There is now more clarity about when Florida lawmakers will return to Tallahassee.
The special session on redistricting, artificial intelligence and more has been announced to start on April 28th.
The change comes via a proclamation from the governor, updating the scope of the special session beyond just redistricting, and pushing the date back a week from when it was originally scheduled.
A memo from Senate President Ben Albritton gave clarity on what proposals will be on the table. In it, he said the Governor’s office will be presenting its proposed congressional map redraw at the start of the special session, while Senators will be refiling two bills that the House didn’t pass during the regular session.
One is focused on passing consumer AI protections, the other creates a new exemption from vaccine requirements for children attending K-12 schools and authorizes the sale of ivermectin without a prescription.
Absent from the memo was any mention of the state budget. Lawmakers still have not passed one, despite being legally required to do so by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1st.
The redistricting issue is drawing national attention with eyes ahead of the midterms later this year. It follows national congressional redrawing efforts in Texas, California and other states.