Florida lawmakers return to work today to begin their annual 60-day legislative session.
hoping to tackle the state budget, address the opioid crisis and better prepare the state for future hurricanes.
The session opens Tuesday with a ceremonial process led by House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron. Gov. Rick Scott will also deliver the State of the State address.
Tuesday's address will be both a reflection on Scott's time in office as well as an outline of his 2018 legislative agenda. Some issues hoping to be tackled include:
- Laws combating the opioid crisis
- Tax cuts
- The state budget
- More money for schools
- More money for the environment
- Better preparing the state for future storms (hurricanes)
Scott has made job creation the focus of his two terms in office and his speech will highlight job growth in Florida since he took office.
He will leave office next January due to term limits, but Scott is considering running for the U.S. Senate.
Among other issues lawmakers will grapple with over the next two months:
- Immigration
- University scholarships
- Protecting those who come forward with sexual misconduct allegations
There have already been about 3,000 bills filed, but typically only about 300 or so pass each year.