BILL TAKES AIM AT SHARK FIN SALES: The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee will consider a proposal (SB 540), filed by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, that seeks to prevent the possession of shark fins, considered a delicacy in parts of Asia. (9 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
ZERO TOLERANCE, GUNS AT ISSUE: The House Education Committee will take up a series of bills, including a proposal (HB 7029) that would prohibit school administrators from disciplining children for simulating guns while playing or wearing clothes that depict firearms. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, is related to school “zero tolerance” discipline policies. (9:30 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
INSURANCE, GUNS DISCUSSED: The House Regulatory Affairs Committee will discuss a bill (HB 255), filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, that would seek to prevent insurers from charging gun owners higher rates or refusing to issue or canceling auto or homeowner policies because of gun ownership. (9:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
GI BILL MOVES THROUGH SENATE: The Senate Appropriations Committee will consider a proposal (SB 860) dubbed the “Florida GI Bill.” The bill, sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, includes increasing educational aid for National Guard members and taking steps to make Florida more attractive to veterans from other states. The House passed its version Tuesday. (1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
HOUSE LOOKS AT SCHOLARSHIP EXPANSION: The House Finance and Tax Subcommittee will take up a proposal (PCB FTSC 14-02) that would lead to an expansion of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, wants a major expansion of the program, which provides voucher-like scholarships for children to attend private schools. (1:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
–courtesy The News Service of Florida