Florida House Releases Special Session Schedule Summary
Dec 30, 2008
The Office of Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom released a proposed schedule summary for the upcoming Legislative Special Session today, December 30, 2008.
“Knowing the difficult task ahead, I have asked our appropriations staff to provide recommendations, guided by Governor Crist’s proposal as well as those offered by members of the Legislature, for reductions to begin to close the $2.3 billion gap in Florida’s budget,” Speaker Sansom stated in a memorandum to Legislators that accompanied the schedule.
The proposed schedule, which is attached, as well as reprinted below, is contingent upon House approval of a special Rule on time frames for the Special Session. Modifications may also be required as issues emerge during the two-week Special Session, which begins on Monday, January 5, 2009.
Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Colodny Fass.
Schedule Summary
Florida House of Representatives
January 5-16, 2009
Monday, January 5 – 11:00 a.m.
Special Session convenes in the House Chamber. During this brief meeting, a proclamation calling the Special Session to order will be read and Members will be asked to adopt a special Rule specifying the time frames for consideration of budget adjustment bills.
Monday, January 5 – 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Upon recess, the budget committees will meet, take public testimony, and review proposed budget adjustments and conforming legislation.
Tuesday, January 6 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The budget committees will meet to consider proposals for budget adjustments and conforming bills.
Wednesday, January 7 – 8:00 a.m.
The Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development and Full Appropriations Council on General Government and Health Care will meet and discuss council budget adjustment bills, as well as implementing and conforming bills for consideration that day. The amendment submission deadline is 10:00 a.m.; the deadline for adhering amendments is one hour after the amendment packet is published.
Wednesday, January 7 – 3:00 p.m.
Appropriations Councils will meet to consider bills.
Thursday, January 8 – 8:00 a.m.
Budget reductions bills will be placed on Member’s desks for consideration later that day. The deadline for amendments is 10:00 a.m.; the deadline for adhering amendments is one hour after the amendment packet is published.
Thursday, January 8 – 3:00 p.m.
The Florida House is in Session, and budget bills are scheduled to be heard on second reading.
Friday, January 9 – House convenes at the Call of the Speaker
The Florida House is in Session, and budget bills are scheduled to be heard on third reading. Senate bills will be considered and House bills will be amended onto Senate bills. Conferees will be named as well.
Friday, January 9 through Sunday, January 11
The House and Senate Budget Conference will be held.
Tuesday, January 13
The House and Senate Budget Conference Report will be placed on Members’ desks.
Tuesday, January 13 through Thursday, January 15
Regular House interim meetings will be conducted. The interim meeting schedule will be published by the Rules and Calendar Council and placed on the calendar by the Clerk’s Office.
Friday, January 16
The Florida House convenes for final consideration of budget reduction bills and the Special Session is adjourned.
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