House presents first counteroffer on judges’ budget language to conference committee

At a meeting of the Conference Committee on Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and the House Justice Budget Subcommittee, Vice Chair Mainy presented the House’s first counteroffer on budget language related to judges, including proviso language, back-of-bill language, implementing bill language and conforming bill language.

The submission was presented as part of ongoing negotiations over the state budget. "We're pleased to provide you, the house's first counter offer on the budget, the proviso language, the back of the bill language, the implementing bill language, and the conforming bill language relating to judges," Vice Chair Mainy said.

Committee leaders said they had reviewed the materials and aim to make progress toward closing outstanding items. "I've been, I hope, pretty aggressive in responding and giving you substantive responses so we can make great progress for the people of Florida and get this thing in a posture where we can get most of it closed out and won't have to bump," Mainy said. Chair Garcia asked whether there were any public comments; none were offered.

Members were reminded to watch for the next meeting notice and that the committee was operating on a one-hour notice for additional meetings. Senator Wright moved to adjourn; the meeting ended by unanimous consent when Chair Garcia said, "Without objection, the meeting is adjourned."

The committee did not take formal votes on the budget language during this brief session; members indicated they would continue review and respond at a future meeting.