Here’s a quick update on the bills we’re watching in the Florida legislature. The legislative session doesn’t actually kick off until Jan. 8 but bills can be pre-filed in preparation for the session and those bills can be assigned to committees and possibly even heard and voted on during committee meetings before the session. With that in mind, here’s what’s happening:
House Bill 827: Instructional Materials
Link to bill here.
“A controversial new state law that makes it easier for Florida residents to challenge books used in public schools could get overhauled next year so those who dislike certain texts could also suggest replacements they find more appropriate.” (Orlando Sentinel, 12/1/17)
Today (Dec. 8) the bill was referred to three committees: PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee, PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, and Education Committee. It looks like the PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee will be the first to consider the bill but it has not been scheduled for a meeting yet. It should be noted that the person who filed this bill, Rep. Byron Donalds, is on this committee.
At this time, this bill has no counterpart in the Senate.
Senate Bill 966: Educational Standards for K-12 Public Schools
Link to bill here.
Florida’s Senate Bill 966, prefiled on November 17, 2017, would, if enacted, require “[c]ontroversial theories and concepts … [to] be taught in a factual, objective, and balanced manner,” while allowing local school districts to use either the state science standards or alternatives “equivalent to or more rigorous than” them. Although there is no indication in the bill about which “theories and concepts” are deemed to be “controversial,” much less any guidance about adjudicating disputes about which are and which are not, it is suggestive that the bill’s sole sponsor, Dennis Baxley (R-District 12), has a history of antievolution advocacy. (NCSE, 11/20/17)
On Dec. 4, the bill was referred to three committees:Â Education, Appropriations, and Rules. It should be noted that the bill sponsor, Sen. Dennis Baxley, is on the Appropriation committee.
House Bill 825: Educational Standards For K-12 Public Schools
Link to bill here. This is the companion bill to SB 966.
Florida’s House Bill 825, prefiled on November 28, 2017, would, if enacted, require “[c]ontroversial theories and concepts … [to] be taught in a factual, objective, and balanced manner,” while allowing local school districts to use either the state science standards or alternatives “equivalent to or more rigorous than” them. (NCSE, 11/29/17)
Today (Dec. 8) the bill was referred to three committees: PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee, PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, and Education Committee. It looks like the PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee will be the first to consider the bill but it has not been scheduled for a meeting yet.
You need to be active now!
As you can see, these bills are live and on the move. The time to contact your local legislators is now, not later. Try to meet with them in person, especially if they’re serving on any of the committees these bills will be in front of. We can’t stop these bills without YOU!
