TALLAHASSEE --- It’s showtime.
When Gov. Ron DeSantis takes the podium Tuesday morning in the House chamber to deliver his first State of the State address, he will formally start the 2019 legislative session. Then the annual 60-day sprint will begin for lawmakers, lobbyists, staff members, interest groups and reporters.
The Legislature has new leaders --- Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes. But the overall direction should look familiar, as Republicans continue more than two decades of control of both chambers.
But that doesn’t mean the next two months will be full of peace and love. The House and Senate will have different priorities and ultimately will have to hammer out a new budget that could be in the neighborhood of $90 billion.
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019
Legislature:
‘FRACKING’ BAN CONSIDERED: The Senate Agriculture Committee will take up a bill (SPB 7064) aimed at prohibiting the controversial oil- and gas-drilling technique known as “fracking.” (Monday, 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
PLASTIC STRAWS DEBATED: The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will consider a proposal (SB 588), filed by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, that would prevent cities and counties from regulating how restaurants and other establishments distribute plastic straws to customers. (Monday, 1 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
DRONE USE CONSIDERED: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will take up a bill (SB 766), filed by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, that would expand the circumstances in which law-enforcement agencies can use aerial drones. The bill would allow drones for such things as assisting in crowd control or traffic management. (Monday, 1 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
PREEXISTING CONDITIONS TARGETED: The Senate Health Policy Committee will consider a proposal (SB 322), filed by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, that would seek to ensure patients with preexisting conditions would have access to health coverage. The bill would create a contingency in case the federal Affordable Care Act is struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court or is repealed by Congress. In such a circumstance, the bill would require each health insurer in Florida to offer at least one major-medical insurance policy that could not limit or deny coverage based on patients’ preexisting conditions. (Monday, 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
COLLEGE NAME CHANGES CONSIDERED: The House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a bill (HB 525), filed by Rep. Holly Raschein, R-Key Largo, that would change the name of Florida Keys Community College to The College of the Florida Keys and change the name of North Florida Community College to North Florida College. (Monday, 2:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
LOCAL EDUCATION PROJECTS AT ISSUE: The House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee will consider numerous proposals in which lawmakers are seeking money for local education programs. (Monday, 2:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
‘AOB’ BACK AT SENATE COMMITTEE: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will take up a bill (SB 122), filed by Chairman Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, that would address the controversial insurance practice known as assignment of benefits. In assignment of benefits, homeowners in need of repairs sign over benefits to contractors, who ultimately pursue payments from insurance companies. Insurers contend that the practice has become riddled with fraud and litigation, while plaintiffs’ attorneys and other groups say it helps make sure claims are properly paid. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DISCUSSED: The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee will receive a presentation about violence against women. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
OVERDOSE PROSECUTIONS AT ISSUE: The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a proposal (SB 530), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that would make a series of changes related to prosecutions when people overdose on drugs or alcohol. For example, it would provide immunity for some offenses to people who give alcohol to underage drinkers and then seek medical assistance when those drinkers experience an alcohol overdose. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
SPECIAL ORDER SET: The Senate Special Order Calendar Group will meet to approve a list of bills that will be heard on the Senate floor. (Monday, 15 minutes after committee meetings end.)
Also:
FIU TRUSTEES MEET: The Florida International University Board of Trustees will meet after holding a series of committee meetings. (Monday, committees start at 8 a.m., with full board scheduled at 2 p.m., Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, MARC Building, Earlene and Albert Dotson Pavilion, Miami.)
UTILITY BALLOT MEASURE AT ISSUE: The Financial Impact Estimating Conference will hold a workshop about a proposed constitutional amendment that would overhaul the state’s electric utility industry. The proposal, backed by the political committee Citizens for Energy Choices, calls for wholesale and retail electricity markets to “be fully competitive so that electricity customers are afforded meaningful choices among a wide variety of competing electricity providers.” It would establish a right for customers to choose electricity providers and would limit the role of investor-owned electric utilities --- private companies such as Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co. and Gulf Power Co. --- to constructing, operating and repairing transmission and distribution systems. The political committee has submitted enough petition signatures to trigger a Florida Supreme Court review of the ballot wording. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
SPACE ISSUES DISCUSSED: The Space Florida Board of Directors is slated to hold a conference call. The meeting will be the first with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as board chair. (Monday, 8:30 a.m. Call-in number: 1-866-528-2256. Code: 4875556.)
‘MAURA’S VOICE’ FOUNDATION LAUNCHED: Friends and family members of Maura Binkley, a Florida State University student killed in November at a Tallahassee yoga studio, will launch Maura’s Voice, a foundation focused on addressing issues related to violence. Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, and Florida State University President John Thrasher are expected to take part in the event. (Monday, 10 a.m., Old Capitol steps.)
NURSING HOME ISSUES ON TABLE: The Florida Health Care Association, which represents nursing homes across the state, will hold a roundtable discussion with reporters about the association’s priorities for the 2019 legislative session. (Monday, 10 a.m., Florida Health Care Association Education and Training Center, 307 West Park Ave., Tallahassee.)
CITIES OUTLINE SESSION PRIORITIES: The Florida League of Cities will hold a roundtable discussion with reporters about issues in the upcoming legislative session. (Monday, 10 a.m., Florida League of Cities, 301 South Bronough St., Tallahassee.)
MOODY TARGETS FRAUD: Attorney General Ashley Mooody will hold a news conference in Hillsborough County to announce an effort to fight fraud. (Monday, 10 a.m., Attorney General’s Office, 3507 Frontage Road, Suite 325, Tampa.)
INCREASED EDUCATION FUNDING SOUGHT: Teacher union leaders from across the country, including Florida Education Association President Fedrick Ingram, will take part in a conference-call press conference to launch a campaign for increased education funding. The American Federation of Teachers will lead the campaign. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., media call-in number: 1-800-747-0365.)
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Transportation Commission will meet and take up issues such as reviewing the Department of Transportation work program. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)
RUBIO HOLDS ‘MOBILE’ OFFICE HOURS: Staff members for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will hold “mobile” office hours in Sarasota County. (Monday, 1 p.m., North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.)
COLLEGE ENROLLMENT CONSIDERED: The Education Estimating Conference will analyze enrollment at state colleges. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
AIF HOLDS PRE-SESSION GATHERING: Associated Industries of Florida will hold its annual pre-session reception honoring lawmakers. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., 516 North Adams St., Tallahassee.)
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019
Legislature:
SENATE KICKS OFF SESSION: The Senate will meet before moving to the House chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)
HOUSE GOES INTO SESSION: The House will meet before holding a joint session with the Senate to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)
DESANTIS GIVES STATE OF STATE: Gov. Ron DeSantis, who took office Jan. 8, will give his first State of the State address to formally start the 2019 legislative session. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)
BEACH PROJECTS CONSIDERED: The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 325), filed by Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, that would revise criteria used by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in ranking beach-management projects for funding. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
PHARMACIST POWERS WEIGHED: The House Health Quality Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 111), filed by Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, and Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Cocoa, that would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients for influenza and streptococcus. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
LOCAL SALES TAXES TARGETED: The House Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, will take up a bill (HB 5), filed by Rep. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, that would make it harder to raise local sales taxes. The bill would require sales-tax referendums to be held at the time of general elections and would require two-thirds approval from voters. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
BUDGET REQUESTS REVIEWED: The House Transportation & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee will consider dozens of budget requests for local projects. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
PRISON WORKER AGE AT ISSUE: The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will take up a bill (PCB CRJ 19-01) that includes lowering the minimum age for correctional officers from 19 to 18. The proposed change is aimed at increasing the number of potential officers. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
FIREFIGHTER CANCER BENEFITS AT ISSUE: The Senate Community Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (SB 426), filed by Chairwoman Anitere Flores, R-Miami, that would increase benefits for firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
HURRICANE MICHAEL MONEY EYED: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee will take up a bill (SB 376), filed by Chairman Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, that would set aside $50 million a year for projects in Northwest Florida counties hit by Hurricane Michael. The money would be available for such projects as reforestation, debris removal and beach renourishment. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
PUBLIC FINANCING TARGETED: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will consider a proposal (SJR 270), filed by Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, that seeks to end public financing of statewide campaigns. Statewide candidates received nearly $9.9 million in public financing during the 2018 elections, with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis receiving about $3.23 million and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum receiving $2.62 million. Under the program, statewide candidates can apply for public matching funds for contributions of $250 or less from individual donors. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
HIGHWAY PROJECTS CONSIDERED: The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee will take up a bill (SPB 7068) that would take the initial steps toward building three major highway projects, a priority of Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton. The projects would extend the Suncoast Parkway from the Tampa Bay area to the Georgia border, extend the Florida Turnpike west to connect with the Suncoast Parkway and build a new toll road from Polk County to Collier County. Galvano argues, in part, that the projects would help boost rural economic development. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
IMPACT FEES AT ISSUE: The House Commerce Committee will consider a proposal (HB 207), filed by Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, that would place additional restrictions on local impact fees. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
SINGLE SUBJECTS SOUGHT: The House State Affairs Committee will take up a proposal (HJR 53), filed by Rep. Cord Byrd, R-Neptune Beach, and Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, that would prevent the state Constitution Revision Commission and the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission from “bundling” multiple subjects into individual constitutional amendments. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
Also:
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Transportation Commission will meet and discuss a vision for the commission. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)
TRANSPORTATION MONEY ON TABLE: The Revenue Estimating Conference will discuss transportation revenues. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
TECO BILLS AT ISSUE: The Florida Public Service Commission will take up a series of issues, including a proposal that would lead to an increase in the monthly bills of customers of Tampa Electric Co. The request stems from a process that involves utilities passing through power-plant fuel costs to customers. The Public Service Commission each fall approves fuel costs that will be charged during the coming year. But utilities can seek changes if the estimates are off by more than 10 percent. Tampa Electric said higher-than-expected natural gas costs would lead to such an “under-recovery” of money in 2019. As a result, it is seeking to increase customer bills, with the proposal translating to about a 4 percent increase for typical residential customers. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)
USF TRUSTEES MEET: The University of South Florida Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., University of South Florida, Marshall Student Center, Tampa.)
RUBIO HOLDS ‘MOBILE’ OFFICE HOURS: Staff members for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will hold “mobile” office hours in Volusia and Miami-Dade counties. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, 132 Treemonte Dr., Orange City. Also, 9:30 a.m., Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 N.W. First St., Miami.)
HEARING AID BOARD MEETS: The Florida Board of Hearing Aid Specialists will hold a conference call. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-585-9008. Code: 599196982.)
UTILITY SCAMS TARGETED: The Florida Public Service Commission will hold events in Lake County to inform consumers about scams aimed at utility customers. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Groveland Senior Center, 142 Mills St., Groveland. Also, noon, Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 South Highway 27, Clermont.)
SCHOOL BUILDING MONEY EYED: The Revenue Estimating Conference will take up the Public Education Capital Outlay, or PECO, program. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
GULF COAST PARKWAY EYED: The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on a study about the Gulf Coast Parkway, which would provide a connection between U.S. 98 in Gulf County with U.S. 231 north of Panama City and U.S. 98 in Bay County. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Callaway Arts and Conference Center, 500 Callaway Park Way, Callaway,)
CRAPPIE MANAGEMENT: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will continue a series of meetings across the state seeking input on a draft plan involving the management of black crappie, a game fish commonly known as “speckled perch” or “specks.” (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee.)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019
Legislature:
HURRICANE MICHAEL RESPONSE OUTLINED: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs and Space Committee will receive a presentation from the Department of Military Affairs about the response to Hurricane Michael. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
VAPING BAN MOVES FORWARD: The Senate Rules Committee will take up a proposal (SB 7012) that would carry out a voter-approved ban on vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes in workplaces. The ban was approved in November as part of a constitutional amendment. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
SCHOOL VOUCHERS DEBATED: The Senate Education Committee will consider a bill (SB 7070) that would expand school choice in the state, including with a new voucher program dubbed the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. The program would provide scholarships to as many as 15,000 students to attend private schools during the 2019-2020 academic year. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
SPECIAL RISK CLASS ADDRESSED: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will take up a proposal (SB 574), filed by Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, that would revamp the “special risk” benefits class for workers at Florida State Hospital, Northeast Florida State Hospital, Sunland Center and the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
HEMP PROGRAM ON TABLE: The Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee will consider a proposal (SB 1020), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, that would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to administer a state hemp program. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
BESHEARS CONFIRMATION CONSIDERED: The Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a series of confirmations, including the confirmation of Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
EARLY CHILDHOOD COURTS EYED: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 90), filed by Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, that would create an early childhood court program that would address cases involving children who are typically under age 3. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM AT ISSUE: The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (SB 366), filed by Sen. Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens, that could lead to needle-exchange programs in various areas of the state. The proposal would expand a Miami-Dade County pilot program aimed at helping prevent the spread of HIV and other diseases by intravenous drug users. (Wednesday, 4:15 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
LOCAL BUDGET REQUESTS HEARD: The Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will hear presentations from senators about local budget requests. (Wednesday, 4:15 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
CORPORATE INCOME TAX CONSIDERED: The Senate Finance and Tax Committee will receive a presentation on the state corporate income tax and the 2017 federal tax overhaul. (Wednesday, 4:15 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
STATE LEADERS AT TAXWATCH DINNER: Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, Attorney General Ashley Moody and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis are slated to speak during Florida TaxWatch’s “State of the Taxpayer Dinner.” (Wednesday, 6 p.m. Hotel Duval, 415 North Monroe St., Tallahassee.)
OTHER SCHEDULED MEETINGS:
--- House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Civil Justice Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Gaming Control Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Higher Education & Career Readiness Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Oversight, Transparency & Public Management Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Ways & Means Committee (Wednesday, noon, Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee (Wednesday, 3 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Business & Professions Subcommittee (Wednesday, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 3 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee (Wednesday, 3 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
Also:
‘STAND YOUR GROUND’ AT SUPREME COURT: The Florida Supreme Court will take up four cases, including hearing arguments in a closely watched case about whether a controversial 2017 change to the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law should apply to older cases. An appeal was filed by Tashara Love, who sought to use the “stand your ground” law to be shielded from prosecution in a November 2015 shooting incident outside a Miami-Dade County nightclub. The legal issue centers on a 2017 change that shifted a key burden of proof in “stand your ground” cases --- a shift that can play a role in determining whether people claiming self-defense should be prosecuted. Love’s attorneys contend that the change should be applied retroactively to defendants who were arrested before the 2017 law took effect but whose cases were pending. In Love’s case, the 3rd District Court of Appeal ruled that the change should not apply retroactively. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)
CABINET AIDES MEET: Aides to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis will meet to discuss issues in advance of a March 12 Cabinet meeting. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)
FINANCIAL AID ANALYZED: The Education Estimating Conference will discuss issues related to student financial aid. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
UNEMPLOYMENT CASES CONSIDERED: The state Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission will meet. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., 101 Rhyne Building, 2740 Centerview Dr., Tallahassee.)
MEDICAID MONEY DISCUSSED: The Social Services Estimating Conference will consider Medicaid expenditures and county contributions to the Medicaid program. (Wednesday, noon, 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
RAIL PROJECT BONDS AT ISSUE: The Florida Development of Finance Corp. will hold a meeting about bonds for the Brightline rail system, which is planned to link Miami and Orlando. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd., Orlando.)
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
Legislature:
SENATE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor session and could begin considering bills. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)
OTHER SCHEDULED MEETINGS:
--- House Health Market Reform Subcommittee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 9 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 9 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee (Thursday, 9 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Appropriations Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, noon, Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, noon, Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, noon, 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Education Committee (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health & Human Services Committee (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Judiciary Committee (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Rules Committee (Thursday, 5 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Special Order Calendar Group (Thursday, 15 minutes after the Senate session ends)
Also:
FLORIDA A&M TRUSTEES MEET: The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees will meet after holding an ethics workshop and a committee meeting. (Thursday, events start at 8:30 a.m., with full board estimated to start at 10:30 a.m., Florida A&M University, The Grand Ballroom, Tallahassee.)
JUSTICES HEAR PRISON MURDER CASE: The Florida Supreme Court will take up five cases, including an appeal by a man sentenced to death for killing another inmate in 2012 at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution. The case stems from the beating death of Ricky Martin by cellmate Shawn Rogers. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)
PROPERTY TAXES DISCUSSED: The Revenue Estimating Conference will analyze ad valorem, or property, taxes. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
CANCER HOSPITAL PAYMENTS AT ISSUE: The Agency for Health Care Administration will hold a meeting about a proposed rule dealing with Medicaid reimbursements to cancer hospitals. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Dr., Building 3, Tallahassee.)
RUBIO HOLDS ‘MOBILE’ OFFICE HOURS: Staff members for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will hold “mobile” office hours in Duval and Miami-Dade counties. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 5-Star Veterans Center, 40 Acme St., Jacksonville. Also, 10 a.m., Rafael Villaverde Senior Center, Little Havana Center, 700 S.W. Eighth St., Miami.)
SUPREME COURT RELEASES OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)
PALMETTO EXPRESS LANES DISCUSSED: The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a workshop on the implementation of an express-lanes system and interchange improvements for the Palmetto Expressway in Miami-Dade County. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., West Dade Regional Library, Auditorium 1, 9445 Coral Way, Miami.)
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
Legislature:
SENATE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Friday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)
Also:
ETHICS COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Commission on Ethics will meet. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., 1st District Court of Appeal, 2000 Drayton Dr., Tallahassee.)
PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM ANALYZED: The Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference will consider the voluntary pre-kindergarten program. (Friday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
CITRUS FORECAST UPDATED: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is scheduled to release an updated forecast for Florida’s citrus-growing season. (Friday, noon.)
RUBIO HOLDS ‘MOBILE’ OFFICE HOURS: Staff members for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will hold “mobile” office hours in Gilchrist, Pinellas and Levy counties. (Friday, 1 p.m., Gilchrist County Public Library, Trenton Branch, 105 N.E. 11th Ave., Trenton. Also, 1 p.m., St. Petersburg Main Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. North, St. Petersburg. Also, 3:30 p.m., Levy County Public Library, Bronson Branch, 600 Gilbert St., Bronson.)
REVENUE ESTIMATING CONFERENCE MEETS: The Revenue Estimating Conference will hold what is known as an “impact” conference, which typically involves analyzing the potential costs of legislation. (Friday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
