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FL Legislature sets special session on Israel-Hamas war, Idalia relief, and more [1]

['Michael Moline', 'More From Author', '- October']

Date: 2023-10-20  

Leaders of the Florida Legislature have called a special session for the week of Nov. 6 to address tax relief for victims of Hurricane Idalia and to boost sanctions against government sponsors of terrorism and defenses for the Jewish community in light of the Israel-Hamas war.

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner made the announcement Friday afternoon, saying they made the decision in consultation with Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Given recent events including the horrific attacks against Israel in the Middle East and devastation to the Big Bend caused by Hurricane Idalia here at home, in coordination with the governor’s office and the Florida House, we have identified several issues that warrant our attention in advance of the 2024 Regular Session,” Passidomo wrote in a letter to the Senate’s membership.

The session will begin that Monday and conclude on that Thursday, the letter says. The Legislature was already scheduled to hold committee meetings in advance of the regular session that begins on Jan. 9.

Neither leader released any written legislation. It would be the third special session this year.

“During the special session, as a full Senate, we will have the opportunity to formally express support for the State of Israel to exist as a sovereign, independent nation, with the right to defend itself and protect its citizens from indiscriminate violence and terrorism; condemn the unprovoked and barbaric attacks by terrorist regimes, including Hamas, against Israel, its citizens, and Americans; and demand the immediate end to any financial support, whether directly or indirectly, to the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, or other entities that publicly support these attacks,” Passidomo wrote.

The state has already taken steps to protect Jewish schools, but the Legislature will look into what else it can do, she added. Similarly, lawmakers will consider adding to existing laws targeting state sponsors of terrorism.

As for Idalia, the agenda will include a response to agricultural damage and relief for businesses and local governments and look for ways to expand the My Safe Home Florida program, which supports homeowner efforts to gird their property against storms.

Finally, the session will consider financial boosts for its new universal school voucher program; parents of disabled students have had trouble securing tuition under the program.

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[1] Url: https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/10/20/fl-legislature-sets-special-session-on-israel-hamas-war-idalia-relief-and-more/

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