Committee clears local bill letting Jacksonville alter selection of school board attorney

Representative Duggan described HB 4049 as a local charter modification for Jacksonville that would revise the selection process for the Duval County School Board attorney. Duggan said the language was negotiated as a compromise with the city mayor’s office and the city general counsel and noted that a supermajority of Duval school board members had requested the change.

Representative Nixon urged caution and asked members to vote against the bill, citing process concerns and potential impacts on retirement eligibility (FRS). Representative Black and the sponsor replied that the board supported the change and that city officials had agreed to the language.

A late-appearance support form from Courtney Wesley of Duval County Public Schools was noted. The committee recorded a roll-call vote and reported the bill favorably, 17 yays and 1 nay.