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Subcommittee backs bill asking Florida school districts to observe Veterans Day
Summary
The Education Administration Subcommittee voted 18-0 to report HB 409, which would require school districts to observe Veterans Day; supporters said the change preserves classroom observances, while some public witnesses urged retaining local control over calendars.
The Florida House Education Administration Subcommittee on Monday reported HB 409 favorably by an 18-0 vote, advancing a proposal that would require all school districts to observe Veterans Day.
Sponsor Representative Gia Lombardo described the measure as "simple" and said, "All this bill does is require that all school districts observe Veterans Day. That's the bill." Committee members pressed for details about current practice; the sponsor said that about 19 school districts did not have school on Veterans Day last year.
The bill drew public testimony from two veterans with direct experience in schools. Laura Hine, introduced by the chair as an education administrator and a Pinellas County elected school board member, urged the committee to preserve local control and let districts determine calendar days because of complexities including required 180 instructional days and hurricane makeup schedules. She warned that moving the holiday off the calendar could disrupt how districts schedule instruction and ceremonies.
Jean Federico, a teacher and Air Force veteran who said her district was asked by the local veterans council to hold programs rather than close on Veterans Day, opposed the bill on similar grounds. "They're learning, and I'm not gonna learn it if they're not in school," Federico said, describing school concerts, breakfasts and classroom activities that bring veterans into schools.
Supporters on the committee said in debate that formal observance across districts helps students understand and honor veterans' service. Representative Nixon, speaking as a veteran's family member, said she appreciated the sponsor bringing the bill forward; Representative Nicks, Representative Black and others offered personal remarks in support.
By roll call, the committee recorded 18 yeas and 0 nays; the chair announced HB 409 was reported favorably and will move to the next committee stop.
The bill text and any implementation details about calendar adjustments were not specified in the hearing record. The committee did not adopt amendments during the session. Next procedural steps: the bill will proceed as a reported measure to the next stage in the legislative process.
