Look for Parent Trigger Bill to Return in 2013

On the last day of the 2012 session, the Florida Senate rejected the Parent Empowerment Act, more popularly known asthe Parent Trigger Act.

The measure, SB 1718, which was introduced by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Wellington, failed on a 20-20 vote as eight Republican senators -- Charlie Dean, Nancy Detert, Paula Dockery, Mike Fasano, Alan Hays (who was one of the original supporters of the bill), Dennis Jones, Evelyn Lynn and Steve Oelrich -- joined a united Democratic caucus in opposition to the bill, which would have allowed parents to pursue changes at low-performing schools -- including turning underperforming schools into charter schools.

While conservatives lost on Friday, this issue could return next year. Supporters of the legislation can take some comfort that many of the Republican opponents are facing term limits: Dockery, Fasano, Jones and Lynn, while Oelrich is running for Congress.

The measure showed strength in the other chamber as well. The House passed its version of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Michael Bileca, R-West Miami, on March 1 on a near party-lines vote with 80 representatives backing it and 34 opposing it.

While strange things can happen -- and the Legislature will have to return in special session to draw new lines for the Senate -- look for a variation of this measure to return in 2013.