The Boys State Legislative Branch provides delegates with a premier, hands-on experience that is second to none in the nation.
Boys State delegates elected to the Boys State Legislature actually assume the full role of a legislator in an unscripted environment in which they create, debate, amend, agenda, and act on legislation.
The Boys State House and Senate are facilitated by knowledgeable counselors but are left with almost total control of their respective legislative bodies, closely resembling the excitement, challenges, and frustrations of the real legislative process. Boys State Legislators deliberate in the actual legislative chambers housed in the state Capital building.
Unrivaled by any other student legislative program in the state, Boys State legislators are challenged to move deliberately while balancing the swirling interests of a sitting Supreme Court, the Governor, the Cabinet, the Press Corps, and a contingent of lobbyists seeking to influence their work – not to mention the delegates they are representing back home!
For those not elected to the Legislature, an alternate assembly meets simultaneously in the Old Capitol, expanding the opportunities for delegates to experience representative democracy in action.
Legislative Staff
Making sure that the Boys State Legislature operates smoothly is the task assigned to delegates selected to serve as the “Legislative Staff”.
Among the many organizational duties, legislative staffers compile, organize, and supply copies of bills and amendments to Members.
Additionally, staffers may be assigned the duty of maintaining order and decorum in the chambers. Legislative staffers also have the opportunity to interact with staffers from the Florida Legislature.
Lobbyists
Lobbyists are often referred to as the “Third House” and use their gifts of persuasion to affect the outcome of the legislative process.
Boys State delegates selected to serve as lobbyists are given scenarios and assignments which require quick-thinking to shepherd legislation or, in some cases, defeat legislation in the process.
Boys State lobbyists also have the opportunity to meet with real-life registered lobbyists who provide advice on lobbying during Boys State, as well as career opportunities in the field.
Mock Session
Florida Boys State presents an annual Mock Legislative Session in the actual House Chamber with current and former members of the Florida Legislature.
Past participants have included former Representatives George Crady (D-Yulee), Anne Mackenzie (D-Ft. Lauderdale), Tim Ireland (R-Cape Coral), Janegale Boyd (D-Monticello) and current Representative Curtis Richardson (D-Tallahassee). Longtime Clerk of the House John Phelps has also participated. Members take action on a bill and debate it, just as they would in an actual floor session.
Additionally, real-life legislators join us at other times during the week to provide guidance on leadership, parliamentary procedure, as well as roving the floor during the Boys State Legislative Sessions to provide advice and helpful hints.
Senator Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee), Representative Bev Kilmer (R-Quincy), Representative Lorrane Ausley (D-Tallahassee), former Representative Jerry Melvin (R-Fort Walton Beach), and former Speaker of the House (and current FSU President) T.K. Wetherell have assisted in this way in the past.
