another Florida Legislative Session has come and gone…
Headquartered in Florida’s Capital City, The James Madison Institute (JMI) team knows Tallahassee still hums after the Sine Die hanky hits the floor. But, the hustle and bustle dying down at the Capitol means Floridians will see what did and didn’t make it to the Governor’s desk, and what will become Florida law. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most talked about bills of the 2013 Florida Legislative Session brought to you by your team at JMI. As always, we welcome your feedback – just reply to this email!
All the Best,
The James Madison Institute Policy Team
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Education
JMI’s Bill Mattox testified in the Senate on the importance of parent’s having options when faced with a failing school. Mr. Mattox and JMI’s Thomas Perrin also spoke on education issues in a House education strategy session this year. Related JMI Publications: Expanding Students’ Learning Option; Raise Graduation Standards to Boost Florida’s Economy
EDUCATION: HB 867 (SB 862)
FAILED: Relating to Parent Empowerment in Education by Rep. Trujillo (Sen. Stargel)
HB 867 enables parents, by petitioning the school district, to request implementation of a parent-selected turnaround option for Florida’s lowest performing public schools. Read more here. Status: Passed by House; Failed on Senate Floor (04/30/13) / Vote Count: House (68-51)/Senate (20-20)
EDUCATION: SB 1108 (HB 465)
SENT to Governor: Relating to Exceptional Student Education by Sen. Gardiner (Rep. Brodeur). The bill provides for the involvement of parents of students with disabilities in meetings, including those related to decisions regarding assessment and placement. Read more here. Status: Passed by Legislature; Sent to Governor (5/1/2013) / Vote Count: House (118-0)/Senate (39-0) / Effective Date: July 1, 2013
EDUCATION: HB 7029 (SB 904)
SENT to Governor: Relating to Education by Choice & Innovation Subcommittee (Sen. Brandes). The bill includes several provisions that increase access to digital and blended learning options. Read more here. Status: Passed by Legislature; Sent to Governor (5/7/2013) / Effective Date: July 1, 2013
Elections
ELECTIONS: HB 0569 (SB 1382)
SIGNED by Governor: Relating to Campaign Finance by Rep. Schenck (Sen. Latvala)
The bill includes the major provisions relating to campaign finance and Committees of Continuous Existence. Read more here. Status: Passed by Legislature; Signed by Governor (5/1/2013) / Vote Count: House (79-34)/Senate (37-2) / Effective Date: Nov. 1, 2013
ELECTIONS: HB 7013 (SB 600)
SENT to Governor: Relating to Florida Election Code by Ethics & Elections Subcommittee (Sen. Latvala)
This bill increases the number of days available for early voting. Read more here.
Status: Passed by Legislature; Sent to Governor (5/10/2013) / Vote Count: House (115-1)/Senate (27-13) / Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2014
Health Care
JMI weighed in aggressively this session on Florida’s options for implementing Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) provisions. Learn about JMI’s efforts here.
HEALTH CARE: HB 7169
DIED: Relating to Florida Health Choices Plus Program by Rep. Cummings
HB 7169 uses the infrastructure of Florida Health Choices (FHC) to implement the Florida Health Choices Plus Program (FHC Plus). Read more here. Status: Died in House returning messages (04/30/13) / Vote Count: House (71-45)/Senate (N/A)
HEALTH CARE: SB 1816
DIED: Relating to Health Care by Sen. Negron. This bill expands the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) to revise legislative intent to include a new program, Healthy Florida. Read more here. Status: Died in Senate returning messages (04/29/13) / Vote Count: House (N/A)/Senate (N/A)
Public Employee Pensions
Related JMI Publications on Public Employee Pensions: Act Like Leaders But Then Get Slammed; Pension Reform in Florida: Unfinished Business; Leadership Is Needed for Pension Reform; A Tale of Two Capital Cities
