The speaker-designate’s proposed structure would create a Policy & Strategy Committee, elevate technology oversight and reestablish a committee focused on ethics and public corruption.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison outlined proposed changes to the chamber’s committee structure Thursday, calling for greater attention to long-term policy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and public integrity during the 2026-28 legislative term.

In a Nov. 5 memorandum to House members provided to Florida National News, Garrison said the proposal preserves most of the existing structure while making changes intended to improve coordination and examine the lasting consequences of legislative decisions.

“I am committed to making committee time meaningful,” Garrison wrote. “I want you to dig into ideas, hear from the public, and truly study your colleagues’ bills because behind every bill, every policy, and every budget item are people — our people.”

New Committee Would Examine Long-Term Policy and Costs

Garrison proposed creating a Policy & Strategy Committee to coordinate major initiatives involving multiple committees or state agencies.

The committee would draw on the expertise of subject-matter committees to examine how major reforms would operate and what they would cost. Its proposed jurisdiction includes long-range planning and fiscal stability, and it could consider legislation with a fiscal impact.

Garrison said the committee would provide a forum for considering challenges that extend beyond an individual legislative session or term.

“I want the House to consider where Florida needs to be in five or 10 or 20 years and what steps we should take now to get there,” he wrote.

Technology Oversight Would Become a Full Committee

The proposed Advanced Technology & Digital Security Committee would replace the previous term’s Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee.

The full committee would focus on state technology governance and modernization, including agencies’ ability to implement legislation. Its responsibilities would also include:

• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
• Cybersecurity and digital privacy.
• Data governance.
• Critical infrastructure security.

Garrison distinguished the committee’s policy and oversight responsibilities from spending decisions. The Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees would continue to consider technology funding.

“These issues affect both state government and the Floridians and businesses that rely on technology every day,” Garrison wrote.

He said the goal is to make informed technology decisions that prevent costly failures.

Public Integrity Committee Would Return

Garrison also proposed reestablishing the Public Integrity Committee, emphasizing ethics, integrity and investigations into public corruption.

The committee would consider related matters involving lobbying, financial disclosure and conflicts of interest.

“Floridians should be able to trust their government to act in the public interest,” Garrison wrote. “A dedicated committee will allow Members to examine the laws and standards that protect that trust.”

The Rules & Calendar Committee would retain responsibility for House rules, floor procedures and member conduct, according to the memorandum.

Most of the Existing Structure Would Remain

Garrison said most of the current committee structure would remain intact. Other changes would update committee names and bring related issues under shared jurisdictions.

The proposed adjustments are intended to help lawmakers examine connections among state policy, local decisions and their effects on residents.

The memorandum referred members to attached documents detailing the proposed structure and jurisdictions. It did not identify committee chairs or member assignments.

Public Input and Legislative Review Emphasized

Garrison urged members to use committee meetings to hear from the public, examine their colleagues’ proposals and consider the people affected by legislation and spending decisions.

“Our committee process should give you the opportunity to contribute and every proposal the careful consideration it deserves,” he wrote. “I look forward to working with you over the next two years.”