2026 Session - Week 4 Update

The fourth week of the 2026 Legislative Session wrapped up with many bills being heard and moving through their various committees. Since we are about to the halfway point of the 60-day session, floor sessions in the chambers have been a little more frequent, and some initial budget discussions have started. 

Three bills that FASA is tracking passed out of the House this week. The first one, HB 127, Required Instruction in Cursive Writing, was successful on Wednesday. This bill requires students in Grades 2-5 receive instruction in cursive writing, and to demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing by the conclusion of 5th grade. This bill has a companion in the Senate, SB 444. It has not been heard by any committee as of this week.

CS/HB 453, Requirements for Standard High School Diplomas, also passed out of the House this week. This is a bill that provides for the completion of 2 years of marching band to satisfy both physical education and performing arts requirements for a standard high school diploma. It also ensures that students with disabilities may participate in Special Olympics to meet the physical education requirement for a standard high school diploma. This bill also has a companion in the Senate (SB 556), which is in it's second committee stop in the Senate. 

The third bill that passed this week is HJR 583, Protection of Religious Expression in Public Schools. This is a House Joint Resolution that proposes a change to the State Constitution to provide protection from discrimination for student and school personnel's religious expression in public schools. SB 1104, the companion bill, is in its second committee stop.

We will have more updates as session goes on. For up-to-date bill tracking, make sure you keep up with FASA's Bill Tracker.