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.

Dear Friend,

The Legislature opened the 2017 session this week with a bang! On Tuesday, we saw addresses from the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President.  A battle has been brewing between Governor Rick Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran over legislation regarding Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida.  Speaker Corcoran has taken aim at ending the two programs, which are pet projects of Governor Scott’s, as wasteful of taxpayer dollars.  Much of the Governor’s State of the State could be summed up with an “I’m talking to you, Speaker Corcoran.” For his part, Speaker Corcoran remained dedicated to ending the programs he calls corporate welfare.  The Governor believes the program creates jobs and helps the economy.  The House voted 87-28 to end Enterprise Florida on Friday afternoon. 

In a busy first week, the Legislature passed its first bill which will be sent to the Governor to sign. The subject? The death penalty.  The Supreme Court ruled that last year’s law was unconstitutional and required a unanimous jury verdict to impose the death penalty. The Legislature passed that measure this week, and it is expected to be sent to the Governor soon. 

In the upcoming week, our entire FFPC staff team will be at the Capitol along with about 225 pastors, pro-life leaders and other citizen activists for the 2017 Pro-Family Lobby Days at the Capitol event. We packed the event out and have reached capacity at the Civic Center venue where the event is being held.  Otherwise, I would ask you to consider buying a last-minute ticket.  We will report on that at the end of the week (in our next Legislative Insider‘s Report).  

Amber Kelly, our Director of Policy and Communications, who has extensive experience in lobbying and politics is doing a great job representing us full time in Tallahassee.  You will hear more from her in the upcoming weeks with updates and live-streaming video.  Follow us on social media for instant and immediate information while the news is breaking in Tallahassee.  I would recommend following us on Twitter first and Facebook second.  

For a look at some of the bills that Florida Family Policy Council is tracking in 2017, look at our bill summaries below my signature.  The most up-to-date list of good bills and bad bills can always be found on our website. We will list our top priority bills next week.  

Thanks for your support,

John Stemberger

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 would help families who are dealing with crises, such as drug abuse, illness, unemployment, or homelessness which have not yet led to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to remove children from the home. Several private, non-profit organizations in Florida work with respite care families to provide a temporary, safe environment for children while their parents work to reestablish a safe and stable living environment.  This is a voluntary program on the part of the parents and seeks to intervene in situations before children are placed in child welfare due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. 

ABORTION  

HB 19 / SB 1140 Injuries Resulting from an Abortion

Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

This bill gives women who have an abortion a new way to sue the doctor performing the abortion if they sustain physical or emotional injuries.  Specifically, if a woman was not properly informed of the possible risk of abortion and she suffers emotional problems as a result, she may sue the abortionist.  If the doctor was negligent in performing the abortion and the woman suffers physical injuries as a result, she may sue the abortionist. 

LIFE

HB 969 / SB 1130 Pregnancy Support Services

Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

This bill 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 would require subcontractors with FPCN to promote and support only childbirth. Services provided must be noncoercive and could not include religious content.

HB 841 / SB 1006 Humanity of the Unborn Child

Sponsors: Julio Gonzalez (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) publish the following on their website: pregnancy support and adoption services in the state (both public and private), their contact info, and a description of services at these agencies. A statement alerting pregnant mothers that there are agencies to assist them must be posted on the DOH website as well as at medical offices, hospitals, etc. that provide OB/GYN services. This bill also assists local crisis pregnancy groups with community outreach and awareness campaigns for options to abortion for expectant mothers. 

HB 203 / SB 348 Pain Capable Abortion Ban

Sponsors: Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Greg Steube (R)

This bill would ban abortion after 20 weeks, except in rare cases. It would require abortion clinics to reportthe abortions they perform annually, along with descriptive information such as the estimated age of the child, and what abortion method was used, etc. The bill would also allow civil and criminal damages to be brought against any physician who intentionally violates this ban.

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. It allows the Seminole Tribe to provide banked card games and slots outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties exclusively, effectively freezing state authorized gambling outside of these areas for the next 20 years. It requires horse and dog tracks to have live races, limits the types of card games allowed, and bans highly addictive slot machines from these facilities. It prohibits new permits for horse and dog tracks and does not allow them to be converted.

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 assessment and staffing in evaluating and assisting victims, and requires either DCF or the local sheriff’s office to follow up with victims within six months to evaluate services used and their effectiveness. 

HB 665 / SB 286 Human Trafficking Education in Schools

Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Greg Steube (R)

Requires health education in public schools to include information regarding the dangers and signs of human trafficking.

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 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.   

ISRAEL

HB 281 / SB 574 Opposing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334

Sponsors: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D), Sen. Kevin Rader (D)

The UNSC 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

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 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.

HB 659 / SB 742 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens in Housing

Sponsors: Rep. Holly Merrill Raschein (R), Sen. Jack Latvala (R)

Adds sexual orientation and gender identity to Florida’s Fair Housing Act as impermissible grounds for discrimination.  Provides a new way for those in the LGBT community to sue property owners, rental agencies, real estate firms, etc. for discrimination. Would allow men access into women’s domestic violence and homeless shelters. 

HB 273 / SB 578 Banning Conversion Therapy

Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Jeff Clemens (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.

GAMBLING

SB 8 Gaming Expansion Bill

Sponsor: Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

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.

ABORTION

HB 6025 / SB 1114 Abortion Funding and Abortion Clinic Records

Sponsors: Rep. Lori Berman (D), Sen. Jeff Clemens (D)

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.

MARRIAGE

HB 6041 / SB 1174 Marriage Equality

Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer

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. 

ALCOHOL

HB 81 / SB 106 Hard Liquor in Grocery Stores

Sponsors: Rep. Bryan Avila (R), Sen. Anitere Flores (R)

Often called “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. It would also allow stores to have an entrance that physically connects a liquor store with a retail store.  Lastly, it would also allow smaller, hard liquor bottles to be sold in larger bins next to other products giving greater access to both kids and shoplifters. 

The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Week 1 of 9 appeared first on Florida Family Action.