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TALLAHASSEE — The 2024 legislative session concluded Friday with the annual handkerchief drop ceremony in the rotunda between the House and Senate chambers. Below is a snapshot of the 10 big issues from the session.
budget: Lawmakers passed a $117.46 billion budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which begins July 1. The budget includes increased funding for public schools and pay raises for state employees. The associated tax package includes a series of sales tax “holidays.”
dodger student: Decades after being abused, former students at the shuttered Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna and another correctional school in Okeechobee will be relinquished by the state under a $20 million program approved by lawmakers. will receive compensation from.
education: In a hotly debated issue, lawmakers passed a bill aimed at eliminating “identity politics” from teacher training programs. He also approved a bill to allow volunteer chaplains in schools and a plan to ease regulations for school districts.
health care: Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has made it a priority to pass a wide-ranging plan that includes attempts to increase the number of doctors in the state and expand access to health care. Proponents say it will help meet the medical needs of a growing population.
hemp: Lawmakers passed a hotly debated bill aimed at outlawing euphoric hemp products sold in stores in the state, but opponents say the bill would shut down small businesses. , claimed that it could cost thousands of jobs.
homeless: Lawmakers passed a plan that would prohibit cities and counties from allowing homeless people to sleep in places like public buildings or rights-of-way. Local governments can designate sleeping and camping locations if certain criteria are met.
insurance: After major changes over the past two years, lawmakers have taken limited steps to address property and casualty insurance issues. It included a bill that would allow Second Home to withdraw from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and become a private operator.
Social media: In perhaps the most high-profile issue of the session, lawmakers passed a plan aimed at keeping children under 16 off social media. House Speaker Paul Renner has made the issue a priority, saying social media harms children’s mental health.
teenage worker: Lawmakers passed a bill easing work restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds. For example, it would maintain the 30-hour weekly limit for teens when school is in session, but allow parents and school superintendents to waive the limit.
Vacation rental: After years of trying to reach agreement on this thorny issue, lawmakers passed a bill to regulate vacation rentals. The bill includes pre-emptive regulations for states, allowing local governments to have registration programs.
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