Capitol Update – Week Ending 01/02/2026

Capitol Update is a review of state government.  Topics this week focus on legislative delegation meetings leading up to the 2026 session, including:

• Local officials and organizations told lawmakers in almost every delegation meeting that they’re concerned about the impact of property tax reductions on local government revenue and operations.
• Constituents expressed support for parts of the new law created by SB 180 that are designed to make it easier to rebuild after a hurricane, but said two late amendments weaken the ability of city and county governments to manage growth and development.
• Constituents in several counties spoke to lawmakers about water quality issues, open carry outside polling places and requiring instruction in cursive writing in elementary school.