Gambling is bad for Florida and bad for Florida’s families. You can stop this blatant attempt to expand casino and slot machine gambling in Florida by contacting your legislators and asking them to “Say NO to a special session to expand gambling.”

Please email your state senator and representative here.

Please share this email on social media and ask your friends to contact their state legislators too.

Calling a special session is very concerning for three reasons: 

1) Legislative leaders have indicated that the state of Florida may lose significant revenue it has been receiving from the Seminole Tribe under the Seminole Gaming Compact because of an expiring deal between the two parties. This is simply not true. The Seminole Tribe has publicly indicated on two occasions that they will continue to pay the state a share of their revenues. There is no threat of reduced revenue to the state and therefore no reason to recall Legislators to the Capitol to expand gambling in Florida beyond this current agreement.

2) Legislators have seen the growing support for Amendment 3, the Voter Control of Gambling Amendment (set for the 2018 general election ballot), which will put voters in charge of all future gambling decisions in Florida. They are worried it will pass and take away their ability to expand gambling in the state. So are the gambling lobbyists and casinos who were not able to push their agenda through during this year’s regular session! This call for a special session is just a last ditch, ‘buzzer-beating’ effort to expand gambling in Florida. 

3) A special session of the Legislature would cost Florida taxpayers significantly. Past special sessions have cost Florida taxpayers between $60,000-70,000 a day. A special session, unless absolutely necessary to deal with an impending state crisis, is not good stewardship of our tax dollars.

The post Time is running out! Urge your legislator to say NO to a special session on casino gambling appeared first on Florida Family Action.

Photo Credit: The Palm Beach Post

This week students from Parkland and across the state descended on Tallahassee to call for legislative action after the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, students were split into groups and were escorted by Equality Florida, Florida’s leading LGBT activist organization, and other organizers to meet with legislators to share their experiences and demand action.

On Tuesday, as the House opened their floor session, Democrats motioned to remove all committee assignments from HB 219 and debate it directly on the floor. The bill, which has been called an assault weapons ban, in actual fact, bans nearly all guns and makes it a felony to possess or sell a wide variety of guns. The bill was never analyzed by staff nor heard in any of its committees. It should be noted that staff analysis and committee hearings are a vital part of vetting any proposed legislation. The motion to remove the committee references and debate it on the floor failed in a 71-36 party-line vote which set off a media firestorm and framed the conversation for the remainder of the week. CNN listed the name of every member who voted not to bring the measure to the floor with their NRA record. Other media outlets listed the names and phone numbers of all of the no votes. Legislative offices were inundated with calls not just from Floridians, but those across the country.  

On Wednesday, a Parkland student ambushed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee chair in the House Judiciary Committee to ask what possible reason or rationale he could have for not hearing HB 219. A rally was held outside the Capitol with 2,000 to 3,500 people calling for stricter gun control measures with students, parents, teachers, and legislators speaking out. The rally was sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Equality Florida, The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Florida PTA and others. The atmosphere was supercharged and hostile. As House members convened on the floor Wednesday afternoon, a group gathered outside the chamber chanting about HB 219 and could be heard throughout the entire floor session.

House and Senate leaders plan to release their legislative response to the Parkland shooting as early as today, but it’s unlikely that gun control advocates will be happy with it. Throughout the week, it was clear that the shooting had become politicized and a specific agenda was being pushed by the Left. 

FFPC President John Stemberger tweeted out regarding this whole movement:

It is totally shameful the leftist activists in Florida that are exploiting the teen survivors of the #StonemanShooting by parading them around exploiting them for political purposes instead of getting them grief counseling & letting them heal. #StudentsStandUp #CNNTownHall

— John Stemberger (@JohnStemberger) February 22, 2018 

Dealing with the aftermath of the shooting may have also sucked all the air out of budget negotiations and we’re hearing its a possibility that Session may be extended so that budget negotiations can be completed.  

Here are some exciting events happening around the state we hope you will attend: 

A Women’s Pregnancy Center of Marianna’s Celebration of Life Banquet

Join us for A Women’s Pregnancy Center of Marianna’s Annual Celebration of Life Banquet this next Tuesday, February 27. FFPC President John Stemberger will be the featured keynote at this event. Celebrate with us the precious lives saved every day because of AWPC Marianna’s commitment to support and care for women and their families in their community facing a suspected or unplanned pregnancy.

Details:
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 | 6 – 10 PM CST
Eastside Baptist Church, 4785 Highway 90, Marianna, 32446
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 850-526-4673 or email awpcmarianna@gmail.com.

Strengthening the Black Family Forum

We are pleased to partner with the Douglass Leadership Institute to present the Strengthening the Black Family forum in Pompano Beach on Saturday, March 17. This free forum event will celebrate the importance of family in the black community while highlighting the challenges facing many children today due to single parent households, divorce and poverty. During the event, participants will also hear from and receive leadership training from respected political and policy experts, including FFPC’s President John Stemberger and Rev. Dean Nelson, chairman of the Douglass Leadership Institute. The goal of this Saturday morning conference is to discuss how black churches and families can be strengthened, as black American families are disproportionately disadvantaged in many ways.

Details:
Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 9 am -12 pm EST
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
890 NW 15th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
To register please contact Kevrick McKain at 919-935-9220.

Upcoming Constitution Revision Commission Hearings (Pensacola, Cape Coral, St. Petersburg)

Your voice is needed at one of the upcoming historic hearings of the 2017-2018 Florida Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) scheduled during the next few weeks. Hearings are currently scheduled for Pensacola on 2/27, Cape Coral on 3/5 and St. Petersburg on 3/13. For more information on what is happening and what is needed click here. 

Now for this week’s update on our core legislative agenda! 

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE

OPPOSE HB 357 / SB 576 Adoptee Birth Certificates
Sponsors: Rep. Richard Stark (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill mandates opening up birth records to birth parents and adult adoptees (even without the consent of the birth parents in adoptions after July 1, 2018) by requiring the Florida Department of Health to issue noncertified copies of unaltered, original birth certificates to adoptees and birth parents.

Action Taken: None this Session. 

ABORTION

SUPPORT HB 1429 / SB 1890 Dismemberment Abortion
Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)

Prohibits dismemberment abortion, where an unborn child is killed by an abortionist using instruments to cut or rip the child’s body apart piece by piece and then extracts the pieces from the mother.

Action Taken: None this week. 

OPPOSE HB 1273 / SB 1718 Contraception Mandate
Sponsors: Rep. Holly Raschein (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Mandates employers provide insurance plans which pay for contraception, including abortion-inducing drugs. The exemption for employers is limited to religious objections by religious nonprofits or small, privately-held companies and it requires notification of objection to providing coverage. Insurance companies are still required to provide coverage of contraception to employees who work for an exempt organization.

Action Taken: None this Session. 

OPPOSE HB 189 / SB 320 Abortion Clinics
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Mercado (D), Sen. Linda Stewart (D)

This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with women attempting to enter abortion clinics. Sidewalk counselors or protesters could face fines, civil suits, and criminal penalties for simply calling out to a woman to not abort her baby. This bill goes beyond prohibiting criminal and inappropriate interference with abortion facilities and limits free speech. 

Action Taken: None this Session. 

CULTURE

SUPPORT HR 157 / SR 480 Declaring Pornography a Public Health Risk 
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Recognizes the public health risk created by pornography and acknowledges the need for education, prevention, research, and policy change to protect Floridians.

Action Taken: The House picked up their resolution for consideration on the floor on Tuesday. During questions, Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Winter Park) attempted to imply that this resolution by Rep. Ross Spano (R-Riverview) was unimportant and outrageous because it prioritized pornography over gun violence. Rep. Smith was antagonistic and grandstanding on the issue of gun control during each of his questions. We have it on good authority that he alienated some of his colleagues in the exchange and some are wanting to distance themselves from him. The resolution was adopted in a voice vote, with only a few no votes from the back of the chamber. We remain hopeful that this resolution will prompt some much-needed discussions about the impact that pornography is having in our state. 

SUPPORT HB 839 / SB 1158 Display of State Motto in Public Schools
Sponsors: Rep. Daniels (D), Rep. Ponder (R), Sen. Perry (R)

Requires each Florida school and each school district building to prominently display the state motto “In God We Trust.”

Action Taken: Rep. Kim Daniels (D-Jacksonville) presented her bill on the floor of the House on Wednesday. Her passionate remarks on the floor spoke about the attempts to remove God from the public sphere, including the question as to why kids have to wait until they go to prison to see “In God We Trust.” She also asked why we had prison chaplains but none in schools. You can hear her full remarks on the House floor (3:50-11:15) here. The bill passed the House 97-10. Unfortunately, the Senate version hasn’t moved at all this session so the bill is dead for the year.  

EDUCATION

SUPPORT HB 731 / SB 732 Home Education
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Clarifies that a home education program is not a school district program and parents who wish to homeschool their children must register with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements. It requires the district school superintendent to accept the parental notification and register the program upon receipt of the notice. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student chooses to participate in their programs or services. The bill also stipulates that the content of a child’s portfolio shall be determined by the parent, not the school district. Finally, it allows school districts to provide homeschool students access to career and vocational courses and requires that industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by the school district be available to homeschool students. For homeschool students who are dual enrolled to earn college credit, the bill stipulates that course or program limitations may not exceed the limitations for other dually enrolled students.

Action Taken: The House version passed quickly without any debate on Wednesday afternoon in a 113-0 vote. The Senate version has one remaining committee, Appropriations, but it was not scheduled to be heard in next Tuesday’s meeting – the last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings. This means the bill is likely dead for the third year in a row.  

 SUPPORT HB 1 / SB 1172 Hope Scholarship Program
Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R), Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

Establishes the Hope Scholarship for students after an incident of battery, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, harassment, assault, threat or intimidation. The student will have an opportunity to transfer to another public school or to apply for a scholarship to attend a private school. Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Action Taken: HB 7055, a larger education bill, which has the Hope Scholarship Program language was heard by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. Because it is a House bill any proposed amendments will be considered at each committee stop in the Senate. A number of amendments were considered on Tuesday. One that could have huge consequences for private schools was adopted by the committee and we are more fully analyzing its impact before Tuesday’s Appropriations Committee meeting, its next scheduled stop. It is fully expected that the Senate will adopt various amendments and then the bill will head to a conference committee between the two chambers where the final language and details will be determined. 

FREE SPEECH

SUPPORT HB 909 / SB 1234 Free Speech Zones on Campus

Sponsors: Rep. Rommel (R), Rep. Clemons (R), Sen. Baxley (R)

Protects the right of free speech outdoors on public campuses of higher education such as state colleges, universities, law schools, etc. Prohibits a public college, university, law school, etc. from creating “free speech zones” or restricting free expression except in cases that are reasonable and content-neutral. No student, faculty or staff member would be allowed to materially disrupt another individual or organization’s scheduled or reserved activities. If a violation occurs, the Attorney General or the person whose rights were violated may take the violator to court within one year of the violation for reasonable compensation. 

Action Taken: Senate Judiciary, the final committee in the Senate, heard their version of the bill on Tuesday. The committee room was packed with students from leftist groups whose testimony clearly demonstrated why this bill is necessary on college campuses today. Unfortunately, speaker cards were ordered with all of the opposition on top and supporters on the bottom and time ran out for public testimony – meaning committee members only heard from opponents to the bill. FFA’s Amber Kelly was at the meeting to testify on the bill, but was not given an opportunity to do so. Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) and Sen. Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) joined with committee Democrats in voting “no” on the bill killing the bill. Before the vote count was even announced, a motion to reconsider was made which would allow the bill to be reconsidered (voted on again) during the next committee meeting – but there are no more Judiciary committee meetings scheduled for the year.  

The House Education committee picked up the measure on Wednesday morning. FFA’s Amber Kelly testified on the bill, followed by a couple of the students from the previous day (you can hear Amber’s full testimony from 13:48 to 16:28). Some of the student testimony focused on speech that incites violence – it is important to note that free speech protections never extend to speech that incites violence. Opponents said that extremists include racists, evangelicals and those who are pro-life and that the majority have the right to silence speech they don’t like. 

Questions by committee members were much more pointed than in the Senate. During debate committee members passionately argued the bill with some members hung up on the issue of racist speech. Rep. Shevrin Jones (D-West Park), as a millennial, said he believed in disruption, meaning that it is appropriate to disrupt activities or speech that one disagrees with. The idea of disruption is diametrically opposed to the concept of free speech. While it is certainly acceptable to protest and counter-protest, it is not okay to impinge or stop others from exercising their right to free speech. The final vote was 14-6 in a mostly party-line vote with Rep. Kim Daniels (D-Jacksonville) joining committee Republicans.  

GAMBLING

OPPOSE HB 223 / SB 374 Fantasy Contests
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)

Exempts fantasy gaming contests such as fantasy sports leagues from being subject to gambling penalties and regulations. In effect, legalizing fantasy gambling.

Action Taken: None this week. 

OPPOSE SB 840 Legalizing Fantasy and Designated Player Games/Expanding Slot Machines
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)

In addition to exempting fantasy gaming from state gambling regulations, this bill would remove the requirement that greyhound, thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse permit holders conduct live racing at their pari-mutuel facilities in order to be eligible for or keep their slot machine and cardroom licenses. This bill would allow these facilities to take wagers for intertrack races and simulcasts.  It would also legalize designated player games (playing against a designated player rather than the house). 

Action Taken: None this week. 

OPPOSE HB 1293 / SB 1802 Preview Games and Machines
Sponsor: Rep. Al Jacquet (D), Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. (D)

Legalizes preview or pre-reveal machines, slot machines which draw individuals in by revealing the prize before the game is started.  A Florida judge has already ruled the machines constitute gambling. 

Action Taken: None this Session. 

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SUPPORT HB 167 / SB 1044 Civil Action for Human Trafficking Victims
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil cause of action against a human trafficker or facilitator (a person or business who aids in or turns a blind eye to human trafficking activities). Under this provision, a victim of human trafficking could receive payment for medical bills, mental health services, repatriation, etc. as well as monetary damages for pain, loss, trauma, etc. A trafficker or facilitator would also be liable under this section to provide an additional $100,000 in damages to the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (established by HB 169/SB 1046) and, in some cases, additional damages to law enforcement to aid in future human trafficking rescue efforts. Punitive damages would be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.

Action Taken: The House version was heard by its final committee, Judiciary, on Wednesday. The bill passed with unanimous support. The bill now heads to the House floor. The Senate version is set to be heard by its final committee, Rules, on Monday next week. 

SUPPORT HB 169 / SB 1046 Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Creates the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement.  This fund would be funded by penalties and damages obtained under as referenced in HB 167 / SB 1044 and other sources, including funds appropriated by the Legislature. The trust fund would be used to assist victims of human trafficking with medical and mental health exams and treatment, living expenses, lost wages and repatriation. The funds could also be used for a variety of education and prevention efforts, creating a survivor’s resource center, or for vacating convictions against trafficking victims incurred due to trafficking, etc.

Action Taken: The House and Senate bills passed their final committees Wednesday and Thursday this week and will now head to the floor to be considered by their full chambers. Both bills passed unanimously out of committee.

SUPPORT HB 7039 / SB 1502 Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking
Sponsors: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Requires a 10-year minimum mandatory imprisonment sentence for any individual, who knowingly or recklessly without regards to the facts, engages in, attempts to engage in, or financially benefits from human trafficking. Removes fees to expunge certain portions of criminal records for victims of human trafficking as it relates to their trafficking. Redefines the term “Adult Entertainment Establishment” to include additional adult-style businesses.

Action Taken: None this week. 

LIFE 

SUPPORT HB 41 / SB 444 Pregnancy Support Services
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

Requires the Florida Department of Health to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) to provide pregnancy support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant. FPCN would then provide support to pregnant women and address their wellness needs. The bill requires FPCN subcontractors to promote and support childbirth only. All services provided must be voluntary and cannot include religious content.

Action Taken: None this week. It has already passed both chambers, we are just waiting for it to be sent to the governor. 

LGBT

OPPOSE HB 347 / SB 66 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act”
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)

The worst bill in the Florida Legislature because of its effect on public safety and freedom of conscience. It adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination.  Would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

A full list of House and Senate co-sponsors.

Action Taken:  None this Session.

OPPOSE HB 717 / SB 696 Banning Conversion Therapy
Sponsors: Rep. Evan Jenne (D) / Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D)

This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so. 

Action Taken: None this Session.  

MARRIAGE

SUPPORT HB 1323 / SB 1580 Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage  
Sponsors: Rep. Clay Yarborough (R), Rep. Danny Burgess (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Creates the Marriage Education Committee, which is tasked with developing the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, which is required to include resources on conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence, and parenting responsibilities; current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship; and information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution. Clerks will be responsible for posting the guide on their websites and individuals applying for a marriage certificate must certify that they have read it or similar resources.

Action Taken: None this week. 

OPPOSE HB 130 / SB 6027 Same-Sex Marriage
Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer (D)

Removes the language in state statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.

Action Taken: None this Session.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

SUPPORT HB 871 / SB 1290 Free Enterprise Protection Act
Sponsors: Rep. Jay Fant (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Prohibits any level of state government or individual acting on behalf of the state from discriminating against a business based upon their internal personnel or employee benefits policies or their exercise of free speech and religion as protected under the Florida and federal Constitutions. The state and its subdivisions would be prohibited from revoking tax exemptions and benefits; denying grants, certifications, licenses, etc.; and access and entitlement to property, facilities and speech forums, among other provisions.

Action Taken: None this Session.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report from Tallahassee – Week 7 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.

While legislators try to figure out what to do in the aftermath of the shooting in Parkland this week, legislative business continued albeit at a slower pace than one might have expected. The Senate floor session was canceled on Wednesday and a number of committee meetings were scheduled for next week, so that bills that haven’t yet passed all of their committees can still be considered. While last week was dominated by education, this week seemed to be dominated by discussions of protecting children and of pornography.

The child marriage ban bill was considered on the floor of the House this week. The Senate version was substituted for the House version and amended to include an exception for 16 and 17-year olds who are pregnant and wanting to marry someone no more than 2 years older with parental consent. Floor debate was lengthy on the issue as some members did not want any exception under the age of 18 and others felt that the pregnancy requirement should be removed (allowing all 16 and 17-year olds to marry someone no more than 2 years older with parental consent). Some Democrats argued that the pregnancy clause was unfair given same-sex marriage or that teens may get pregnant in order to get married. Florida Family Policy Council is supportive of the narrow exception in the bill to allow pregnant teens to marry an age-appropriate partner.

After the House Commerce Committee favorably considered a resolution on pornography as a public health risk on Tuesday, the full House passed HB 7017 on Child Exploitation on Wednesday. The bill increases penalties for child pornography but also makes child morphed porn illegal. Shockingly, this type of pornography, which places the face of a child on an adult’s body, is not already illegal. Unfortunately, the Senate version has only passed one committee and the bill looks like it will not pass the Senate this year. 

We are continuing to work hard on the ground in Tallahassee to see good legislation passed before the end of the 2018 session–which is just three weeks away! 

Update on Constitution Revision Commission 

Your voice is needed at one of the four upcoming historic hearings of the 2017-2018 Florida Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) scheduled during the next few weeks. Hearings are currently scheduled for Melbourne on 2/19, Jacksonville on 2/20, Pensacola on 2/27, and St. Petersburg on 3/13. For more information on what is happening and what is needed click here. 

Upcoming Event – CEO Symposium (February 20th and 21st in Lakeland, Tampa, Sarasota, and Ft. Myers)

Are you a Christian business owner or CEO? Are you concerned about recent lawsuits you’ve seen in the news infringing on the rights of Christian business owners like yourself to make decisions for their company based on their sincerely-held beliefs?

If so, please join the Christian Business Leaders Network for their upcoming FREE CEO Symposium tour to be held in four locations across Florida February 20-21, 2018. This symposium is specifically designed to brief you as a business owner on how to protect your religious liberty. You will hear from national business and ministry leaders on this fundamental right, including FFPC’s President and General Counsel John Stemberger, and network with other like-minded business owners and CEOs in your area. Click on one of the following locations to register or call (877) 634-2279 or email carolyn@reclaimingflorida.org.

Lakeland, FL Breakfast – February 20th

Tampa, FL Lunch – February 20th  

Sarasota, FL Breakfast – February 21st 

Ft. Myers, FL Lunch – February 21st

Now for this week’s update on our core legislative agenda! 

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE

OPPOSE HB 357 / SB 576 Adoptee Birth Certificates
Sponsors: Rep. Richard Stark (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill mandates opening up birth records to birth parents and adult adoptees (even without the consent of the birth parents in adoptions after July 1, 2018) by requiring the Florida Department of Health to issue noncertified copies of unaltered, original birth certificates to adoptees and birth parents.

Action: None this Session.
 

ABORTION

SUPPORT HB 1429 / SB 1890 Dismemberment Abortion
Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)

Prohibits dismemberment abortion, where an unborn child is killed by an abortionist using instruments to cut or rip the child’s body apart piece by piece and then extracts the pieces from the mother.

Action: The House Health and Human Services Committee, the final assigned committee in the House, heard its version Thursday morning. This hearing was the least contentious of the three House committees with Dr. Kathi Aultman of Charlotte Lozier Institute providing expert testimony on what happens in a dismemberment abortion. Only one opponent to the bill testified in committee and she did not speak to the matter at hand – the killing of a child through dismemberment. Florida Family Action’s Amber Kelly testified on the bill and argued that this was an issue of our humanity. If we would not allow this method to be used as a form of capital punishment then why are we allowing it for an unborn child who has committed no crime? You can watch Amber’s testimony here from 19:13-20:51.  

Sadly, the bill did not pass unanimously but rather cleared the committee in a 13-6 party-line vote.  

OPPOSE HB 1273 / SB 1718 Contraception Mandate
Sponsors: Rep. Holly Raschein (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Mandates employers provide insurance plans which pay for contraception, including abortion-inducing drugs. The exemption for employers is limited to religious objections by religious nonprofits or small, privately-held companies and it requires notification of objection to providing coverage. Insurance companies are still required to provide coverage of contraception to employees who work for an exempt organization.

Action: None this Session. 

OPPOSE HB 189 / SB 320 Abortion Clinics
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Mercado (D), Sen. Linda Stewart (D)

This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with women attempting to enter abortion clinics. Sidewalk counselors or protestors could face fines, civil suits, and criminal penalties for simply calling out to a woman to not abort her baby. This bill goes beyond prohibiting criminal and inappropriate interference with abortion facilities and limits free speech. 

Action: None this Session. 

CULTURE

SUPPORT HR 157 / SR 480 Declaring Pornography a Public Health Crisis
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Recognizes the public health crisis created by pornography and acknowledges the need for education, prevention, research, and policy change to protect Floridians.

Action: The House Commerce Committee, the final committee in the House, picked up this resolution on Tuesday afternoon. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Coral Springs) filed a series of amendments prior to the committee meeting, which deleted the language about pornography and inserted a variety of other items as public health crises, including cancer, influenza, gun violence, MS-13, and even a porn actress’ name. These amendments trivialized and minimized the consequences of pornography in our society today. Committee members heard the first amendment, but the amendment sponsor withdrew it before a vote. The remaining amendments were not even heard as Rep. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) objected to them as not germane to the bill and Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), the Commerce Chair, ruled in favor of his objections. This led Rep. Moskowitz to try to table or postpone the bill. Voice votes were called in which Democrats joined with Rep. Moskowitz to postpone the hearing, but the majority voted against such motions. 

Amber Kelly in her testimony on HR 157 laid out some of the public health risks of pornography in society today and said that in an era of the #MeToo movement, we must have a discussion about the ills of pornography and their impact on society today. This is not a conservative or liberal issue; a variety of organizations and leaders who are working on combatting human trafficking, as well as the Department of Justice, recognize that pornography fuels sex trafficking. Amber’s testimony on HR 157 can be watched here from 1:59:16 to 2:01:30.

Despite Rep. Moskowitz’s antics and attempts by some Democrats, like Rep. Sean Shaw (D-Tampa), to argue that other issues should be listed as public health crises or risks before pornography, the committee voted 25-1 in favor of the resolution. The resolution is scheduled to be heard by the full House next Tuesday.  

SUPPORT HB 839 / SB 1158 Display of State Motto in Public Schools
Sponsors: Rep. Daniels (D), Rep. Ponder (R), Sen. Perry (R)

Requires each Florida school and each school district building to prominently display the state motto “In God We Trust.”

Action:  The House version is scheduled to be heard by the full House next Tuesday, but the Senate version has had no action this year.  

EDUCATION

SUPPORT HB 731 / SB 732 Home Education
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Clarifies that a home education program is not a school district program and parents who wish to homeschool their children must register with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements. It requires the district school superintendent to accept the parental notification and register the program upon receipt of the notice. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student chooses to participate in their programs or services. The bill also stipulates that the content of a child’s portfolio shall be determined by the parent, not the school district. Finally, it allows school districts to provide homeschool students access to career and vocational courses and requires that industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by the school district be available to homeschool students. For homeschool students who are dual enrolled to earn college credit, the bill stipulates that course or program limitations may not exceed the limitations for other dually enrolled students.

Action: The House version is scheduled to be heard by the full House next Tuesday while the Senate version has only one committee remaining. 

SUPPORT HB 1 / SB 1172 Hope Scholarship Program
Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R), Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

Establishes the Hope Scholarship for students after an incident of battery, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, harassment, assault, threat or intimidation. The student will have an opportunity to transfer to another public school or to apply for a scholarship to attend a private school. Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Action: HB 7055, a larger education bill, which has the Hope Scholarship Program language in it is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee next Tuesday (it has already been passed by the full House).  

FREE SPEECH

SUPPORT HB 909 / SB 1234 Free Speech Zones on Campus
Sponsors: Rep. Rommel (R), Rep. Clemons (R), Sen. Baxley (R)

Protects the right of free speech outdoors on public campuses of higher education such as state colleges, universities, law schools, etc. Prohibits a public college, university, law school, etc. from creating “free speech zones” or restricting free expression except in cases that are reasonable and content-neutral. No student, faculty or staff member would be allowed to materially disrupt another individual or organization’s scheduled or reserved activities. If a violation occurs, the Attorney General or the person whose rights were violated may take the violator to court within one year of the violation for reasonable compensation. 

Action: The Senate version will be heard in its final committee next Tuesday. It also has one committee remaining in the House.  

GAMBLING

OPPOSE HB 223 / SB 374 Fantasy Contests
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)

Exempts fantasy gaming contests such as fantasy sports leagues from being subject to gambling penalties and regulations. In effect, legalizing fantasy gambling.

Action: None this week. 

OPPOSE SB 840 Legalizing Fantasy and Designated Player Games/Expanding Slot Machines
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)

In addition to exempting fantasy gaming from state gambling regulations, this bill would remove the requirement that greyhound, thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse permit holders conduct live racing at their pari-mutuel facilities in order to be eligible for or keep their slot machine and cardroom licenses. This bill would allow these facilities to take wagers for intertrack races and simulcasts.  It would also legalize designated player games (playing against a designated player rather than the house). 

Action: A 90-page amendment was introduced this week in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.  The amendment would allow a new 20-year deal with the Seminoles which the House wants, but it also allows the Seminoles to add craps and roulette to their casinos and authorizes designated player games all of which the House opposes. It also exempts fantasy gaming from gambling regulations. The bill is likely to continue to move forward so that the two chambers can enter into negotiations. While the House and Senate appear to be very far apart and the new contract with the Seminoles must still be negotiated, it remains to be seen whether there is time left to even address all of these issues. 

The Voter Control of Gambling Initiative, which requires voter approval of any gambling expansion, is on November’s ballot. The Legislature knows that if they are going to expand gambling they will have to do it now as it is widely expected that Amendment 3 will pass this year. Florida Family Policy Council remains opposed to any expansion of gambling in Florida and encourages lawmakers to hold off from expanding gambling before November.

OPPOSE HB 1293 / SB 1802 Preview Games and Machines
Sponsor: Rep. Al Jacquet (D), Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. (D)

Legalizes preview or pre-reveal machines, slot machines which draw individuals in by revealing the prize before the game is started.  A Florida judge has already ruled the machines constitute gambling. 

Action: None this Session. 

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SUPPORT HB 167 / SB 1044 Civil Action for Human Trafficking Victims
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil cause of action against a human trafficker or facilitator (a person or business who aids in or turns a blind eye to human trafficking activities). Under this provision, a victim of human trafficking could receive payment for medical bills, mental health services, repatriation, etc. as well as monetary damages for pain, loss, trauma, etc. A trafficker or facilitator would also be liable under this section to provide an additional $100,000 in damages to the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (established by HB 169/SB 1046) and, in some cases, additional damages to law enforcement to aid in future human trafficking rescue efforts. Punitive damages would be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.

Action: The Senate version passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee in a 5-0 vote. Both the House and Senate versions have one remaining committee, but it remains to be seen whether the bill will pass this year with the hotel industry staunchly opposed to the measure. 

SUPPORT HB 169 / SB 1046 Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Creates the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement.  This fund would be funded by penalties and damages obtained under as referenced in HB 167 / SB 1044 and other sources, including funds appropriated by the Legislature. The trust fund would be used to assist victims of human trafficking with medical and mental health exams and treatment, living expenses, lost wages and repatriation. The funds could also be used for a variety of education and prevention efforts, creating a survivor’s resource center, or for vacating convictions against trafficking victims incurred due to trafficking, etc.

Action: 
The Senate version passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee in a 5-0 vote. Both the House and Senate versions have one remaining committee, but it remains to be seen whether the bill will pass this year with the hotel industry staunchly opposed to the measure. 

SUPPORT HB 7039 / SB 1502 Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking
Sponsors: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Requires a 10-year minimum mandatory imprisonment sentence for any individual, who knowingly or recklessly without regards to the facts, engages in, attempts to engage in, or financially benefits from human trafficking.  Removes fees to expunge certain portions of criminal records for victims of human trafficking as it relates to their trafficking.  Redefines the term “Adult Entertainment Establishment” to include additional adult-style businesses.

Action: None this week. 

LIFE 

SUPPORT HB 41 / SB 444 Pregnancy Support Services
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

Requires the Florida Department of Health to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) to provide pregnancy support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant.  FPCN would then provide support to pregnant women and address their wellness needs.  The bill requires FPCN subcontractors to promote and support childbirth only. All services provided must be voluntary and cannot include religious content.

Action: None this week. It has already passed both chambers, we are just waiting for it to be sent to the governor. 

LGBT

OPPOSE HB 347 / SB 66 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act”
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)

The worst bill in the Florida Legislature because of its effect on public safety and freedom of conscience. It adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination.  Would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

A full list of House and Senate co-sponsors.

Action:  None this Session.

OPPOSE HB 717 / SB 696 Banning Conversion Therapy
Sponsors: Rep. Evan Jenne (D) / Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D)

This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so. 

Action: None this Session.  

MARRIAGE

SUPPORT HB 1323 / SB 1580 Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage  
Sponsors: Rep. Clay Yarborough (R), Rep. Danny Burgess (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Creates the Marriage Education Committee, which is tasked with developing the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, which is required to include resources on conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence, and parenting responsibilities; current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship; and information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution. Clerks will be responsible for posting the guide on their websites and individuals applying for a marriage certificate must certify that they have read it or similar resources.

Action: None this week. 

OPPOSE HB 130 / SB 6027 Same-Sex Marriage
Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer (D)

Removes the language in state statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.

Action: None this Session.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

SUPPORT HB 871 / SB 1290 Free Enterprise Protection Act
Sponsors: Rep. Jay Fant (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Prohibits any level of state government or individual acting on behalf of the state from discriminating against a business based upon their internal personnel or employee benefits policies or their exercise of free speech and religion as protected under the Florida and federal Constitutions. The state and its subdivisions would be prohibited from revoking tax exemptions and benefits; denying grants, certifications, licenses, etc.; and access and entitlement to property, facilities and speech forums, among other provisions.

Action: None this Session.

The Senate bill was heard by the Senate Education Committee Tuesday. The bill was amended in committee by the sponsor Sen. Baxley (R-Lady Lake) to clarify liability language for public institutions and add increased accountability for student governments in charge of funding student campus organizations.The bill was highly contested in committee, with some Senators even questioning the need for this legislation. The bill sponsor reminded the committee that restricting free speech to certain areas or groups on public campuses as some Florida universities (and many others around the country) are practicing is setting a dangerous precedent. Not only do these actions silence or alienate those with differing views leading to complete intolerance, but it also violates the First Amendment.One senator brought up the inflammatory example of the KKK as a reason to have waiting periods or restrictions on speech on college campuses. However, as one speaker pointed out, as much as this form of speech is not welcome by society, placing restrictions on any group and not on other groups is an unequal application of rules and is effectively content based discrimination. After further discussion, the bill was passed on party lines 7-4. The bill has one more committee, Judiciary, before it heads to the Senate floor.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report from Tallahassee – Week 6 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.

On Monday, Pro-Family Days attendees were trained on how to lobby and were briefed by policy experts Bill Bunkley of Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; Marco Paredes of Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops; Paul Seago of No Casinos; Amber Kelly of Florida Family Action; and FFPC President John Stemberger on important bills facing the Legislature during the 2018 Session. Some of the bill topics discussed included life, education, religious liberty, gambling, and LGBT issues.

Monday evening we had the distinct pleasure and incredible privilege of honoring pregnancy care center directors from across Florida in a special celebration of life on the infamous anniversary of Roe v. Wade. We are so grateful for the work these men and women do on a daily basis to love, support and care for these new mothers (and fathers) facing an unplanned pregnancy.

On Tuesday, FFPC hosted a Legislative Prayer Breakfast attended by 250 people, including many elected officials. Guest speakers included Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam; House Speaker Richard Corcoran; Senator Kelli Stargel; Representative Jennifer Sullivan; and keynote speaker Pam Tebow, a homeschool pioneer, pro-life activist, and mother to Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. Click here to watch the livestream from her keynote address (starting at 21:18) and sit-down interview with Al Laws of WIN Family Services.

During Pro-Family Days, attendees also met with their legislators; toured the Florida House of Representatives with House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’ Lakes) and Rep. Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater); and heard from Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston at the Florida Supreme Court.

Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for photos from this year’s event. More photos will continue to be added in the coming days. Tag yourself and share these photos with your friends and encourage them to join us next year for Pro-Family Days! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to continue to receive our most current updates on what’s happening around the state relating to the issues of life, marriage, family, and religious liberty. 

Constitution Revision Commission Update

On Thursday, the CRC’s Declaration of Rights Committee passed out Proposal 22, the Florida Privacy Restoration Act. The proposed amendment will clarify that the privacy clause in Florida’s Constitution guarantees a right to informational privacy. Opinions by the Florida Supreme Court in recent years have not upheld a right to informational privacy, but have granted other rights, such as a right to abortion.  While abortion would remain constitutional under Roe v Wade if the Florida Privacy Restoration Act passes, it is possible that reasonable laws regulating abortion, such as parental consent for a minor to obtain an abortion, would now be ruled constitutional. This has angered groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women. These groups attempted to scare commissioners into voting no by telling them that liberties we have enjoyed for decades will disappear. This is outrageous and patently false, but leftist groups will brook no limitation on abortion, no matter how reasonable. They demand that abortion be available any time, any place, for any woman who wants one.  

Commissioner Arthenia Joyner painted the judicial activism that has taken place as “progress” in the same way that women have been granted the right to vote and blacks were given civil rights. What Commissioner Joyner failed to mention was that the courts didn’t grant those rights, but rather a constitutional amendment and federal legislation did. Zach Jones, an FSU student, passionately testified that while he was pro-choice, the courts did not have the ability to grant a constitutional right to abortion and that if Floridians wanted a constitutional right to abortion, they would need to pass a constitutional amendment that said so. After nearly two hours, the Declaration of Rights Committee voted 4-3 to advance Proposal 22. It heads to the CRC’s Judiciary Committee next and will be heard on Thursday, February 1st.  

Now, for this week’s update on our legislative agenda! 

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE

OPPOSE HB 357 / SB 576 Adoptee Birth Certificates
Sponsors: Rep. Richard Stark (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill mandates opening up birth records to birth parents and adult adoptees (even without the consent of the birth parents in adoptions after July 1, 2018) by requiring the Florida Department of Health to issue noncertified copies of unaltered, original birth certificates to adoptees and birth parents.

Action: None.

ABORTION

SUPPORT HB 1429 / SB 1890 Dismemberment Abortion
Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)

Prohibits dismemberment abortion, where an unborn child is killed by an abortionist using instruments to cut or rip the child’s body apart piece by piece and then extracts the pieces from the mother.

Action: The House Health Quality Subcommittee heard the bill this week.  Florida Family Action’s Political and Communications Director, Amber Kelly, testified on the bill (her testimony can be seen from 1:18:15 1:20:24).  Amber spoke about the fact that while cruel and unusual punishment is prohibited in punishing criminals, the practice of dismemberment abortion is allowed which is cruel to the unborn child. The bill does not prevent a woman from choosing to have an abortion, but it does ensure that once a woman has chosen to have an abortion that a child is not killed brutally.  The bill passed its first committee stop in a 9-6 vote. 

OPPOSE HB 1273 / SB 1718 Contraception Mandate
Sponsors: Rep. Holly Raschein (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Mandates employers provide insurance plans which pay for contraception, including abortion inducing drugs. The exemption for employers is limited to religious objections by religious nonprofits or small, privately-held companies and it requires notification of objection to providing coverage. Insurance companies are still required to provide coverage of contraception to employees who work for an exempt organization.

Action: None.

OPPOSE HB 189 / SB 320 Abortion Clinics
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Mercado (D), Sen. Linda Stewart (D)

This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with women attempting to enter abortion clinics. Sidewalk counselors or protestors could face fines, civil suits, and criminal penalties for simply calling out to a woman to not abort her baby. This bill goes beyond prohibiting criminal and inappropriate interference with abortion facilities and limits free speech. 

Action: None.

CULTURE

SUPPORT HR 157 / SR 480 Declaring Pornography a Public Health Crisis
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Recognizes the public health crisis created by pornography and acknowledges need for education, prevention, research, and policy change to protect Floridians.

Action: None.

SUPPORT HB 839 / SB 1158 Display of State Motto in Public Schools
Sponsors: Rep. Daniels (D), Rep. Ponder (R), Sen. Perry (R)

Requires each Florida school and each school district building to prominently display the state motto “In God We Trust.”

Action: The House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee heard the bill on Tuesday and passed the bill unanimously.  It only has one more committee stop before it can head to the floor of the House for passage out of that chamber.  It has yet to be heard in the Senate.

EDUCATION

SUPPORT HB 731 / SB 732 Home Education
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Clarifies that a home education program is not a school district program and parents who wish to homeschool their children must register with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements. It requires the district school superintendent to accept the parental notification and register the program upon receipt of the notice. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student chooses to participate in their programs or services. The bill also stipulates that the content of a child’s portfolio shall be determined by the parent, not the school district.  Finally, it allows school districts to provide homeschool students access to career and vocational courses and requires that industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by the school district be available to homeschool students. For homeschool students who are dual enrolled to earn college credit, the bill stipulates that course or program limitations may not exceed the limitations for other dually enrolled students.

Action: After a couple of technical amendments and with no debate, the Senate version passed out of the Education committee unanimously on Monday.  It has two remaining committees.

SUPPORT HB 1 / SB 1172 Hope Scholarship Program
Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R), Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

Establishes the Hope Scholarship for students after an incident of battery, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, harassment, assault, threat or intimidation. The student will have an opportunity to transfer to another public school or to apply for a scholarship to attend a private school. Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Action: The Senate bill was taken up on Monday in the Education Committee. An amendment to the bill added additional language which allows a school principal to investigate allegations and establish the at-fault parties, the circumstances surrounding the incident, etc.  Opponents suggested that the offender should be penalized rather than removing the victim from a hostile environment.  The bill sponsor noted that there are already rules and consequences in place for those who harass, bully, or otherwise threaten or intimidate another. Some committee members suggested that they would like to see additional programs, like counseling, being included to help the victims. 

FREE SPEECH

SUPPORT HB 909 / SB 1234 Free Speech Zones on Campus
Sponsors: Rep. Rommel (R), Rep. Clemons (R), Sen. Baxley (R)

Protects the right of free speech outdoors on public campuses of higher education such as state colleges, universities, law schools, etc. Prohibits a public college, university, law school, etc. from creating “free speech zones” or restricting free expression except in cases that are reasonable and content-neutral. No student, faculty or staff member would be allowed to materially disrupt another individual or organization’s scheduled or reserved activities. If a violation occurs, the Attorney General or the person whose rights were violated may take the violator to court within one year of the violation for reasonable compensation. 

Action: The House Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee took up the bill on Tuesday and passed the bill in a 9-5 vote in a party line vote. The House version must pass two more committees.

GAMBLING

OPPOSE HB 223 / SB 374 Fantasy Contests
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)

Exempts fantasy gaming contests such as fantasy sports leagues from being subject to gambling penalties and regulations. In effect, legalizing fantasy gambling.

Action: The House Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee heard the bill on Tuesday and passed it unanimously. The House bill still has two more committees.  The Senate Rules committee picked up its version on Thursday and passed it in a 9-2 vote, which means it is now headed to the Senate floor.

OPPOSE SB 840 Legalizing Fantasy and Designated Player Games/Expanding Slot Machines
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)

In addition to exempting fantasy gaming from state gambling regulations, this bill would remove the requirement that greyhound, thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse permit holders conduct live racing at their pari-mutuel facilities in order to be eligible for or keep their slot machine and cardroom licenses. This bill would allow these facilities to take wagers for intertrack races and simulcasts. It would also legalize designated player games (playing against a designated player rather than the house). 

Action: None.

OPPOSE HB 1293 / SB 1802 Preview Games and Machines
Sponsor: Rep. Al Jacquet (D), Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. (D)

Legalizes preview or pre-reveal machines, slot machines which draw individuals in by revealing the prize before the game is started. A Florida judge has already ruled the machines constitute gambling. 

Action: None.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SUPPORT HB 167 / SB 1044 Civil Action for Human Trafficking Victims
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil cause of action against a human trafficker or facilitator (a person or business who aids in or turns a blind eye to human trafficking activities). Under this provision, a victim of human trafficking could receive payment for medical bills, mental health services, repatriation, etc. as well as monetary damages for pain, loss, trauma, etc. A trafficker or facilitator would also be liable under this section to provide an additional $100,000 in damages to the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (established by HB 169/SB 1046) and, in some cases, additional damages to law enforcement to aid in future human trafficking rescue efforts. Punitive damages would be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.

Action: None.

SUPPORT HB 169 / SB 1046 Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Creates the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement. This fund would be funded by penalties and damages obtained under as referenced in   HB 167 / SB 1044 and other sources, including funds appropriated by the Legislature. The trust fund would be used to assist victims of human trafficking with medical and mental health exams and treatment, living expenses, lost wages and repatriation. The funds could also be used for a variety of education and prevention efforts, creating a survivor’s resource center, or for vacating convictions against trafficking victims incurred due to trafficking, etc.

Action: None.

SUPPORT HB 7039 / SB 1502 Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking
Sponsors: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Requires a 10-year minimum mandatory imprisonment sentence for any individual, who knowingly or recklessly without regards to the facts, engages in, attempts to engage in, or financially benefits from human trafficking. Removes fees to expunge certain portions of criminal records for victims of human trafficking as it relates to their trafficking. Redefines the term “Adult Entertainment Establishment” to include additional adult-style businesses.

Action: None.

LIFE

SUPPORT HB 41 / SB 444 Pregnancy Support Services
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

Requires the Florida Department of Health to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) to provide pregnancy support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant. FPCN would then provide support to pregnant women and address their wellness needs. The bill requires FPCN subcontractors to promote and support childbirth only. All services provided must be voluntary and cannot include religious content.

Action: None.

LGBT

OPPOSE HB 347 / SB 66 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act”
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)

The worst bill in the Florida Legislature because of its effect on public safety and freedom of conscience. It adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination. Would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

A full list of House and Senate co-sponsors.

Action:  None.

OPPOSE HB 717 / SB 696 Banning Conversion Therapy
Sponsors: Rep. Evan Jenne (D) / Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D)

This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so. 

Action: None.

MARRIAGE

SUPPORT HB 1323 / SB 1580 Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage  
Sponsors: Rep. Clay Yarborough (R), Rep. Danny Burgess (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Creates the Marriage Education Committee, which is tasked with developing the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, which is required to include resources on conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence, and parenting responsibilities; current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship; and information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution. Clerks will be responsible for posting the guide on their websites and individuals applying for a marriage certificate must certify that they have read it or similar resources.

Action: The House Civil Justice and Claims picked up the bill this week. Florida Family Action President John Stemberger testified on the divorce problem that the state of Florida has.  Richard Albertson of Live the Life also testified on the economic impact of divorce on Florida taxpayers.  There was no opposition to the bill in public testimony; however, one member of the committee seemed to want to ensure that same-sex couples would be included in the guide. The bill passed out of committee, mostly along party lines, in a 10-4 vote.  The Senate version is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday afternoon.

OPPOSE HB 130 / SB 6027 Same-Sex Marriage
Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer (D)

Removes the language in state statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.

Action: None.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

SUPPORT HB 871 / SB 1290 Free Enterprise Protection Act
Sponsors: Rep. Jay Fant (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Prohibits any level of state government or individual acting on behalf of the state from discriminating against a business based upon their internal personnel or employee benefits policies or their exercise of free speech and religion as protected under the Florida and federal Constitutions. The state and its subdivisions would be prohibited from revoking tax exemptions and benefits; denying grants, certifications, licenses, etc.; and access and entitlement to property, facilities and speech forums, among other provisions.

Action: None.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report Week 3 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.

The chambers also could not reach a consensus on gambling in the state.  While a joint conference to tackle the issue was established and a few offers were made back and forth, talks broke down over the issue of whether referendums would be required to approve gambling in eight counties which currently do not have it.   Sen. Dana Young (R-Tampa) launched a last ditch effort to expand gambling in the state by introducing an amendment to an unrelated bill which would have allowed fantasy gaming and slot machines.  The House refused to accept the amendment, and the bill was not passed.  The last week of the Legislative session was a busy week with a significant amount of legislation being passed out in the final days while other important pieces of legislation languished and died in the final hour. One such issue was the implementation of Amendment 2, the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida, passed by voters in 2016. Amendment 2 legalized medical marijuana, but legislation is needed to instruct government entities and the population as to how the marijuana is to be grown, processed, and distributed. While both the House and Senate adopted their own bills on medical marijuana, the two chambers did not reach an agreement on a cap on the number of dispensaries in the state, so no legislation on the issue was passed. While John Morgan is calling on the governor to convene a special session to enact such legislation, it seems highly unlikely that Gov. Scott will do so.  That leaves the Department of Health to issue the regulations.

The governor has not yet received “Whiskey and Wheaties” which would allow grocery stores and large retailers such as Walmart and Target to sell hard liquor.  We are launching a campaign asking the governor to veto SB 106.  Please send an email to the governor today!

Thank you for all of your prayers and support during this legislative session.  We could not do what we do without our supporters.  If you haven’t yet given a financial gift to FFPC this legislative session, would you please consider doing so now? While we believe that our efforts are well worth it, the financial cost of being on the ground in Tallahassee is significant, and we could use your help.  You can donate online or call our office at (407) 251-5130 today.

For a list of all the good bills that passed and the bad bills that did not this year, please look at our summary below.

ACTION ALERT!

“Whiskey and Wheaties” (Hard Liquor in Grocery Stores) – SB 106 by Rep. Avila (R) and Sen Flores (R)
STATUS: Passed House 58-57, Senate 21-17. Not yet sent to the governor.  

Dubbed “Whiskey and Wheaties,” this bill would allow grocery stores and large retail stores to sell hard liquor in their main store rather than building or renting a separate store to sell liquor.

Late votes (and one changed after roll call) mean that the current vote count is 57-63. However, only votes at the time of the roll call count in the passage/failure of a bill. The governor can veto this bad bill.  To take action, please send an email to Governor Scott.

GOOD BILLS THAT PASSED

Grieving Families Act – HB 101 by Rep. Bob Cortes (R and Sen. Aaron Bean (R)
STATUS: Passed by House 115-1, Senate 36-0. Not yet sent to the Governor.

This bill would allow parents to request a certificate of nonviable birth in cases where a woman has a miscarriage, and the unborn child is at least 9 weeks old.

Expanding the Gardiner and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Programs – HB 15 by Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Denise Grimsley (R)
STATUS: Passed by House 101-11, Senate 27-11. Not yet sent to the Governor.

This bill expands the eligibility for the Gardiner  Scholarship and the amount of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship.

Warnings for Lottery Games – HB 937 by Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R) and Sen. Keith Perry (R)
STATUS: Passed by House 114-3, Senate 23-15.  Not yet sent to Governor. 

This bill would require a warning placed on lottery tickets that lottery games can be addictive.

Child Victims of Human Trafficking – SB 852 by Rep. Jeanette Nuñez (R), Sen. Rene Garcia (R)
STATUS: Passed by House 116-0, Senate 39-0. Not yet sent to Governor. 

This bill seeks to help children who have been the victims of sex trafficking by requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to maintain a database of services available for victims of commercial sexual exploitation, increases the situations in which a defendant’s confession may be used at trial, outlines procedures for assisting victims, and requires officials to follow up with victims within six months to evaluate services used and their effectiveness.

Religious Liberty in Public Schools or “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” – HB 436 by Rep. Kim Daniels (D), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)
STATUS: Passed by House 103-12, Senate 23-13. Not yet sent to Governor.

This bill would prohibit a school district from discriminating against students, parents, or school personnel on the basis of religious viewpoints or expression.  This bill states that a school cannot penalize or reward a student’s religious expression in their coursework, artwork, or other specified assignments.  It provides equal access to all religions and non-religions before, during, and after school. While many people supported this bill, an equal number were ambivalent about it because it simply states what the current law is and does not provide any new or needed protections. Unfortunately, there are very real threats to religious liberty today, and this legislation did not address any of them.

Opposing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334 – HB 281 / SB 574 by Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D), Sen. Kevin Rader (D)
STATUS: Passed by voice vote in both Chambers.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2334 in December 2016, which stated that Israel’s settlement activity constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, has no legal validity, and is a major obstacle to the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace and security. The US abstained from voting when it had the power to veto Resolution 2334.  This Resolution pronounces that the Legislature opposes and requests the repeal or fundamental alteration of Resolution 2334 so that it: is no longer one-sided and anti-Israel and authorizes all final-status issues toward a two-state solution to be resolved through direct, bilateral negotiations between the parties involved.

BAD BILLS THAT DID NOT PASS 

Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act” – HB 623 /SB 666 by Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)
STATUS: Never heard in committee 

The CWA adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination and would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, women’s domestic violence shelters, etc.

This bill which we have described as the worst bill proposed in the Florida Legislature due to its effect on public safety and religious liberty has not been scheduled to be heard in committee. We continue to educate legislators on the dangers of this piece of legislation, and it continues to be dead on arrival despite liberal Republican support.

Expansion of Gambling – SB 8 by Sen. Galvano (R)
STATUS: Passed by the Senate 32-6.  The House amended the bill to conform to its bill which restricted gambling in the state. No agreement was reached in conference between the House and the Senate.

This bill is a massive and unprecedented expansion of gambling in the State of Florida. It ratifies and amends the 2015 Seminole Gaming Compact to allow lottery tickets at gas pumps, slot machines, blackjack, poker games, and fantasy sports to be offered across Florida.  SB 8 would allow 24/7 slot machines in the state wherever approved in a countywide referendum and would permit free or reduced-price alcoholic beverages to be served to those using the slots.  Furthermore, it would allow horse and dog tracks to quit live races and replace the live races with other types of gambling while giving $20 million of taxpayer dollars annually to live thoroughbred racing.  Lastly, it creates an “Office of Amusements” to allow and oversee fantasy sports gaming.

Relating to Student Discipline – HB 411/ SB 1064 by Rep. Antone (D) and Sen. Powell (D)
STATUS: Never heard in committee

Require school boards to create a code of conduct which includes a prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, including the right of students to cross-dress.  Creates “safe environments for safe environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students.Mandates community involvement in this discipline code.

Relating to Housing Discrimination – HB 659 / SB 742 by Rep. Raschein (R) and Sen. Latvala (R)
STATUS: Never heard in committee

Adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Fair Housing Act as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This action would place sexual orientation, gender identity or expression on the same level as and provide the same penalties for discrimination as those for race, religion, age, handicap, etc. This would allow men to enter women’s domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, etc.

Abortion Funding and Abortion Clinic Records – HB 6025 / SB 1114  by Rep. Lori Berman (D), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)
STATUS: Never heard in committee. 

Removes a prohibition against taxpayer dollars going to organizations/clinics that perform abortions. Removes the requirement that the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) review at least 50% of patient records.

Fantasy Contests & Fantasy Contest Operators – HB 149 by Rep. Brodeur (R)
STATUS: Heard in House Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee and Ways & Means Committee

States that fantasy gaming is not gambling and that fantasy contests & fantasy contest operators are not subject to regulation by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Discrimination in Labor and Employment – HB 319 / SB 410 by Rep. Berman (D) and Sen. Stewart (D)
STATUS: Never heard in committee

Creates “Helen Gordon Davis Fair Pay Protection Act” which adds gender identity as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This action would place gender identity on the same level as and provide the same penalties for discrimination as race, religion, age, handicap, etc.

HB 6041 / SB 1174 Marriage Equality – HB 6041 / SB 1174 by Rep. David Richardson (D) and Sen. Gary Farmer
STATUS: Never heard in committee

Removes the language in the statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.

Conversion Therapy – HB 273 / SB 578 by Rep. Richardson (D) and Sen. Clemens (D)
STATUS: Never heard in committee

This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so.

Fantasy Contest Amusement Act – SB 592 by Sen. Young (R)
STATUS: Never heard in committee

Creates an Office of Amusements within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Specifies licensing requirements for contest operators offering fantasy contests and requires contest operators to implement specified consumer protection procedures.

Please give a financial gift today to support our work in Tallahassee. You can donate online or call our office at (407) 251-5130 to support our Tallahassee mission. 

The post Legislative Insider’s Report – Week 9 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.

We hope this message finds you and your family well and that you had a blessed celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this past weekend.

We are sorry that we missed sending you week 5 of our Insider’s Report, but we’ve included it in this week’s report.  The Legislature slowed down a bit in Week 6 because of Passover and Good Friday, but for the days that the Legislature was in session this week, each chamber began passing their version of the budget and most of the normal committee meetings were canceled.

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) met in Tallahassee this past week and several local residents made statements at the public hearing held at Florida A&M University. At every city the CRC has held a public hearing in thus far, many citizen’s have testified and expressed concerned about Article 1, Section 23, Florida’s Privacy Clause which was enacted in 1980 by a vote of 60% of voters to protect citizens from the government collecting private information.  But nine years after it was passed in 1989, the Florida Supreme Court ignored the legislative intent and history of the amendment and suddenly found a fundamental right to abortion for a minor child in the clause in case of In Re: T.W. A Minor, 551 So. 2d 1186 (1989).  There has been a strong show of support of pro-lifers and constitutionalists asking the CRC to fix the privacy clause. Planned Parenthood supporters are also appearing asking the CRC to protect Florida’s very strong right to abortion. Interestingly, none of the mainstream media covering the hearings have reported this issue accurately.  We reported several weeks ago that our President, John Stemberger was appointed for the next year and a half to the CRC by Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran.  The CRC only gathers every 20 years as per the Florida Constitution.  For more information on upcoming public hearings in Gainesville, Jacksonville, Panama City and Tampa check out the official website at FloridaCRC.gov.

During Week 5, there was a move by Rep. David Richardson (D) to add non-discrimination language for sexual orientation and gender identity to a bill regulating ridesharing companies (i.e. Uber, Lyft).  Rep. Richardson who is one of two openly gay-identified legislators in Florida, filed two separate amendments to the bill.  The first stated that these services are public accommodations and adding the non-discrimination language to the law governing public accommodations (adding some of the most controversial parts of the Competitive Workforce Act to statute). This amendment failed in a voice vote. Rep. Richardson then moved to the next proposed amendment which would require each company’s non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This also failed in a voice vote, but Democrats then forced a roll call vote (meaning we know how each member voted).  We expect to see more of these types of moves in the future and will be on the lookout for them.

The biggest news out of Week 6 in the Legislature was in the House during Floor Debate on a controversial bill which allocates $200 million to “Schools of Hope”.  Schools of Hope are charter schools which are established within 5 miles of perpetually failing schools; however, the organizations establishing these schools must have a proven track record of success within impoverished communities.  Prior to the debate, Rep. Shevrin Jones (D) held a press conference with Tallahassee mayor and extreme left wing Democrat, gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum opposing the bill.  All told, the House spent over five hours debating the measure this week before passing it 77-40 along party lines.  The Senate then picked up the bill but refused to pass the House language meaning it will be sent to committee.

Now for the action report from Amber Kelly, our Communications and Political Director, on the bills that we’re most closely monitoring…

GOOD BILLS

ADOPTION / FOSTER CARE 

HB 363 / SB 200 Temporary Respite Care for Families in Crisis
Sponsors: Rep. Frank White (R), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R)

This bill helps families in crisis by allowing parents to place their children with respite care families temporarily while they work to better the situation for the entire family (whether it is seeking treatment for addiction, finding a job, etc.) This program is for families where there are no allegations of abuse/neglect which would cause DCF to remove the children from their home.

The Senate version was heard in its first committee during Week 5.  Despite the 5-0 vote in favor of the bill, senators expressed concern about some of the provisions of the bill. Some of the senators’ concerns were based on a misunderstanding of the situations in which the program operates. Specifically, some senators were concerned that the program is for families dealing with troubled youth, which is not the case.  The Family Law section of the Florida Bar opposes the bill; it appears their opposition is solely because they believe lawyers need to be involved in the process and a foster-care lite system should be implemented. Florida Family Action is continuing to support the bill and encourage senators to support this highly successful, worthwhile program. The Senate Judiciary committee will be hearing the bill next Wednesday.

The full House heard this bill in second reading on Tuesday and passed it in a 96-16 vote on Wednesday. The nay votes primarily centered around concerns over notifying a non-custodial parent that the custodial parent was going to enter into a respite care agreement.  Rep. Lori Berman (D) proposed two amendments to require notification prior to an agreement, which does not always work in crisis situations requiring immediate care or changing the notification period from five days to two. Both amendments failed.

LIFE 

HB 969 / SB 1130 Pregnancy Support Services 
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R) and Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

This bill would require the Department of Health to contract with a network of crisis pregnancy centers to provide support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant for the term of their pregnancy through the first year of the child’s life.  The services provided cannot be noncoercive nor contain religious content.

The full House heard this bill in second reading during Week 5 and passed it in a 79-38 vote, but not before House Democrats spent both days grilling bill sponsor Rep. Jackie Toledo (R).  Claiming that they were concerned with center standards and rising costs, Democrats opposed this bill. Perhaps the most shocking statements were made regarding ensuring that women had access to abortions and their opposition to providers who were pro-life.  If you have a few extra moments, be sure to thank Rep. Toledo for her sponsorship of this bill and standing strong during the hours she was questioned on the House floor.

The Senate version of this bill is scheduled to be heard in its second committee stop (of three) next Tuesday. While time is running short, this bill can still pass this legislative session.

EDUCATION 

HB 1391 / SB 1556 Clarifying Homeschool Requirements 
Sponsors: Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R), Sen. Tom Lee (R)

This bill seeks to ensure that school districts cannot interfere with a family’s decision to homeschool once they are provided proper notice unless they receive corroborated outside evidence that the children are not being educated properly.

The House bill was very quickly passed out of its final committee on Thursday morning during week 5 in a unanimous vote by the Education Committee.  It is headed to the floor of the House, but the Senate version has yet to pass its first committee. The Senate bill was heard in a workshop this week but has not been scheduled for a vote.  FFA requested that the committee chair schedule the bill for a vote, but it has not yet been granted.

HB 833 / SB 692 Revising Student Eligibility for Virtual School 
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill removes a requirement that 2nd through 5th graders be enrolled in a public school in the year prior to enrolling in virtual school.

The House bill passed favorably out of its final committee unanimously and is now on 2^nd reading in the House.  It has not yet been put on the Special Order calendar to be heard.

The Senate version was heard in an Education Committee workshop but has not yet been voted on to pass it to the next committee.  A similar bill, SB 868, which includes provisions regarding open enrollment and Florida Virtual School is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday in its second (of three) committee.

HB 15 / SB 1314 Expanding the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Denise Grimsley (R)

This bill expands the students who are eligible for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

The House bill passed out of its final committee and is scheduled to be heard in the full House next Tuesday. During its final committee stop, the bill was amended to once again include an expansion of the Gardiner Scholarship Program (which had been removed during its first committee stop due to funding concerns).

The Senate version was scheduled to be heard by the Education Committee but wasn’t during week 5.  It is once again scheduled for consideration in that committee for next Monday. The Education Committee is the first stop out of four total for the Senate bill so it must start moving quickly if it is to pass this year.

HB 549 / SB 906 Publication of State Assessment Tests for Parental and Educational Review 
Sponsors: Rep. Randy Fine (R), Sen. Greg Steube (R), House PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee

This bill seeks to require the publication of certain state assessment tests every three years.  Currently, no one has access to the questions on these exams, including the Department of Education nor any government officials.  Students are being told that they cannot tell anyone the content of test questions, including their parents.

The House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee passed its version of the bill unanimously, but it has not yet been scheduled to be heard in Education (the final stop).  The Senate bill still has not been scheduled for a vote in its first committee (although it has been workshopped).

GAMING 

HB 7037 Addressing Gambling Long-Term 
Sponsor: Rep. Mike La Rosa (R) and the Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee

This bill will constrict or freeze gambling in Florida by requiring the Governor to renegotiate the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe, with terms for a 20-year contract.

This bill was scheduled to be heard by the full House during week 5. Upon the introduction of the bill, the House picked up the Senate gambling bill (SB 8) and amended it to conform it to HB 7037.  During both the 2^nd and 3^rd reading, while some members chose to participate in questions and debate, it was largely understood that a conference committee would be convened to negotiate the vast differences between the chambers’ bills.  The bill was passed 73-40, along party lines.  The Senate refused to concur and a conference committee has been announced with the following members: Sen. Galvano (Alternating Chair – R), Rep. J Felix Diaz (Alternating Chair -R), Sen. Benacquisto (R), Sen. Braynon (D), Sen. Flores (R), Rep. Geller (D), Sen. Hutson (R), Rep. La Rosa (R), Rep. Metz (R), Rep. Moskowitz (D), Rep. Nunez (R).and Sen. Thurston (D).  It remains to be seen whether the House and Senate will be able to come to terms regarding gaming this year.  FFA continues to encourage the House to stay strong on its bill to restrict the expansion of gaming long-term.

HB 937 / SB 1370 Warnings for Lottery Games
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Keith Perry (R), House Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee

This bill would require a warning placed on lottery tickets that lottery games can be addictive.

The bill was heard in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee (first of three committees) and passed 7-3. Sen. Gibson (D) opposed the bill because she does not believe the lottery is gambling. There was no action on the House version of the bill.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

HB 1383 / SB 852 Child Victims of Human Trafficking 
Sponsors: Rep. Jeanette Nuñez (R), Sen. Rene Garcia (R)

This bill seeks to help children who have been the victims of sex trafficking by requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to maintain a database of services available for victims of commercial sexual exploitation, increases the situations in which a defendant’s confession may be used at trial, outlines procedures for assisting victims, and requires officials to follow up with victims within six months to evaluate services used and their effectiveness.

The House bill passed out of its final committee unanimously and is on 2^nd reading for consideration by the full House.  The Senate version was passed out of its final committee, was placed on the Special Order calendar, and is scheduled for 3^rd reading and final vote next Tuesday.

HB 1165 / SB 972 Florida Compensation Trust Fund for Survivors of Human Trafficking
Sponsor: Rep. Ross Spano (R), House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee

This bill allows victims of human trafficking to sue the individuals who engaged in their trafficking.

The House version has passed out of its final committee and will be placed on the 2^nd reading calendar next week.  The Senate version had been scheduled to be heard in its first committee during week 5, but was postponed.  The bill is scheduled to be heard in its first committee next week and will also be heard in its second committee (Judiciary) if the first committee passes it favorably.  We thank Sen. Greg Steube (R), who chairs Senate Judiciary, for placing it on his agenda this week.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY 

HB 303 / SB 436 Religious Liberty in Public Schools or “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” 
Sponsors: Rep. Kim Daniels (D), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill codifies the current state of religious liberty in public schools. It prohibits a school district from discriminating against students, parents, or school personnel on the basis of religious viewpoints or expression and clarifies that a school cannot penalize or reward a student’s religious expression in their coursework, artwork, or other specified assignments.  It provides equal access to all religions and non-religions before, during, and after school.

This bill was placed on the Special Order Calendar in week 5. Once the bill was read, the Senate version was picked up and amended to conform to the House version of the bill.  With very little fanfare, the bill was passed 114-3 and sent back to the Senate to either concur or refuse (sending it to conference). It remains to be seen what will happen with the bill, although Senate President Negron opened session stating that this bill was a priority for him.

ISRAEL

HB 281 / SB 574 Opposing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334
Sponsors: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D), Sen. Kevin Rader (D)

This Resolution pronounces that the Legislature opposes and requests the repeal or fundamental alteration of UN Resolution 2334, which stated that Israel’s settlement activity constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, has no legal validity and is a major obstacle to the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace and security.  It calls on the US to ensure that the UN Resolution is no longer one-sided and anti-Israel and authorizes all final-status issues toward a two-state solution to be resolved through direct, bilateral negotiations between the parties involved.

The Senate adopted the Resolution by voice vote during week 5.

BAD BILLS 

LGBT RIGHTS

HB 623 / SB 666 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act” 
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)

The CWA adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination and would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, women’s domestic violence shelters, etc.

This bill which we have described as the worst bill proposed in the Florida Legislature due to its effect on public safety and religious liberty has not been scheduled to be heard in committee.  We continue to educate legislators on the dangers of this piece of legislation, and it continues to be dead on arrival despite some liberal Republican support.

GAMBLING

SB 8 Gaming Expansion Bill 
Sponsor: Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

This bill was amended by the House to conform to its good gambling bill. The Senate refused to concur and the two chambers will convene in conference to iron out their differences. The following legislators were named to the conference committee:  Sen. Galvano (Alternating Chair – R), Rep. J Felix Diaz (Alternating Chair -R), Sen. Benacquisto (R), Sen. Braynon (D), Sen. Flores (R), Rep. Geller (D), Sen. Hutson (R), Rep. La Rosa (R), Rep. Metz (R), Rep. Moskowitz (D), Rep. Nunez (R).and Sen. Thurston (D).  It remains to be seen whether the House and Senate will be able to come to terms regarding gaming this year.  FFA continues to encourage the House to stay strong in its resolve to restrict the expansion of gaming long-term.

HB 149 / SB 592 Fantasy Gaming
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)

The bill effectively legalizes fantasy sports contests in Florida and states that it is not gambling.

This bill unanimously passed the House Ways & Means Committee (second of three committees) during Week 5. This bill has met with no resistance in the House to date. While the Senate companion has not moved, the larger Senate gaming bill (SB 8) does address fantasy gaming.  If the two chambers are able to come to an agreement on a gambling bill, we wonder if this might be part of the package.

ALCOHOL

HB 81 / SB 106 Hard Liquor in Grocery Stores 
Sponsors: Rep. Bryan Avila (R), Sen. Anitere Flores (R)

Dubbed “Whiskey and Wheaties,” this bill would allow grocery stores and large retail stores to sell hard liquor in their main store rather than building or renting a separate store to sell liquor.

This bill was placed on the Special Order Calendar for the 2^nd time and then postponed once again while the House was in session.  Rep. Scott Plakon (R) proposed two amendments to the bill which opponents say are meant to kill the bill. One of the measures would require all store employees in a retail store selling hard liquor to be at least 21 years of age.  Rep. Plakon believes this is good public policy and expands the choices that retailers currently have; it allows them to sell alcohol in their main store but ensures that those who are underage won’t be responsible for liquor sales.

With two postponements and the fact that it hasn’t been scheduled for the third time, we believe this bill is dead for the year.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Weeks 5/6 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.

Before we delve into what happened in Tallahassee this week, we wanted to remind you of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), which held its first public hearing this week. The CRC is convened every 20 years for the purpose of reviewing the state constitution and proposing amendments which are placed on the ballot in the next statewide election.  Despite the late notice of the meeting, the venue was packed, and many progressive organizations were able to turn out their supporters for the meeting. The Gainesville Sun printed a recap of the meeting which you may want to take a moment to read.  Please make plans to attend the CRC meeting in your area and bring ideas of what you want to see in the Florida Constitution. Currently, the following meetings are scheduled:

Miami-Dade County, Thursday, April 6 from 5-8 p.m., Florida International University (FIU), Frost Art Museum, 10975 SW 17th St, Miami, FL 33199. (Free parking will be available)

Palm Beach County / Boca Raton. Friday, April 7 from 9 a.m. – noon, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), FAU Stadium Recruiting Room (located indoors), 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL. 33431. (Free parking will be available)

The website for the CRC is flcrc.gov.  If a meeting hasn’t been announced in your area yet, please check out the CRC website periodically and our Facebook and Twitter accounts for breaking news and information.

Now for what happened at the Capitol Complex this week!  We are almost halfway through Legislative Session this year, and it ended up being a fairly busy week for education bills, which is great news as legislators are looking to give Florida’s students as many educational options as possible.  Both the House and the Senate released their proposed budgets this week and will begin to shift some of their focus to ironing out those details.  Some of the subcommittees had their final meetings for the year, and so this is the point where bills begin to die if they are not moving through the process.  We are continuing to work hard to see that good legislation is passed this year.

For a full list of bills that Florida Family Action is supporting or opposing this year, go check out our website.

GOOD BILLS

ADOPTION / FOSTER CARE 

HB 363 / SB 200 Temporary Respite Care for Families in Crisis
Sponsors: Rep. Frank White (R), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R)

This bill helps families in crisis by allowing parents to place their children with respite care families temporarily while they work to better the situation for the entire family (whether it is seeking treatment for addiction, finding a job, etc.) This program is for families where there are no allegations of abuse/neglect which would cause DCF to remove the children from their home.

The Senate bill will be heard by its first committee on Monday.  The full House will hear the bill on Tuesday with an expected vote by the full House on Wednesday.

LIFE

HB 969 / SB 1130 Pregnancy Support Services 
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R) and Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

This bill would require the Department of Health to contract with a network of crisis pregnancy centers to provide support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant for the term of their pregnancy through the first year of the child’s life.  The services provided cannot be noncoercive nor contain religious content.

Despite the fact that Planned Parenthood sent some of its supporters to oppose this bill, it cleared its final House committee on Thursday in an 11-5 vote.  Opponents spoke against the bill, which in no way mentions Planned Parenthood or limits a woman’s right to an abortion, on the basis that religious counseling may occur (which is prohibited in the bill), staff credentials, and questions over whether audits of the facilities were conducted (the contract with the Department of Health requires them).  What was clear is that Planned Parenthood is only pro-choice if you make their choice – an abortion.  Crisis pregnancy centers offer support and valuable services, not just when a woman is pregnant, but even after she has her baby (for the first year of its life).

The House version is scheduled to be heard by the full House next Tuesday.  The Senate bill is still in the committee process – the second committee stop is the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services which is not scheduled to meet again until April 13th.

EDUCATION 

This week was very busy for education bills in both the House and the Senate.  Besides the bills listed below, committee bills were rolled out in the House which would make significant changes to education – namely one that would allow charter school organizations with high success rates in poverty-stricken communities to build schools near perpetually failing schools and one that would provide funding for charter schools. Neither of these proposed bills were without controversy. Opponents of both bills wanted to see additional tax dollars given to traditional schools in hopes that they would improve rather than allow charter schools to compete or receive funding taxpayer dollars.  While charter schools are public schools, opponents saw them as competition rather than an additional tool in the public school arsenal to help educate Florida’s youth.

HB 1391 / SB 1556 Clarifying Homeschool Requirements 
Sponsors: Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R), Sen. Tom Lee (R)

This bill seeks to ensure that school districts cannot interfere with a family’s decision to homeschool once they are provided proper notice unless they receive corroborated outside evidence that the children are not being educated properly.

The House bill was very quickly passed out of its final committee on Thursday morning in a unanimous vote by the Education Committee.  It is headed to the floor of the House, but the Senate version has yet to pass its first committee. The Senate bill was heard in a workshop this week but has not been scheduled for a vote next week. If it is not heard the following week for a vote, it may be dead for the year.

HB 833 / SB 692 Revising Student Eligibility for Virtual School 
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill removes a requirement that 2nd through 5th graders be enrolled in a public school in the year prior to enrolling in virtual school.

The House bill passed favorably out of its second committee unanimously and has one more stop before heading to the floor for a vote by the full House.  The Senate version was heard in an Education Committee workshop on Monday but was not voted on.  It will need to be scheduled for a vote before it can move forward.

HB 15 / SB 1314 Expanding the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Denise Grimsley (R)

This bill expands the students who are eligible for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

The House bill passed out of its second committee this week in a 12-3 vote.  It has one more committee stop before heading to the floor for a vote by the full House. The Senate version was heard in an Education Committee workshop on Monday and has been scheduled for a vote in that committee for next Monday. The Education Committee is the first stop out of four total for the Senate bill so it must start moving quickly if it is to pass this year.

HB 549 / SB 906 Publication of State Assessment Tests for Parental and Educational Review 
Sponsors: Rep. Randy Fine (R), Sen. Greg Steube (R), House PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee

This bill seeks to require the publication of certain state assessment tests every three years.  Currently, no one has access to the questions on these exams, including the Department of Education nor any government officials.  Students are being told that they cannot tell anyone the content of test questions, including their parents.

The Senate bill was heard in the Education Committee workshop this week but has not been scheduled for a vote yet.  The House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee will hear the House version next Monday morning for a vote before it heads to its final committee.

GAMING 

HB 7037 Addressing Gambling Long-Term 
Sponsor: Rep. Mike La Rosa (R) and the Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee

This bill will constrict or freeze gambling in Florida by requiring the Governor to renegotiate the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe, with terms for a 20-year contract.

This bill passed out of its final committee on Thursday afternoon in a 19-11 vote along party lines.  An amendment was filed to change a provision which allowed charter schools to be funded through the revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminole Tribe.  The amendment failed along party lines but was used by some members of the Commerce Committee as an excuse as to why they were not supporting the bill.  Other detractors said the funding issue was not the only problem they had with the bill. Florida Family Action supported the bill in committee and called on the House to not back down from the spirit of the bill when negotiating with the Senate on the state’s gambling issues.  FFA continues to believe the House bill is better policy and better for Florida’s families, businesses, and our tourism brand than the massive expansion of gambling that the Senate bill provides.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

HB 1383 / SB 852 Child Victims of Human Trafficking 
Sponsors: Rep. Jeanette Nuñez (R), Sen. Rene Garcia (R)

This bill seeks to help children who have been the victims of sex trafficking by requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to maintain a database of services available for victims of commercial sexual exploitation,  increases the situations in which a defendant’s confession may be used at trial, outlines procedures for assisting victims, and requires officials to follow up with victims within six monthsto evaluate services used and their effectiveness.

While the House bill was not heard this week, one of its originally assigned committees of reference was removed. This is a good sign, as it increases the chances that it will get to the floor for full House consideration. There was no action on this bill in the Senate this week.

HB 1165 / SB 972 Florida Compensation Trust Fund for Survivors of Human Trafficking

Sponsor: Rep. Ross Spano (R), House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee

This bill allows victims of human trafficking to sue the individuals who engaged in their trafficking.

Both the House and Senate versions of the bill will be heard next Monday.  It will be the first time it is heard in the Senate.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY 

HB 303 / SB 436 Religious Liberty in Public Schools or “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” 
Sponsors: Rep. Kim Daniels (D), Rep. Patricia Williams (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill codifies the current state of religious liberty in public schools. It prohibits a school district from discriminating against students, parents, or school personnel on the basis of religious viewpoints or expression and clarifies that a school cannot penalize or reward a student’s religious expression in their coursework, artwork, or other specified assignments.  It provides equal access to all religions and non-religions before, during, and after school.

This bill was placed on the calendar for the 2nd reading in the House on Tuesday, with expected passage on Wednesday. There are some differences between the House and Senate versions, so it remains to be seen whether the House will adopt the Senate version as-is or amend it to be identical to the House version and send it back.

ISRAEL

HB 281 / SB 574 Opposing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334
Sponsors: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D), Sen. Kevin Rader (D)

This Resolution pronounces that the Legislature opposes and requests the repeal or fundamental alteration of UN Resolution 2334, which stated that Israel’s settlement activity constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, has no legal validity and is a major obstacle to the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace and security.  It calls on the US to ensure that the UN Resolution is no longer one-sided and anti-Israel and authorizes all final-status issues toward a two-state solution to be resolved through direct, bilateral negotiations between the parties involved.

On Tuesday, the House adopted this resolution, and the Senate passed out of its final committee in a 9-1 vote.  It is scheduled to be heard by the full Senate next Tuesday.

BAD BILLS

LGBT RIGHTS

HB 623 / SB 666 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act” 
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)

The CWA adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination and would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, women’s domestic violence shelters, etc.

This bill which we have described as the worst bill proposed in the Florida Legislature due to its effect on public safety and religious liberty has not been scheduled to be heard in committee.  We continue to educate legislators on the dangers of this piece of legislation, and it continues to be dead on arrival despite some liberal Republican support.

GAMBLING

SB 8 Gaming Expansion Bill 
Sponsor: Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

The massive gambling expansion bill was heard in 2nd reading on Wednesday and then passed by the full Senate on Thursday in a 32-6 vote.  On the floor on Wednesday, additional amendments were added to the bill which were specific carve outs for various gambling interests.  The bill sponsor, Sen. Galvano, stated that passing the bill was merely getting the Senate in posture for negotiations with the House. We are sure that gambling interests throughout the state (with the exception of the Seminole Tribe) are over the moon with this bill because it expands gambling in every arena possible. The Senate sponsor may believe that this will improve the Senate’s position at the negotiating table with the House – which seeks to restrict gaming in the state for the next 20 years. Sen. Galvano did concede on the Senate floor that a compromise between the House and the Senate may not be possible this year.

Unfortunately, the bill was met with little discussion or resistance on the floor, and after Thursday’svote, the bill was immediately certified and sent to the House for consideration. We would like to recognize and thank those senators who voted against this harmful measure: Sen. Dennis Baxley (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R), Sen. Denise Grimsley (R), Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R), Sen. Victor Torres (D), and Sen. Tom Lee (R) (whose vote was recorded after the official vote).

The bill has been placed on the Special Order Calendar for the full House to hear next Tuesday along with HB 7037 which is the House’s gaming proposal.

ALCOHOL

HB 81 / SB 106 Hard Liquor in Grocery Stores 
Sponsors: Rep. Bryan Avila (R), Sen. Anitere Flores (R)

Dubbed “Whiskey and Wheaties,” this bill would allow grocery stores and large retail stores to sell hard liquor in their main store rather than building or renting a separate store to sell liquor.

In a bit of intrigue this week, this bill was pulled from the Special Order Calendar on Wednesday during the floor session of the House.  The differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill seemed to have caused some difficulties on the final passage.  A compromise may have been reached as the bill is back on the House floor schedule for next Tuesday.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Week 4 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.

“Our hope is that FFA increasingly becomes known for holding all legislators—Republicans and Democrats—accountable for supporting bad policy, and praise for supporting good public policy on issues related to life; marriage; family and religious liberty,” said John Stemberger, President and General Counsel of Florida Family Action.

Individual legislators were scored based upon votes favorable or unfavorable to FFA’s legislative agenda. The guide scored 12 issues on FFA’s legislative agenda from 2015 and 2016.  State legislators received both a letter grade from A+ to F and a corresponding numeric percentage score from 0-100%.

In the House of Representatives, the average House Democrat score was 41.35%.  The average House Republican score was 90.66%. One House Democrat received an A and one a D, and the rest received F’s.  Thirty seven (37) House Republican Legislators received a perfect “A+” score, twenty eight (28) received A’s.  Two GOP Representatives received D’s and five received F’s.

In the Florida Senate, the average Democrat score was 34.12% and the average Republican Score was 89.93%.  Eleven (11) Republican State Senators received a perfect A+ score and one GOP Senator received an A.  One Republican Senator received a D and all Democrat Senators received F’s.

Legislators in both chambers receiving an A+ score will be invited to be publicly recognized and honored as a “Champion of the Family” at the Florida Family Policy Council’s 11th Annual Policy Awards Dinner on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Orlando, where Dr. Ben Carson will be featured as the keynote speaker.

To view the full scorecard available via PDF for download CLICK HERE.  Please allow a couple of seconds to fully load the document.

Florida Family Action is the legislative arm of the Florida Family Policy Council. For more information or media interviews call 407-418-0250 or email info@floridafamilyaction.org.

The post FFA Releases Legislative Scorecard Grading State Legislators on Social Issues appeared first on Florida Family Action.