It’s down to the wire for Florida’s 2019 legislative session.
State lawmakers have until the end of Friday to finalize a roughly $90 billion budget that outlines spending priorities for education, health care, criminal justice, transportation and the environment.
That’s the only item of business they are required to finish, but a host of other hot-button issues remain on their plate.
Here’s where things stand as lawmakers head into the last week of their session.
What’s done
Smokable medical marijuana: The Florida Legislature lifted its ban on smoking medical marijuana at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ urging. Voters overwhelmingly authorized medical marijuana in 2016, but users couldn’t smoke the drug. They had to use it in vape, topical or capsule form.
Firefighter cancer benefits: Studies have shown that firefighters are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those in other occupations. Lawmakers approved enhanced cancer benefits for firefighters, including a $25,000 lump-sum payment upon diagnosis to help families pay medical bills.
Property insurance reform: A bill aimed at stemming costly lawsuits between repair contractors and property insurers passed after six years of stalemate in the Legislature.
What’s in the works
Canadian drugs: Another DeSantis priority was to authorize the importation of lower-cost drugs from Canada, where prescription medication is substantially cheaper. The House approved an importation program for state-funded entities, such as the Medicaid program, state prisons and mental health facilities. The measure also leaves open the possibility of a broader program that would allow pharmacies to sell Canadian drugs to private consumers. The Senate could vote on the bill as early as Monday. The federal government would have to approve the programs if they are approved by state lawmakers.
Arming teachers: Changes to the school “guardian” program to allow teachers to carry guns on campus appears likely to pass the Legislature and be signed into law by DeSantis. Educators who want to carry a firearm on campus would have to complete 144 hours of training and pass a psychological evaluation. The Senate approved the bill, but it has been postponed in the House. It would be up to local school boards whether to implement the program. South Florida school officials have not been open to the idea.