Day 39: Almost There11882 on 3/26/2013
As this session winds down, most bills we have followed this session remain in the process of being finalized or dying.  A few, however, have made it through both chambers and await the Governor's approval:
  • HB 115, amending provisions for the State Board hearings on local boards plus the bill prohibiting the expenditure of district funds to pay legal fees defending board members after the State Board makes its recommendation plus a provision to help students with HOPE eligibility when accreditation is at risk
  • HB 131, dual enrollment credits will be weighted as advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses are for the HOPE calculation
  • HB 244, changing the evaluation process for teachers, principals, and assistant principals
  • HB 284, the Return to Play Act also known as the concussion bill
  • SB 115, requiring that the performance data for students in residential centers be reported as a single statewide LEA
  • SB 212, requiring that training in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator be part of the high school Health & PE class
A few bills remain in conference committee:
  • 2014 budget
  • SB 101, making numerous changes to guns and weapons statutes
  • HB 142, making changes to lobbying and being lobbied
Some bills continue to change:
HB 143, relating to election requirements, passed the Senate today and goes back to the House for agreement to the Senate changes.  This bill would allow local candidates to file for office in their county or city office.  The local election office would then send the information to the state Ethics Commission.  Local candidates raising $2500 or less would not have to file campaign disclosure reports.  One of the more controversial changes is the prohibition of anyone running for the legislature or for statewide office from accepting or asking for contributions during the legislative session.  Currently that applies only to those in office.
 
HB 283, making numerous changes to Title 20, became a Christmas tree bill.  The additions started in the Senate version of the bill, but today the House made more changes.  The Office of Student Achievement could establish an Innovation Fund Foundation.  The funds would be awarded through a competitive grant process and appropriations could begin in 2015.  SB 243, the tax credit scholarship bill, was also attached.  The cap for the program would be $65 million.  Again the explanation was given that this was in exchange for removing the annual adjustment for inflation.  That adjustment is in statute, however, only through 2017.  At the current rate of inflation, it would take until 2024 to get to $65 million.  It goes to the Senate for agreement with the House changes.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Thursday, March 28th
The House will convene at 9:30; the Senate at 10 AM
 
One more day!