BAY NEWS 9 -- The 2009 Florida legislative session began March 3 with the state facing many problems, including a budget deficit, housing woes and high unemployment.

But those aren't the only issues lawmakers will tackle. You might be surprised - or dismayed - at some of the items that might be on the legislative agenda.

Would you believe . . . the state bird?

That topic is on the mind of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and they want the legislature to act.

The FWC says "this proposal would change the designation of Florida's state bird from the Northern mockingbird to the osprey."

Their reasoning? "(The osprey) better represents the uniqueness of Florida."

The FWC is also concerned about establishing penalties for sea grass damage.

"This proposal would create a noncriminal infraction for damaging sea grasses due to careless operation of a boat . . .," the FWC says.

But the FWC isn't the only agency with big issues in mind.

The Florida Board of Medicine wants to clarify that medical students must attend a school at a physical location, rather than on the Internet.

Make you feel better (no pun intended) about visiting a doctor?

Legislators, too

Other grave items come from legislators themselves. Sen. Frederica S. Wilson of Miami has filed a bill that would outlaw the "use of the term 'illegal alien' by a state agency or official in an official document of the state."

The bill doesn't say what terminology would replace "illegal alien."

And in the Florida House, Rep. Michael Scionti of Tampa has filed a bill that "requires installation of traffic & pedestrian control devices at certain K-12 schools unless traffic engineering analysis determines that devices are not necessary."

Isn't that like your doctor saying, "Take this medicine unless you don't need to take it?"

60 days to get it done

There are, of course, weightier issues on the agenda.

The state legislative session runs through May 1 and lawmakers will tackle the budget, energy, insurance and taxes, among other vital topics, assuming they can get away from discussing sea grasses.

Bay News 9 and BayNews9.com will cover each day of the legislative session, including reports from Tallahassee from political reporter Troy Kinsey.

We'll even tell you if we get a new state bird.

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