In a sure sign that the 2019 Session is upon us, this past week saw the Legislature hammer out its own ideas for two of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ priorities.
For DeSantis, it’s a lesson on expectations and reality.
Lawmakers proposed a voucher program that is not unlike DeSantis’ “Equal Opportunity Scholarship” proposal. But there is some nuance.
Senate Education Committee Chair Manny Diaz said his chamber’s voucher proposal is very similar to DeSantis’ plan. One key difference, however, is that the scholarship program Diaz wants would only apply to students who are enrolled in public schools. DeSantis, meanwhile, wants vouchers for private school students.
Still, Senate education leaders and DeSantis are in agreement over the big picture, which includes recruiting more than just tax credits for the scholarships and revising the method by which traditional teachers are given bonuses. Expect this education plan to be further fine-tuned as it moves through the fourth floor.
Another DeSantis priority is revising the law to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana. The Legislature banned smoking the medicine when it wrote implementing language after voters approved medical marijuana in 2016.
DeSantis delivered an ultimatum to the Legislature shortly after taking office: Permit smokable marijuana, or I will do it by dropping the state’s appeal to a lower court ruling that found the ban unconstitutional.
Members in both chambers, with the aid of three back-to-back committee weeks, were able to swiftly craft legislation that aligned with DeSantis’ directive. However, both the House and Senate have hit a few bumps along the way.
But the House now is ready to take up the bill on the floor, which could happen as soon as it convenes for the 60-day lawmaking Session that begins March 5.
The sticking point between the House and Senate version is whether patients under 18 should be allowed to smoke the medicine. The Senate’s bill, which was not “received” by the budget committee this week, would allow minors to smoke if two doctors agree that it is the best delivery method.
State Rep. Ray Rodrigues, who is sponsoring the House’s version, has apprehension: “We don’t believe children should be smoking medical marijuana…but we’re having conversations,” he told reporters this week.
