This week in Tallahassee

Information dated January 29, 2020

The Senate unveiled its initial health care budget this afternoon. The $39.4 billion package comes a day after the House detailed its $38.7 billion health care spending plan. While there’s a $700 million gap, the chambers are aligned on what segments of the massive budget silo need more attention. Atop the list: upping the reimbursement rate for nursing homes. The Senate would ante up $105 million more than last year, while the House has proposed an increase of $45 million. Here’s your nightly rundown.

‘Accuracy in damages.’ A House panel advanced a bill aimed at lowering awards in medical claims lawsuits by letting juries know what a patient paid for care rather than what providers billed.

Bye-bye Best and Brightest. A bill to nix the Best and Brightest bonus program and shift the funds to teacher pay raises sailed through the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education without opposition.

Water money flows. The Senate wants to set aside $639 million in water quality funding in the 2020-21 budget, exceeding the Governor’s $625 million ask.

Eight is enough. A proposal to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that could impose term limits on all school board members cleared its second House panel.

Early release. Proposals allowing for the early release of ill or elderly inmates unanimously passed a Senate justice panel. One more stop before the chamber floor.

Child welfare. A House committee introduced a plan to overhaul the child welfare system by providing more support for key workers, enhancing workforce development, and boosting pay for child protective investigators.

CRC repeal imminent. A bill to abolish the controversial Constitutional Revision Commission cleared its final Senate committee and is ready for a floor vote. The Senate passed a repeal bill last year. The measure already cleared the House.

DNA privacy passes. The House gave nearly unanimous approval Wednesday to a bill that would protect Floridians’ genetic privacy from life, disability and long-term care insurers.

Parental consent split. House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee announced that the party would not take a position on a controversial bill that would require parental consent before a minor can obtain an abortion.