After its organizational session in November, the Florida Legislature will turn its attention to the state budget and the economic fallout wrought by the pandemic.

Jim Daughton, the Bar’s legislative consultant, told the Board of Governors October 23 that while all eyes now are on the upcoming elections, House and Senate leaders are expected to announce committee chairs in December, convene interim committee meetings in January, and begin crafting a plan for dealing with a revenue shortfall that could top $3.4 billion.

But for now, safety is “priority one” as lawmakers work to figure out how they can get in the Capitol and conduct state business. The Senate, he said, has contracted with infectious disease and infection prevention experts at Tampa General Hospital to work with the Senate’s staff on developing a plan — including an evaluation of all senator and staff offices, public areas, committee rooms, and the Senate Chamber — to give legislators, staff, and visitors the confidence that safety measures are fully considered and implemented prior to the start of the session. The leadership of the House is also considering how it intends to proceed.