Jeff Bergosh Blog: Several Interesting Bills still Alive in Tallahassee for 2012

The below update was provided to School Board members yesterday from Ruth Melton of the Florida School Boards Association:

SESSION UPDATE

With less than two weeks left in the Session, today is the last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings – the remaining days of the session will be spent working on bills in floor Session or working on the budget in Conference Committee meetings. This afternoon, the chambers came to an agreement on the total allocations for each budget category (i.e. how much will the state allocate to education, health and human services, general government, etc). As a result, members of the Conference Committees will be named later today and an orientation meeting for all Conferees is scheduled for 7:00 this evening – we will report to you tomorrow on the membership of the Conference Committees and any other pertinent information from tonight’s meeting. As we have pointed out in previous Updates, there are only a few differences between the House and Senate K-12 education budgets and we expect the education budget Conference Committee to come to terms relatively quickly. You may access our side-by-side comparison of the House and Senate education budget proposals at: http://www.fsba.org/userfiles/File/Comparison.12-13vs.House&Senate.2.23.12.pdf <http://www.fsba.org/userfiles/File/Comparison.12-13vs.House&Senate.2.23.12.pdf> .

With regard to bills to be considered on the floor, a couple of points to keep in mind:

• Bills that are on 2nd Reading are usually not considered until they are placed on the Special Order Calendar -- many bills on 2nd Reading never make it onto the Special Order Calendar. For those that do make it onto the Special Order calendar, if the chamber fails to consider all of the bills on its Special Order Calendar during the day, the bills are usually placed on the Special Order Calendar for the next day.

• Bills that are on 3rd Reading are placed on a separate calendar, usually in chronological order of when they received 2nd Reading. It is typical for a chamber to set aside its Special Order Calendar and take up bills on 3rd Reading without any particular notice.

• Once a bill has passed one chamber, it is sent -- “In Messages” -- to the other chamber for consideration. When the other chamber receives the bill, they may suspend other work and take up the bill that has arrived. Often, the bill’s companion will be called up as well – even if it is not on 2nd or 3rd Reading.

• When a bill is amended on the floor, it is ordered “Engrossed” -- which means that the text of the bill is rewritten to reflect the amendment. If the bill is amended on 2nd Reading, the result is called “1st Engrossed” (i.e. engrossed for the first time); if it is amended on 3rd Reading, the result is called “2nd Engrossed” (i.e. engrossed for the second time).

• In order for a bill to pass the legislature and be enacted into law, both chambers must pass EXACTLY THE SAME bill. It is common for a bill that has passed one chamber to be amended in the other chamber and sent back to the first chamber for further consideration.

• When a bill has passed both chambers, it is ordered “Enrolled” – which means that it is to be signed by the officers of each chamber and sent to the governor for approval or veto.

We have updated our main Bill Tracking List to include only those education related bills that we believe are still viable for passage during this session – this narrowed down our main Tracking List from more than 500 bills to a mere 150+/-. We will continue to keep an eye on the bills that we have taken off our main Tracking List -- and will let you know if any of these “dead” bills come back to life -- but our focus will be more on those bills that are moving. You may access our revised Tracking List at: http://www.fsba.org/userfiles/File/TrackingList.2.24.12.pdf <http://www.fsba.org/userfiles/File/TrackingList.2.24.12.pdf> .

TODAY’S HAPPENINGS

The State Board of Education met today to consider, among other things, revisions to the Rule that governs the calculation of school grades. The proposed Rule revision has been the subject of controversy because it is likely to result in many more schools receiving D’s and F’s and becoming subject to state interventions. Joy Frank, general counsel for FADSS, has written an excellent summary of events at today’s meeting. You may access Ms. Frank’s summary, along with related background materials on the FSBA website at http://www.fsba.org/briefsupdates.asp#schoolgrades <http://www.fsba.org/briefsupdates.asp#schoolgrades> .

In the Senate Session:

SB 268 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0268> – Sponsorship of State Greenways & Trails by Wise – READ 2ND TIME Providing for the Department of Environmental Protection to enter into concession agreements for commercial sponsorship displays to be displayed on certain state greenway and trail facilities or property; specifying which greenways and trails may be included in the sponsorship program; providing for distribution of proceeds from the concession agreements, etc.

SB 366 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0366> – Group Insurance for Public Employees by Gaetz – READ 2ND TIME; AMENDED; ORDERED ENGROSSED Requiring that school districts procure certain types of insurance for their officers and employees through interlocal agreements; providing an exception; requiring each school district to enter into an interlocal agreement and establish the School District Insurance Consortium governed by a board of directors; providing for membership and specifying terms of office for board members; requiring the Department of Management Services to provide technical services to the consortium; requiring the consortium to advertise for competitive bids for insurance; requiring that school districts engage in collective bargaining with certified bargaining agents, etc. [NOTE: The bill includes an “Opt Out” provision if the district can obtain the coverage at a better price than that available through the Consortium] SB 874 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0874> -- Sick Leave for School District Employees by Benacquisto – READ 2ND TIME; SUBSTITUTED FOR HB 285; LAID ON THE TABLE HB 285 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47432&SessionId=70> -- Sick Leave for School District Employees by Harrell – WITHDRAWN FROM COMMITTEES OF REFERENCE; SUBSTITUTED FOR SB 874, READ 2ND TIME Authorizing each district school system to provide a policy allowing the donation of accrued sick leave to any district employee; providing standards for a sick leave transfer policy, etc.

In the House Session:

HB 937 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48170&SessionId=70> – Effective Public Notices by Governmental Entities by Workman – READ 2ND TIME Requires that, after specified date, if legal notice is published in newspaper, newspaper shall also place notice on website at no additional charge; requires free online access; requires that legal notices published in newspapers also be published on specified statewide website; requires that, after specified date, newspapers that publish legal notice must provide e-mail notification of new notices; authorizes electronic proof of publication affidavits; etc.

HB 19 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47016&SessionId=70> -- Public School Buses by Nelson – READ 2ND TIME Provides for district school board policies that authorize commercial advertisements on school buses; provides policy requirements relating to reimbursement to school district, prohibited advertisements, & signage & equipment standards; requires school bus to be withdrawn from use under certain circumstances; provides for remittance & allocation of revenue.

HB 1343 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48653&SessionId=70> – Discretionary Sales Surtaxes by Fresen – READ 2ND TIME Expands purposes for which revenues from school capital outlay surtax may be used; makes use of surtax revenues for specified additional purposes contingent upon certain school board actions relating to reduction of certain property taxes during time surtax is in effect; requires approval of electors in order to use surtax revenues for additional purposes authorized by act.

HB 7085 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=49002&SessionId=70> – VPK Education Program by K-20 Competitiveness – READ 2ND TIME Requires private providers & public schools that deliver VPK program to execute statewide provider agreement prescribed by OEL; authorizes execution of single agreement on behalf of multiple private providers or public schools; requires OEL to adopt rules prescribing statewide provider agreement; requires early learning coalitions (ELCs) to use agreement; provides for format & content of agreement; prohibits ELC from executing agreements with private providers until ELC determines that providers are eligible to deliver program; etc.

HB 431 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47578&SessionId=70> – Joint Use of Public School Facilities by Nehr – READ 2ND TIME Encourages district school board to adopt written policies to promote public access to outdoor recreation & sports facilities on school property, to increase number of joint-use agreements, & to develop & adopt policies & procedures for appeal process if negotiations for joint-use agreement fail; provides immunity from liability for district school board that adopts public access policies or enters into joint-use agreement except in instances of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

HB 1173 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48414&SessionId=70> – Criminal Gang Prevention by Ingram – READ 2ND TIME Provides enhanced criminal penalties for certain trespassing offenses in school safety zones by person convicted of certain gang-related offenses; provides enhanced criminal penalties for person who intentionally causes, encourages, solicits, or recruits another person under specified age to become criminal gang member in certain circumstances; etc.

HB 1059 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48308&SessionId=70> – Background Screening / Noninstructional Contractors by Perry – READ 2ND TIME Requires DOE to create uniform, statewide identification badge to be worn by noninstructional contractors signifying that contractor has met specified requirements; requires school districts to issue identification badge to qualified contractor; provides that identification badge shall be recognized by all school districts; requires DOE to determine uniform cost school district may charge contractor for receipt of identification badge, which shall be borne by contractor.

HB 651 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47885&SessionId=70> – Building Construction and Inspection by Davis – TEMPORARILY POSTPONED ON 2ND READING Revises authorized methods of sending notices to violators of local codes; requires state or any county, municipality, or other public body or institution to open sealed bids or certain portions of sealed bids & disclose certain information at public meeting; etc.

In the Senate Criminal & Civil Justice Appropriations:

SB 834 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0834> – Juvenile Justice Education by Education PreK – 12 – PASSED WITH CS Requiring that each juvenile committed to a juvenile justice commitment program have a transition plan upon release; requiring that the transition plan include an education transition plan component and information regarding delinquency treatment and intervention services that are accessible upon exiting the program; requiring that the Department of Education rather than the Department of Juvenile Justice ensure that there is accurate cost accounting for certain education programs; etc.

SB 1846 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1846> – Criminal Gang Prevention by Evers -- PASSED Providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain trespassing offenses in school safety zones by a person convicted of certain gang-related offenses; providing enhanced criminal penalties for a person who intentionally causes, encourages, solicits, or recruits another person under a specified age to become a criminal gang member in certain circumstances; etc.

In the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Committee:

SB 1314 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1314> – Career-themed Courses by Gaetz – NOT CONSIDERED [See NOTE below] Revising provisions relating to the Florida Career and Professional Education Act; requiring that each district school board, in collaboration with regional workforce boards, economic development agencies, and postsecondary institutions, develop a strategic 3-year plan addressing and meeting local and regional workforce demands; revising the requirements of the strategic 3-year plan to include career-themed courses and specified strategies; revising provisions relating to the computation of the annual allocation of funds to each school district for operation, etc. [NOTE: The CS for SB 1368 (below) incorporates the provisions of this bill] HB 808 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47753&SessionId=70> – Use of Public School Grounds and Facilities by Norman -- PASSED Encouraging each district school board to adopt written policies to promote public access to outdoor recreation and sports facilities on school property, increase the number of joint-use agreements, and develop and adopt policies and procedures for an appeal process when negotiations for a joint-use agreement fail; providing immunity from liability for a district school board that adopts public access policies or enters into a joint-use agreement except in instances of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, etc.

SB 1010 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1010> – Career and Adult Education by Oelrich – PASSED Requiring the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards to include financial literacy in the core curricular content of economics; providing that the credit requirement in economics for high school graduation includes instruction in financial literacy; authorizing district school boards and Florida College System institution boards of trustees to vary up to a specified percentage of intended learning outcomes of career education programs; deleting lifelong learning courses or activities and recreational or leisure courses as priorities in the provision of adult education program academic services, etc.

SB 1368 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1368> – High School Graduation by Gaetz – PASSED WITH CS Establishing Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) options to provide eligible public school students educational options that provide academically challenging curriculum or accelerated instruction; requiring that school districts notify parents of options for early or accelerated high school graduation at the beginning of each school year and during registration for the next term; creating the “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) High School Graduation Acceleration Act of 2012”, etc. [NOTE: The CS for this bill incorporates the provisions of SB 1314 (above) and SB 1366 relating to the recruitment of students who meet specified requirements and match them to potential employers, requiring that the Department of Economic Opportunity refer secondary school students who have been identified as having earned an industry certification in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to an online registration website or a private placement service that links the student to information, resources, and employment opportunities, etc.] SB 1402 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1402> – Education / Florida Virtual School by Gardiner – PASSED WITH CS Providing that Florida Virtual School full-time students who meet specified academic and conduct requirements are eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities at certain public schools; revising provisions relating to customized and accelerated learning through virtual instruction to include blended learning courses; providing that the Florida Virtual School may provide part-time instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 12, etc.

SB 1422 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1422> – Public School Instruction by Altman -- PASSED Requiring that members of the instructional staff of public schools provide instruction to students about the events surrounding the terrorist attacks occurring on September 11, 2001, and the impact of those events on the nation, etc.

SB 1522 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1522> – Accountability In Public Schools by Montford -- PASSED Revising the duties of the Commissioner of Education which relate to the statewide assessment program; requiring that the State Board of Education comply with the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act flexibility waiver approved by the United States Secretary of Education; requiring that the Department of Education annually identify each public school in need of intervention and support to improve student academic performance; requiring that the state board apply the most intense intervention and support strategies to schools earning a grade of “F”, etc.[NOTE: This bill aligns Florida’s accountability system with the requirements of Florida’s waiver under NCLB] SB 1610 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1610> – Background Screening / Noninstructional Contractors by Dean – PASSED WITH CS Requiring the Department of Education to approve a uniform, statewide identification badge to be worn by noninstructional contractors signifying that a contractor has met specified background screening requirements; requiring school districts to issue the identification badge to a qualified contractor; providing that the identification badge shall be recognized by all school districts; requiring the department to determine the cost to be borne by the contractor, etc. [NOTE: The CS removes all references to the provisions of SB 834 relating to Juvenile Justice Education which had been amended into this bill in a previous committee] SB 1718 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1718> – Parent Empowerment in Education by Benacquisto – PASSED WITH CS Authorizing parents of students who are assigned to certain underperforming public schools to submit a petition to the school district requesting implementation of a school turnaround option; requiring a school district, upon request, to provide a parent with a performance evaluation for each classroom teacher assigned to his or her child; creating the Parent Empowerment Act; requiring each school district to notify parents of students attending a lowest-performing school that has been unable to improve performance after implementation of a school turnaround option; repealing provisions relating to teachers teaching out-of-field, etc. [NOTE: This bill narrowly passed and there was the assertion by a committee member as to whether the committee complied with Senate rules in the manner in which it was passed] SB 1728 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1728> – Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Awareness by Montford -- PASSED Authorizing each district school board to provide cyberbullying awareness instruction in K-12 public schools during the beginning of the school year; providing for designation of “Cyberbullying Awareness Week”; providing for the integration of cyberbullying awareness instruction into existing curriculum and the goals of such instruction, etc.

In the Senate Finance & Tax Committee:

HB 5703 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48979&SessionId=70> – Tax on Communications & Utility Services by Finance & Tax -- PASSED Changes rate at which sales price of certain communications services are taxed & rate of additional tax on certain communications services. [NOTE: This is a House Conforming bill for which the Senate has no companion. The tax on communications and utility services is a source of PECO funding. The effect of this bill is to provide an additional $40 to $50 million to the PECO Trust Fund with, after bonding, could provide as much as $350 million for capital outlay projects.] SB 980 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0980> – Discretionary Sales Surtaxes by Margolis -- PASSED Expanding the purposes for which revenues from the school capital outlay surtax may be used; making the use of surtax revenues for specified additional purposes contingent upon certain school board actions relating to the reduction of certain property taxes during the time the surtax is in effect; requiring approval of the electors in order to use surtax revenues for the additional purposes authorized by the act, etc.[NOTE: 14 school districts currently levy this sales tax to produce about $350 million this year.]

In the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee:

SB 1358 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1358> – Drug-Free Workplace Act by Hays – PASSED WITH CS Removing the definition of the term “safety-sensitive position,” redefining the term “job applicant,” and defining the term “random testing” for purposes of the Drug-Free Workplace Act; authorizing an agency within state government to conduct random drug testing every 3 months; removing provisions prohibiting a state agency from discharging or disciplining an employee under certain circumstances based on the employee’s first positive confirmed drug test; authorizing an agency to refer an employee to an employee assistance program or an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program if the employee is not discharged, etc.

In the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee:

SB 492 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0492> – Education Law Repeals by Braynon – PASSED WITH CS Repealing provisions relating to a K-12 foreign language curriculum plan, a pilot project that allows school districts to award alternative credit for high school courses, aspirational goals for the professional credentials of prekindergarten instructors, the development by state universities and Florida College System institutions of substance abuse training programs, incentives for urban or socially and economically disadvantaged area internships, authorization for the Department of Education to contract with the Florida Sheriffs Association to operate a statewide school safety hotline, etc.

In the Senate Transportation, Tourism, & Economic Development Appropriations Committee:

SB 1464 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1464> – Public Records / Officers-Elect by Gaetz – PASSED WITH CS Declaring that it is the policy of this state that the provisions of ch. 119, F.S., apply to officers-elect upon their election to public office; requiring that such officers-elect adopt and implement reasonable measures to ensure compliance with the public records obligations set forth in ch. 119, F.S.; etc.

SB 1398 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1398> – Regional Workforce Boards by Gardiner – PASSED WITH CS Authorizing the chief elected official in the area of a regional workforce board to appoint representatives to the board if authorized by the Governor; requiring members and the executive director of a regional workforce board to make financial disclosures; providing that the selection of the chair of a regional workforce board is subject to the approval of the Governor; providing that members of a regional workforce board serve at the pleasure of the Governor; requiring that staff of the Department of Economic Opportunity, under the direction of Workforce Florida, Inc., assign staff to review the performance of regional workforce boards, etc.

SB 842 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0842> – Growth Management by Bennett – PASSED WITH CS Requiring a local land planning agency to periodically evaluate and appraise a comprehensive plan; revising and providing requirements relating to public facilities and services, public education facilities, and local school concurrency system requirements; deleting redundant requirements for interlocal agreements relating to public education facilities, etc.

SB 292 <https://em.eboardsolutions.com/em/People/October%2020,%202011> – Effective Public Notices by Governmental Entities by Bennett -- PASSED Requiring that, after a specified date, if a legal notice is published in a newspaper, the newspaper publishing the notice shall also place the notice on a website maintained by the newspaper; revising physical requirements for proof of publication affidavits; authorizing electronic affidavits that meet specified requirements; limiting the rate that may be charged for government notices required to be published more than once in certain circumstances; etc.

In the Senate Budget Committee: [NOTE: The time allotted for this meeting was consumed by discussion on other bills. There was an indication that the committee may meet again, but it is not clear whether the meeting will include consideration of the bills below] SB 256 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0256> – Youth and Student Athletes by Flores – NOT CONSIDERED Requiring independent sanctioning authorities to adopt policies to inform certain officials, coaches, and youth athletes and their parents of the nature and risk of certain head injuries; requiring that a signed consent form be obtained before the youth participates in athletic practices or competitions; requiring that a youth athlete be immediately removed from an athletic activity following a suspected head injury; requiring written clearance from an appropriately licensed and trained physician who is qualified in the field of neurology before the youth resumes athletic activities; requiring the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt policies to inform certain officials, coaches, and student athletes and their parents of the nature and risk of certain head injuries, etc.

SB 1256 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1256> – Administration of Property Taxes by Finance & Tax – NOT CONSIDERED Revising the definitions of the terms "assessed value of property" and "complete submission of the rolls"; providing that a taxpayer has a right to have a hearing before the value adjustment board rescheduled if the hearing is not commenced within a certain period after the scheduled time; etc.

SB 2024 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/2024> – State Retirement by Governmental Oversight & Accountability – NOT CONSIDERED Providing an exception from the prohibition for reenrollment in the Florida Retirement System for a retiree who is elected or appointed for the first time; providing that certain retirees who return to covered employment are mandatory members of investment plans; specifying the age of eligibility to participate in DROP for members enrolled after a certain date; providing that a retiree who is a member of the investment plan, the State University System Optional Retirement Program, the State Community College Optional Retirement Program, or the Senior Management Service Optional Annuity Program and is reemployed between certain dates is not eligible for renewed membership in a retirement plan, etc.

COMING UP TOMORROW

The Senate will be in Session (10:00 am – 5:30 pm; Florida Channel webcast) to consider the following bills and others on 3rd Reading:

SB 268 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0268> – Sponsorship of State Greenways & Trails by Wise

Providing for the Department of Environmental Protection to enter into concession agreements for commercial sponsorship displays to be displayed on certain state greenway and trail facilities or property; specifying which greenways and trails may be included in the sponsorship program; providing for distribution of proceeds from the concession agreements, etc.

SB 366 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0366> – Group Insurance for Public Employees by Gaetz

Requiring that school districts procure certain types of insurance for their officers and employees through interlocal agreements; providing an exception; requiring each school district to enter into an interlocal agreement and establish the School District Insurance Consortium governed by a board of directors; providing for membership and specifying terms of office for board members; requiring the Department of Management Services to provide technical services to the consortium; requiring the consortium to advertise for competitive bids for insurance; requiring that school districts engage in collective bargaining with certified bargaining agents, etc. [NOTE: The bill includes an “Opt Out” provision if the district can obtain the coverage at a better price than that available through the Consortium]

HB 285 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47432&SessionId=70> -- Sick Leave for School District Employees by Harrell

Authorizing each district school system to provide a policy allowing the donation of accrued sick leave to any district employee; providing standards for a sick leave transfer policy, etc.

The House will be in Session (10:00 am – completion of agenda; Florida Channel webcast) to consider the following bills and others on 2nd Reading:

SB 98 <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0098> -- Education / Inspirational Message by Siplin

Authorizing a district school board to adopt a policy that allows an inspirational message to be delivered by students at a student assembly; providing policy requirements; providing purpose, etc.

HB 1191 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48437&SessionId=70> – Parent Empowerment in Education by Bileca

Authorizes parents of students assigned to certain underperforming public schools to submit petition to school district requesting implementation of school turnaround option selected by parents; requires school district, upon request, to provide parent with performance evaluation for classroom teachers assigned to child; requires notification to parent of student assigned to teacher who is teaching out-of-field or has received unsatisfactory performance evaluations; requires such notification to include information about availability of virtual instruction.

HB 1115 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48360&SessionId=70> – Teacher Protection by Brandes

Requires that certain professional teacher associations be given equal access to initial orientations; provides that certain not-for-profit, professional teacher associations are not employee organizations for purposes of specified provisions until applying for registration as certified bargaining agents; prohibits postsecondary educational institution or district school board from requiring student enrolled in teacher preparation program to purchase liability insurance.

HB 689 <http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47915&SessionId=70> – American Founders' Month by Bileca

Designates month of September as "American Founders' Month"; authorizes Governor to annually issue proclamation designating month & urging participation; requires district school boards to celebrate American Founders & principles inherent in country's founding documents by observing American Founders' Month; specifies focus of instruction & authorizes integration into existing school curriculum; requires distribution to school personnel, at beginning of school year, of information relating to patriotic programs.

In addition, Conference Committee meetings are tentatively scheduled for 8:00-9:00 am and 6:00 – 8:00 pm

IN THE NEWS

Tallahassee Democrat

Educators: School grade changes will hurt the disabled

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20120228/NEWS01/202280308/-1/NLETTER01/Educators--School-grade-changes-will-hurt-disabled?source=nletter-news <http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20120228/NEWS01/202280308/-1/NLETTER01/Educators--School-grade-changes-will-hurt-disabled?source=nletter-news>

Florida Times Union

Florida school officials: $1 billion not enough

http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-02-28/story/florida-school-officials-1-billion-not-enough#ixzz1ngWZSZRQ <http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-02-28/story/florida-school-officials-1-billion-not-enough#ixzz1ngWZSZRQ>

Miami Herald

Jeb Bush’s Foundation has shaped Florida Education Policy

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/28/2665051/jeb-bushs-foundation-has-shaped.html#storylink=cpy <http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/28/2665051/jeb-bushs-foundation-has-shaped.html#storylink=cpy>

Daytona Beach News Journal