Representatives and senators returned to the Capitol to begin the second half of their 2010 session on this day after having taken two weeks off for "budget hearings" (and, for the hysteria that resulted from cuts to "sacred cow" programs threatened by the University System institutions).  Even after the two-week hiatus, though, the fiscal situation remained uncertain as all under the Gold Dome awaited the February revenue numbers (due to be released on Tuesday, March 9).

Both chambers did conduct more business than had been their practice on this twenty-first day, as the Senate tackled a seven-bill calendar (two education bills included) and the House acted on a six-bill one (one education bill included).  The Senate was in an agreeable mood, and there was little debate on the bills on their calendar.  Passing easily were SB 298 (requires instruction in first aid as part of the health curriculum) and SB 340 (calls for a more uniform reporting system for grades in relation to the HOPE scholarship).  Both these bills now move across to the House for consideration and potential action.

On the House side of the building, the Governor's School Board Governance bill (SB 84) finally made it to the floor for debate and action, and in the end, it passed the lower chamber by a vote of 137-33.  The bill had been the subject of some 18 hours of debate in the House Education Committee and, in its final form, differed considerably from the original, Senate version of the bill.  It now goes back to the Senate, where the changes to the bill will be considered for agreement or disagreement.  It is likely that a House-Senate conference committee will eventually come up with whatever proves to be the final version of this bill.

HB 1121 began its move through the House as part of a committee hearing on this day.  This legislation, meant to provide legal penalties for test cheats, was the subject of intense debate.  No vote was taken in committee, but it is likely to gain committee approval in a meeting later in the week.

On both the House and Senate side, committee meetings (and, subcommittee meetings) will fill the remainder of the week's schedule.  Stay tuned as lawmakers debate school start dates and other potentially controversial issues.  Day twenty-two of the 2010 session is set for Tuesday, March 9.