The Florida Legislature doesn’t go into session for another three months, but lawmakers and lobbyists are kicking into high gear this week as several Legislative committees meet for the first time. Committees will be picking apart bills until session starts in March.
This week’s meetings are the first time the new class of lawmakers are delving into the issues that will go up for votes in the spring. This will be the 16th legislative session that lobbyist Jennifer Green is bringing her clients’ messages to the Florida Capitol. She said this week is a lot like the first day of school.
“Everyone’s getting new offices or moving to different offices. Or they’ve gotten their offices for the first time, so they’re figuring out where they and their staff are going to be," she said.
Green said, committee weeks are often the best chance that special interest groups will have to grab lawmakers’ attention because it’s not as hectic as session. She said, the earlier lobbyists can present their messages, the better, because lawmakers are already setting their priorities for next year.