The so-called parent trigger bill has won the support of the Senate Budget Committee.

The vote took place at an unusual -- and unusually contentious -- Saturday morning meeting.

SB 1718, a priority for former Gov. Jeb Bush, had been hotly debated, even before Saturday's meeting. The proposal from Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Ft. Myers, would enable parents at low-performing schools to demand new teachers be hired, and even petition to have the school converted into a charter school.

Supporters say the bill has the potential to help chronically struggling schools by harnessing the power of parents. Opponents believe it is was written to benefit for-profit school management companies, which would be able to step in.

Senate Budget Chairman JD Alexander called for a time-certain vote at 9:59 a.m., giving the committee only an hour to tackle 13 (amendments) to the already controversial bill.

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With five minutes left before the vote, Alexander asked if any parents in the room wanted to speak. A mom from Gainesville came forward against the proposal. But she was cut off at 9:59 a.m. so the secretary could call the roll. There was no time for debate among lawmakers.

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