Legislative Issues

BILLS FILED

The bill filing deadline is noon on January 11th, 2022. As of this writing, 2,703 bills have been filed with many more anticipated in the next month. Here is a sampling of some of the bills filed so far.

The bill filing deadline is noon on January 11th, 2022. As of this writing, 2,703 bills have been filed with many more anticipated in the next month. Here is a sampling of some of the bills filed so far.

EDUCATION A bill that would require new school testing at the start and middle of the year, beginning with the 2022-23 school year, has been introduced. Comprehensive math and reading exams would continue for the next three years while officials evaluate whether the new tests could be used in their place. A pair of bills would raise the age for compulsory school attendance from 16 to 18 years old and another pair of bills will investigate adding social media literacy education into public schools.

There is a constitutional amendment proposal to return the Commissioner of Education to an elected position, making that person a member of the Florida Cabinet. Another proposal would change district school board elections into partisan races.

SALES TAX HOLIDAYS Included in this year’s proposed sales tax holidays are: energy star and water sense appliances in April; hurricane preparedness in June; and a 10-day holiday on purchased school supplies in July and August.

SALES TAX REFUND Florida would offer a refund of taxes paid on materials to harden homes and businesses against hurricanes and other natural disasters.