2020 Legislative Updates- Florida Family

Week 9 of Week 9

 ​The final week of session is usually filled with emotional farewells for legislators who are leaving because they are termed out after serving eight years.  The Speaker of the House and the Senate President get to see their portraits unveiled and enter the history of past leaders on the walls of the legislative chambers. 

The Florida House had its own Corona moment this week when the speaker announced that there were members who were at the CPAC conference in Washington, D.C. who may have come into contact with carriers of the COVID-19 virus.  After clearing the House chamber for cleaning, everyone came back in and those who attended the conference were cleared as uninfected.

Another bittersweet moment occurred when our friend and pro-life champion Rep. Jennifer Sullivan announced her resignation after serving for six years due to her recent marriage to an Air Force officer in Texas and a baby due in late April.  Home educated and a Teen Pact graduate, she was one of the youngest women ever elected to the Florida House.  She got in to politics for all the right reasons and got out of politics for all the right reasons.  We can only applaud Rep. Sullivan for her focus on her new and growing family. 

Although Session was scheduled to end on March 13, Legislators will return on Wednesday, March 18, to vote on the final budget.

SESSION SUCCESSES

Florida Legislative Session 2020 delivered a great victory for LIFE and PARENTAL RIGHTS with the PASSAGE of the PARENTAL CONSENT FOR ABORTION bill – SB 404! This bill requires the consent of one parent prior to a minor girl being allowed to obtain an abortion. This bill will restore the right of parents to be involved in important decisions affecting their minor children. It will also protect minor pregnant girls facing difficult and life-altering decisions. Sponsors, Senator Kelli Stargel and Representative Erin Grall worked tirelessly to see this bill pass the finish line.

Additionally, ALL BUT ONE OF THE BAD BILLS FAILED or were killed that FFPC identified this year. Not only were these bills unsuccessful, but most of them did not even move through committees.

The one bad bill that passed, Reproductive Health by Senator Book (SB 698), is headed to the Governor’s desk. It provides a requirement that a couple who have embryos created by a reproductive facility enter into a contract to specify the disposition of created embryos in the case of divorce or separation of the couple. This contract would allow the couple to agree that the created embryos be destroyed.

Detailed Final Bill Report:

BILLS THAT HAD MOVEMENT BUT DID NOT FULLY PASS

SUPPORT: HB 319, Guide to a Healthy Marriage by Yarborough/SB 682 by Baxley: This bill would create a committee that would author and publish a Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage – to be made available to couples seeking marriage licenses in Florida. The purpose of the Guide is to provide a more comprehensive presentation of challenges, goals, and expectations of marriage in order to facilitate healthier marriages.

HISTORY: The bill passed Judiciary in 2018 on a bipartisan vote with Democrat Senators Bracy, Thurston, and Powell voting yes. *SB 682 WAS on the agenda of the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee for Tuesday, January 28th at 4pm in 301 Senate AND PASSED FAVORABLY WITH AMENDMENTS. It then passed FAVORABLY through its next committee, Judiciary, on February 19. The House bill PASSED FAVORABLY WITH AMENDMENTS through the Civil Justice Subcommittee on February 4, FAVORABLY through Health and Human Services Committee on February 12, and is now waiting to be heard in the Judiciary Committee.

  THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: Neither SB 682 nor HB 319 were able to make it to the House or Senate floor for a final vote. This good bill did not pass this session.

SUPPORT: SB 1634, by Stargel/HB 1059 by Grall – Parental Rights:  This bill is known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.” The bill finds that it is a fundamental right for parents to direct the upbringing, education and care of their minor children. It prohibits the State and all political subdivisions from infringing on parental rights without demonstrating a compelling interest narrowly tailored to meet that interest. The bill also requires each district school board in consultation with parents, teachers, and administrators, to develop and adopt a policy to promote parental involvement in the public school system. The bill provides that parents have the right to make health care decisions for their child and prohibits certain health care procedures from being administered without parental consent.

HISTORY: SB 1634 was PASSED FAVORABLY through Judiciary Committee on February 4 and through Education Committee on February 12. HB 1059 was PASSED FAVORABLY through the Education Committee on January 23, through Heath and Human Services Committee on February 6, and WITH AMENDMENTS    in the Judiciary Committee on February 18. SB 1634 was temporarily postponed with an adopted amendment in Rules Committee on March 2. HB 1059 was passed favorably off the House floor on March 9 and sent to the Senate.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: HB 1059 was sent over to the Senate but because SB 1634 was postponed in the final Rules committee, it did not make it to the Senate floor. This good bill did not pass this session.

SUPPORT: HB 265, Abortion (Parental Consent), by Grall/SB 404 by Stargel: This bill would require the written consent of a parent or legal guardian of a minor seeking an abortion before that minor is permitted to obtain an abortion. The bill protects the health and safety of minors and the fundamental right of parents to direct their children’s upbringing.

HISTORY: SB 404 was PASSED FAVORABLY through Health Policy Committee on December 10 WITH AMENDMENTS, through Judiciary Committee on January 15, and through Rules Committee WITH AMENDMENTS on January 22. The bill was read on the floor of the Senate on January 29 and read a third time and passed off the Senate floor on February 6. HB 265 PASSED FAVORABLY through Health & Human Services Committee on October 22. It was then sent to the House floor. The House bill was tabled and the House took up the Senate bill on February 19 and voted FAVORABLY on the House floor on February 20.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: SB 404 is waiting to be placed on the Governor’s desk for his signature. Once on the Governor’s desk, the Governor has seven days to sign or veto. If he takes no action, the bill becomes law after that time period.

SUPPORT: SB 864 by Baxley/HB 1217 by Beltran – Surrendered Newborn Infants: This bill increases the age of surrender from 7 days to 30 days old. It authorizes hospitals, emergency medical services stations, and fire stations to use newborn safety devices to accept surrendered newborn infants and requires such hospital, emergency medical services station, or fire station visually check and test the device within specified time frames. The bill also provides additional locations under which the prohibition on the initiation of criminal investigations based solely on the surrendering of a newborn infant applies.

HISTORY: SB 864 was PASSED FAVORABLY through Health Policy Committee on January 14. The bill must pass through Children Families & Elder Affairs and Rules Committees before it can be heard on the Senate floor. HB 1217 PASSED FAVORABLY through the Health Market Reform Subcommittee on February 4; through Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on February 11; and through Health and Human Services Committee on February 18. HB 1217 passed favorably off the House floor on March 4 and was sent over to the Senate. Because the Senate companion bill to HB 1217 is not moving through committees, HB 1217 has been referred to Senate committees.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: Because the Senate bill was stalled in committee, HB 1217 was unable to be heard on the Senate floor. This good bill did not pass this session.

SUPPORT: HB 3C1, by Grant/SB 1336 by Perry – Occupational Licensing - This bill expressly preempts occupational licensing to the state. This preemption supersedes any local government licensing requirement of occupations. The bill would, in effect, repeal current local government prohibition of “conversion therapy” as a condition for licensure and would prohibit local governments from enacting future bans.

HISTORY: SB 1336 PASSED FAVORABLY through Community Affairs Committee WITH AMENDMENTS on February 3. The bill was temporarily postponed by the Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on February 17. It must pass through two more committees before it can be heard on the floor. HB 3 was PASSED FAVORABLY through Business and Professions Subcommittee on January 15, Commerce Committee on January 30, and off the floor of the House on February 20.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: HB 3 has been sent over to the Senate and referred to three Senate committees. The companion Senate bill, SB 1336, was postponed in its second referred committee. Because the Senate bill will not reach the Senate floor, this good bill did not pass this session.  

SUPPORT: SB 778 by Perry/HB 537 by Donalds – Home Based Businesses- This bill preempts local government from enacting rules of licensure or regulation of a home-based business. The effect of such a rule is that only the state would be permitted to regulate home-based businesses. Local governments would no longer have the ability to ban “conversion therapy” as a requirement for licensure of a home-based business.

HISTORY: SB 778 was referred to three committees. It has yet to be heard in any committee and is sitting in Community Affairs. HB 537 PASSED FAVORABLY through Business & Professions Subcommittee on February 4 WITH AMENDMENTS and through State Affairs Committee on February 20. HB 537 was placed on the House floor calendar for second reading and was not scheduled.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: SB 778, did not moving through committees and HB 537 was not placed on the Special Order Calendar for a floor vote. This good did not pass this session.

SUPPORT: SB 1246 by Stargel (SB 62 by Stargel)/HB 187 by Zika – Dual Enrollment: This bill clarifies that secondary students eligible for dual enrollment programs include students who are enrolled in home education programs It prohibits district school boards and Florida College System institutions from denying students who have met eligibility requirements from participating in dual enrollment except under specified circumstances. The bill also provides that certain independent colleges and universities are eligible for inclusion in the dual enrollment and early admission programs and establishes the Dual Enrollment Scholarship Program.

HISTORY: SB 1246 was PASSED FAVORABLY through the Education Committee on January 16 and through the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education on February 18 WITH AMENDMENTS. It is now waiting to be heard in its final Senate committee, Appropriations. HB 187 PASSED FAVORABLY through PreK-12 Innovation on December 11, through Appropriations Committee on January 29, and Education Committee on February 18. It was placed on the House floor for Second Reading on February 24. SB 62, K-12 Education, was temporarily postponed in Appropriations Tuesday, March 3. The Proposed Committee Substitute for SB 62, which was scheduled to be heard in Appropriations, contains the same home education dual enrollment eligibility provisions as SB 1246.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: SB 1246 and SB 62 remained stuck on the Appropriation Committee schedule. Similarly, HB 187 was not placed on the Special Order Calendar to be heard on the House floor. This good bill did not pass this session.  

SUPPORT: SB 1318 by Perry/HB 991 by Robinson – Lottery Games – This bill would place stronger warnings on lottery games and advertisements as well as prohibiting electronic devices from being used to play any lottery game.

HISTORY: SB 1318 was referred to three committees and is still sitting in its first committee, Industry, Innovation Technology. HB 991 PASSED FAVORABLY through Gaming Control Subcommittee on January 27, through Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee on February 11, and Commerce Committee WITH AMENDMENTS on February 20. HB 991 passed favorably off the House floor on March 4 and was sent over to the Senate.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: Because the Senate companion bill, SB 1318, is not moving through its committees, this good bill did not pass this session.

SUPPORT: SB 946 BY Baxley/HB 737 by Daniels – Moment of Silence in Public Schools- This bill would require public school principals to direct teachers to allow for a moment of silence in the classroom at the beginning of each school day. That moment of silence will be no less than one minute and no more than two minutes.

HISTORY: SB 946 PASSED FAVORABLY through Education Committee on January 27 and through Judiciary Committee on February 4. The bill must be heard in one final committee, Rules, before being heard on the floor. HB 737 PASSED FAVORABLY through PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee on February 4, through PreK-12 Appropriation Subcommittee on February 10, and through Education Committee on February 18. SB 946 passed favorably through its final committee, Rules, on March 2 and became eligible to be heard on the Senate floor for second reading. HB 737 passed favorably off the House floor on March 4. It has been sent over to the Senate.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: HB 737 was sent over to the Senate and placed on the calendar. It was read a second time and placed on third reading. Due to opposition to the bill, it was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration before it could get to a vote. This very good bill did not pass this Session.  Often times in the Florida Senate there is a vote trading that takes place between Democrats and Republicans where in order for a Senator to get one bill passed they trade votes with members of the opposite party. Sometimes this involves good bills dying. There is always next year. 

OPPOSE: SB 698, by Book/HB 1287 by Jenne Assisted Reproduction Facilities: This bill would allow reproductive facilities to create their own rules and procedures for the distribution of embryos. It requires a donor to enter into a contract with a donor bank or fertility clinic before he or she may donate that indicates what will be done with gametes and embryos if the donor dies or is incapacitated, the designated recipient dies or is incapacitated, the donor and recipient divorce or separate, and if the gamete or embryo is unused or donated to science/a different donor. It also requires the Department of Health to perform annual inspections of donor banks and fertility clinics without notice; providing civil and criminal causes of action for, criminal penalties for, and disciplinary action against a physician who intentionally or recklessly artificially inseminates a patient with the incorrect sperm, eggs, or embryos, etc. by charging them with sexual battery and a felony of the 3rd degree.

HISTORY: SB 698 PASSED FAVORABLY through Judiciary Committee on February 11, through Criminal Justice Committee WITH AMENDMENTS on February 18, and through Rules Committee WITH AMENDMENTS on February 26. HB 1287 PASSED FAVORABLY through Health Quality Subcommittee WITH AMENDMENTS on February 3 and through Health and Human Services Committee on February 18. SB 698 was passed favorably off the Senate floor on March 5. HB 1287 was ready to be heard on the House floor.

THIS WEEK’S UPDATE: SB 698 was sent to the House floor with Amendments and received back by the Senate. The Senate passed the bill favorably and it was ordered enrolled. The next stop for this bill is to be delivered to the Governor’s desk for his approval. He can either approve the bill within seven days of receiving it, veto it within seven days of receiving it, or let it pass without a signature.

OTHER BILLS:

SUPPORT: SB 1864 by Baxley/HB 1365 by Sabatini – Vulnerable Child Protection Act: This bill defines “sex” as “the biological state of being female or male based on sex organs, chromosomes, and endogenous hormone profiles,” and prohibits health practitioners from performing any procedures or causing any procedures to be performed on a minor for the purpose of changing the minor’s sex.

SB 1864 has not moved past its first committee of reference. HB 1365 was discussed during a workshop in the Health Quality Subcommittee on February 3. THIS GOOD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 6011, Marriage Equality by Hattersley/SB 1010 by Farmer: Marriage Equality: Florida statute still recognizes marriage as between one man and one woman, although, in practice, Florida issues marriage licenses to same sex couples. This bill would repeal that language and statutorily recognize marriage between persons of the same sex/gender.

Neither HB 6011 nor SB 1010 have moved past their first committee of reference. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION

OPPOSE: SB 64 by Book, Exemptions from School-Entry Health Requirements: This bill would eliminate parents’ ability to exempt their children from immunizations on religious grounds. The bill would require all school children to receive immunizations, regardless of religious objections of parents. Due to the outpouring of negative feedback upon filing the bill, Senator Book has pulled back her efforts to push the bill forward.

SB 64 has no House companion bill and has not passed through any of its referred committees. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

SUPPORT: HB 271, Abortion, by Hill (Heartbeat): This bill defines a preborn human being and intrauterine heartbeat. The bill would prohibit abortion to be performed on any preborn human if an intrauterine heartbeat is detectable. The premise for that prohibition is the fact that the heartbeat indicates the presence of a living human being. The bill removes emergency medical exceptions and requires the physician to let the expectant mother hear the heartbeat and be informed of statistics related to the survival of the preborn child.

Hb 271 has no senate companion and has not moved through any referred committees. THIS GOOD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.  

SUPPORT: SB 734, Termination of Pregnancy, by Gruters (Pre-natal non-discrimination) This bill would prohibit an abortion from being performed for the reason that the unborn child has been diagnosed with or otherwise determined to be at risk for Down Syndrome. The majority of unborn children who receive a diagnosis of Down Syndrome are aborted. This practice amounts to discrimination against people with disabilities. This bill would ensure the protection of unborn children determined to have Down Syndrome.

SB 734 has no House bill companion and has not passed through any committees. THIS GOOD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 6047, Reproductive Issues, by Eskamani (repeal of current laws): This bill would eliminate the 24-hour waiting period requirement for obtaining an abortion. It would also repeal prohibitions on state funding of abortion clinics. This bill is an attempt to dilute common-sense informed consent procedures for abortion and increase state funding of abortion. It has no Senate companion bill, so it is unlikely to move forward.

HB 6046 has no Senate companion and has not moved through any committees. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 95, Joint Resolution Bill, Representation of Women, by Polsky/SB 60 by Book: This resolution proposes an amendment to the State Constitution that would allow a vote on abortion issues in the Legislature only if half the members of that house are women. Such an amendment could result in the disenfranchisement of Florida citizens who elect male Representatives or Senators.

Neither HB 95 nor SB 60 have passed through any committees. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

SUPPORT: HB 305 by Rommel/SB 1126 by Gruters: This bill defines “condition of employment” as it relates to the employer/employee relationship and prohibits municipalities from enacting requirements on conditions of employment that are not mandated by state or federal law. The effect of this bill would be to void local ordinances in Florida that require sexual orientation and gender identity to be part of their employment anti-discrimination policy.

Although HB 305 passed favorably through two committees, the final committee of reference is not set to meet again. SB 1126 has not moved through any of its committees. THIS GOOD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 41 Conversion Therapy, by Grieco/SB 180 by Rodriguez: This bill defines “conversion therapy” as “any practice or treatment performed on an individual with the goal of changing the individual's sexual orientation, including, but not limited to, efforts to change behavior,  gender identity, or gender expression, or efforts to reduce or eliminate sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward an individual of the same gender.” The bill prohibits any counselor/therapist from practicing “conversion therapy” with any person under the age of 18. Any practitioner found to be in violation of the provision would be subject to disciplinary action. This bill would work a chilling effect on counselors in the practice of their chosen profession.

Neither bill was heard in any of its referenced committees this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 655, Crimes Evidencing Prejudice, by Geller/SB 940 by Rader: This bill expands grounds for reclassification of offenses to include prejudice based on gender or gender identity of any person – in addition to qualifications already listed in statute such as race and ethnicity. The bill specifies that reclassification occurs if commission of offenses is based on prejudice towards any person on specified grounds. This bill would create a potentially harsher penalty for a crime committed against a person who identifies as LGBTQ.  Neither bill was heard in any of its committees of reference this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 161, Prohibited Discrimination, by Toledo (Prime-Cosponsor, Webb) /SB 206 by Rouson: This bill prohibits “discrimination” based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public lodging establishments and public food service establishments. It revises provisions of Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 and the Fair Housing Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill also purports to provide an exception for constitutionally protected free exercise of religion. The “exception” reads, “This section does not limit the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the State Constitution.” Such an exception is vague and leaves business owners who have sincerely held religious or moral beliefs open to penalties. This bill would be especially onerous to people who own small businesses.

Neither of these bills were heard in any committees of reference this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: SB 1860, by Brandes/HB 1389 by Smith (C) – Availability of Marijuana for Adult Use: This bill repeals the language regulating Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) and allows for the Department of Health to adopt by rule the operating standards for the packing, processing, cultivation, and labeling of marijuana. The bill revises the sales tax exemption for the sale of marijuana and marijuana delivery devices to only include sales to qualified patients or caregivers. It specifies application requirements for MMTCs to obtain cultivation licenses and processing licenses and authorizes MMTCs licensed to cultivate or process marijuana to use contractors to assist with the cultivation and processing of marijuana. This bill could potentially broaden the use and circulation of marijuana.

Neither bill was heard in any committee of reference this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION

OPPOSE: SB 720, by Montford – Medical Use of Marijuana in Schools: This bill would allow a parent to request that authorized medical marijuana treatment be administered to their child in school.

This bill had no House companion bill, nor did it pass through any committees of reference this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION

OPPOSE: SB 962, by Berman/HB 595 by Polsky – Medical Marijuana Employee Protection: This bill prohibits an employer from taking adverse personnel action against an employee or job applicant who is a qualified patient using medical marijuana. It requires an employer to provide written notice to an employee or job applicant who tests positive for marijuana of his or her right to explain the positive test result and provides procedures when an employee or job applicant tests positive for marijuana.

Neither bill passed through any of its referenced committees this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 379, Judicial Nominating Commissions, by Jacquet/SB 86 by Thurston: This bill would alter the composition of JNCs by allowing only 3 members of the Florida to be appointed by the Bar Board of Governors, 3 to be appointed by the Governor (only two of whom can be Bar members) and prohibiting more than 5 members of the JNC from being from the same political party. It would also terminate terms of commission members as of specified date, provide for appointments and staggered terms for reconstituted commissions, and provide term limits. The bill requires diversity considerations in appointments and requires appointing authorities to collect and release certain demographic data from commission applicants and members. There are provisions for voting restrictions and conflict disclosure as well as a requirement that commission members complete an educational course after appointment.

Neither bill passed through referenced committees this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: HB 45, Private School Eligibility Requirements, by Eskamani/SB 56 by Rouson: Under the provisions of this bill, any private school that accepts students from the State Scholarship Program, “may not deny enrollment to a student based on the student's race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” This provision would violate the right of a private school to hold certain religious views or policies.

Neither bill moved through any referenced committees this Session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

OPPOSE: SB 968/970/972, Sports Wagering, by Brandes: This bill defines “sports wagering” and provides for the following: “Sports wagering authorized.—Notwithstanding any other law, a person who is 21 years of age or older may wager money or any other thing of value on a sports event if the wager is placed with the department or a licensee and the person is physically present in this state.” This bill requires the Department of the Lottery to regulate this practice. The result of this bill would be increased avenues for gambling in the state of Florida.

None of the versions of this bill had any House bill companions. They did not pass through any committees of reference this session. THIS BAD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION

SUPPORT: HB 1195, by Plakon – Gaming: This bill authorizes and directs the Governor, in cooperation with Seminole Tribe of Florida, to execute new gaming compact. The bill creates Pari-mutuel Site Redevelopment and Job Creation Program, requires Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to revoke permit to conduct pari-mutuel wagering for permit holder that fails to make specified payments or obtain operating license, prohibits division from issuing license to conduct or authorize slot machine gaming after specified date, revises tax rate on slot machine revenue at certain facilities, and prohibits specified card room games.

This bill had not House bill companion and it did not pass through any referenced committees this Session. THIS GOOD BILL DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION.

WEEK 4  ​There was quite a bit of action and lively debate this week at the capitol.  Here is a snap shot of what went down:The Democrat House Caucus leader, Representative Kionne McGhee (Miami), announced that the Democratic Caucus will not take a position on HB 265, the bill requiring Parental Consent before Abortion: https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2020/02/05/house-democrats-wont-stick-together-on-abortion/. Despite that though the vast majority of democrats will likely oppose the bill.  We will find out when the final vote goes down on the floor of the house soon.  Black American Democrat and friend of the FFPC, Representative Kimberly Daniels (Jacksonville), a member of the Caucus, went public last week with her support of the bill.

Demonstrations in opposition to and support of the Parental Consent for Abortion bill (SB 404/HB 265) took place in the Fl Capitol this week. That Parental Consent bill was voted on favorably on the Senate floor Thursday, February 6. https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2020/02/04/abortion-legislation-spurs-dueling-protests-inside-state-capitol/4649864002/

Also, the House version of the Vulnerable Child Protection Act (prohibiting gender reassignment surgery for minors) was discussed and debated in a workshop this past week in the House Health Quality Committee. Representative Anthony Sabatini did a stellar job and was unflinching in arguing for the protection of minors from gender reassignment procedures and other medications that can cause sterility.  He was under intense pressure from Democrats on the committee but was solid in his answers and convictions. The full Health Quality committee video can be accessed here: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/VideoPlayer.aspx?eventID=2443575804_2020021008

 ​FFPC Agenda Bills on the Move:

SUPPORT: The House version of the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage bill, HB 319, was voted on favorably in its first House committee, the Civil Justice Subcommittee. HB 319 must pass two more committees, Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee and Judiciary Committee, before going to the House floor. Senate companion bill, SB 682 has passed Children, Families, and Elder Affairs and must pass Judiciary and Rules committees before a floor vote. These bills would create a comprehensive guide to approaching marriage for couples applying for marriage licenses including communication skills, conflict resolution, parenting and finances. 

SUPPORT: SB 1634, Parental Rights, the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” passed through the Judiciary Committee on February 4. It will now be heard by the Education Committee and the Rules Committee before a vote on the Senate floor. HB 1059, the companion Parental Rights bill in the House was voted on favorably in the House Health and Human Services Committee on February 6. HB 1059 must pass through the Judiciary Committee before it will be brought to the House floor.

SUPPORT: HB 1365, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, was discussed in a workshop during the House Health Quality Subcommittee hearing. HB 1365 must past Health Quality and two more committees before reaching the House floor. The Senate companion bill, SB 1864 has yet to be heard in committee. Health Policy will be the first out of three committees in which the Senate bill must be heard and passed. The Vulnerable Child Protection Act would prohibit the use of gender reassignment drugs or procedures on minors.

SUPPORT: SB 404, Requiring Parental Consent Before Abortion, was passed off the Senate floor on February 6. It will now go to the House floor for a vote. We anticipate that vote being held in the next week or two.  Since the Senate was the main concern, now that its passed the full Senate it is likely to easily pass in the House and the Governor has committed to signing it.

SUPPORT: SB 864, Surrendered Newborn Infants, passed through Health Policy Committee. The real challenge will be getting the bill on the agenda in Children Families, and Elder Affairs. The bill needs to be heard in that committee and Rules before it comes to the Senate floor. The House companion bill, HB 1217, has passed through the House Health Markey Reform Subcommittee. It has to pass through Health Care Appropriations and Health and Human Services before it reaches the flood for a vote. This bill would allow a mother to surrender an infant up to 30 days after birth into specialized “baby boxes” located at fire stations and hospitals.

SUPPORT: HB 305, Preemption of Conditions of Employment has passed two committees in the House. The bill has one more committee before the House floor, Commerce Committee. The Senate Companion bill, SB 1126, still needs to pass through three committees prior to introduction on the Senate floor.

SUPPORT: HB 3, Preemption of Occupational Licensing, has passed through all its assigned committees. It is now ready for the House floor. Companion bill, SB 1336, has passed through one committee. It has two more Senate committees to pass before it can be heard on the Senate floor. Both Preemption of Conditions of Employment and Preemption of Occupational Licensing would make it impossible for local government to place restrictions or requirements on employers or businesses related to sexual orientation and gender identity “protections.”

OPPOSE: SB 698, Assisted Reproduction Facilities, will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 11 at 2pm in 110 Senate. This bill requires reproduction facilities to contract with patients/clients specifying the disposition of embryos. If SB 698 passes Judiciary Committee, it must pass two more committees before reaching the Senate floor. The similar House bill, HB 1287, passed the Health Quality Subcommittee and has one more committee stop before the House floor.

SUPPORT: SB 1246, Dual Enrollment, would clarify the eligibility to dual enroll for home school students. SB 1246 has passed through the Education committee and needs to pass two more committees before being heard on the Senate floor. The House companion bill, HB 187 has passed through two committees and is awaiting passage through the Education committee before it is heard on the House floor.