State Rep. Patt Maney returned to the Capitol in October for two committee weeks following a brief break after the 105-day extended 2025 regular legislative session.
- During the October committee weeks, the Florida House officially designated Rep. Sam Garrison as the next speaker of the house to follow current Speaker Daniel Perez for the 2026-2028 term.
“I had just enough time to jet around Okaloosa, give this year’s legislative updates, and get back to Tallahassee in time to kick off the 2026 legislative season,” Maney said. “This will be my 6th session in our Florida House and, by Jove, I’m excited! My heartfelt congratulations to the new Speaker-Designate Sam Garrison, a man of honor I’m proud to call my friend. He’s sure to lead the House with distinction and strength next term.”
Maney has filed three bills with more expected in the coming weeks.
- HB 139, which has a companion bill from Sen. Gaetz, would establish guidelines and additional protection for state employees who report misconduct while providing penalties for individuals who purposely report false claims.
- HB 177 would expand flexibility for the offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel when handling capital cases and ensure representation for defendants.
- HB 199, also with a companion bill from Sen. Gaetz, would realign veterans treatment courts with other problem-solving courts such as mental health courts and drug courts. Veterans treatment courts were codified in Florida statute in 2012.
Maney chairs the Justice Budget Subcommittee, which held two committee meetings during October. The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of State Courts Administrator and Department of Law Enforcement. The subcommittee dedicates its first few weeks to educational budget presentations from agencies under its oversight to better understand budget requests and receive updates on previously funded projects and programs.
The representative also met with University of West Florida President Diaz, Northwest Florida State College President Ponder and a representative of Okaloosa County to discuss priorities for the 2026 legislative session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
On Oct. 15, Maney hosted Eglin Air Force Base commander Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro and his team at the Capitol. The group met with Gov. DeSantis, Speaker Perez, President Albritton and leadership from multiple state agencies, as well as Sen. Trumbull, to discuss priorities with senior members of state government.
Maney also serves on the House Select Committee on Property Taxes, which met twice in September to hear presentations on the potential impact of changes to property taxes for counties and municipalities. Eight separate proposals relating to property taxes have been filed in the Florida House for the coming legislative session.
