DONT BE STRESSIN ABOUT THE SESSION

BY SAMANTHA SCHUYLER AND LILY WAN

Yay, its a law! So, youve heard Floridas legislatures in session. Or maybe you havent because you dont do politics. Either way, its here. And it can get complicated. The 60-day session begins March 4 and ends May 2, and 1,783 bills have been led across both houses in 43 days. Only six have become laws. Follow the owchart to brush up on the stuff you should remember from 8th grade Civics!

THE PROCESS

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Someone has an idea!

Governor can sign, veto or not sign the bill. If the Governor does not sign by 15 days, the bill automatically becomes a law anyways. If the bill is vetoed, the only way it can still become a law is if the House and Senate get a majority vote to override the veto.

EYES ON THE BILL

SB 819: Abortions would be prohibited at 20 weeks (currently 24 weeks) SB 224: Would ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors SB 296: Would allow possession of a concealed weapon/rearm during an evacuation in a state of declared emergency SB 1714: Would allow sale of halfgallon growlers (currently, you can only legally buy quart and gallon growlers). Drink up! SB 1400: Would allow in-state tuition for undocumented students SB 1576: Would establish a minimum ow and water level for an Outstanding Florida Spring to help assure health of the springs. OR
Voted on by committees, has to go through all of the committees that its assigned to. Must be approved by all of the committees before it goes on to Second Reading. At hearing, committee talks about pros and cons of bill. Public can share their thoughts.

A Senator or Rep writes the bill.

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Bill goes to Conference Committee (made of each chambers Democratic and Republican heads) to iron out nal wrinkles. If they disagree, the bill dies. If they come to an agreement, the bill goes back to the chambers for approval. If the chambers dont approve, the bill dies. If they approve, the bill gets sent to the governor.

Bill is sent to drafting, where it is edited and researched by non-partisan experts.

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Bill gets sent to chamber. If chamber leadership denies it here, it dies. If chamber is cool with it, it keeps going!

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In the Third Reading, the bill is voted upon and must win majority vote to succeed. If not, it dies.

First Reading! Here, it can be amended and edited.

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Assigned to a committee which decides to schedule the bill for hearing. It can die here if not assigned. Then, bill scheduled for public hearingif not, it dies.

Bill returns to house of origin for a Second Reading. Amendments can be suggested. Bill with amendments (if any) is voted upon; if a simple majority is in favor, onward to the Third Reading! If simple majority is against it, it dies.