Quick update for Florida parents and community members: SB 420 is scheduled for a hearing in the Florida Senate committee on Wednesday afternoon.
Last updated: January 26, 2026. Next hearing: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM (Senate committee).
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👉 Read the full post in español: https://www.momsforlibros.org/sb420-retratos-patrioticos-salones-florida
Quick Summary
- SB 420 is scheduled for a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday afternoon.
- The bill would require patriotic portraits in certain public school classrooms.
- No funding is provided, making this an unfunded mandate on public school districts.
- Charter and private schools are not held to the same requirement.
- This post includes a copy/paste email list and a sample letter to contact legislators.
Table of Contents
What Is SB 420?
SB 420, titled “Patriotic Displays in Classrooms,” is a bill moving through the Florida Senate during the 2026 legislative session.
If you’ve seen SB 420 mentioned but haven’t had time to dig into the details, you’re not alone. We’re tracking this bill so families can follow what’s happening in Tallahassee with clear, parent-friendly updates and reliable sources.
View SB 420 on the Florida Senate Website
SB 420 Status Update
Committee hearing: SB 420 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 1:00–3:15 PM in the Mallory Horne Committee Room (37 Senate Building).
Committee hearings are a key part of Florida’s legislative process. This is where bills can advance, be amended, or stop moving forward.
Why Committee Hearings Matter
It’s easy to think the only vote that matters is the final vote on the Senate floor, but committee hearings are often where bills gain momentum, change shape, or stall.
During a committee hearing, you may see:
- a staff explanation of the bill
- questions and debate from committee members
- amendments proposed or adopted
- a committee vote to advance (or not)
How to Participate (Contact Committee Members)
If you want to participate in the legislative process, you can contact members of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education through the Florida Senate website.
Tip: Keep your message short, respectful, and specific. Consider including:
- your name and city
- that you’re writing about SB 420
- your concerns about the bill
- what you want legislators to consider moving forward
Sample Letter (Download)
Use this sample letter as a starting point. Personalizing your message (even a few sentences) can make it more effective.
Copy & Paste: Committee Emails
Tip: You can copy and paste this list into the “To:” or “BCC:” field of your email.
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Optional: Use BCC to email the full committee while keeping addresses private.
What Happens Next?
After this committee hearing, SB 420 could:
- move forward to another committee stop,
- be held for further discussion, or
- be amended before another vote.
If SB 420 clears all required committee stops, it may be scheduled for a vote by the full Florida Senate.
FAQ
What does SB 420 do?
SB 420 would require certain public school classrooms to display official portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Is SB 420 an unfunded mandate?
SB 420 creates a new requirement for public schools without providing funding, which may shift costs onto district budgets.
Can bills change during committee hearings?
Yes. Bills can be amended during committee hearings, meaning the language can change as the bill moves forward.
Stay Updated on Florida Education Bills
If you want parent-friendly updates like this — including schedules, votes, and what’s next — sign up for alerts so you don’t miss key hearings.
Last updated: January 28, 2026.
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