Florida Legislature sets committee meeting weeks

Expect education to again be a key topic as Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee for the committee weeks leading to the 2019 legislative session.

And the committee weeks are fast approaching. House and Senate leaders announced the schedule early Wednesday.

The dates are set for the weeks of December 11, January 7, January 22, February 4, February 11, and February 19.

Session is set to begin March 5.

Both major party candidates for governor have listed some key education issues they hope to pursue, including expansion of career and technical programs and improvements to teacher pay.

Education legislation has played a key role in settling legislative standoffs in each of the past few years, as well, demonstrating its importance as an issue for the state.

No education related bills have yet been filed for the session, with most of the focus remaining on the Nov. 6 elections. But groups such as the Florida School Boards Association have already been preparing their priority lists in anticipation of a busy four months.