FFV: Recent Episodes
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There is a moment in any meaningful endeavor when preparation gives way to decision. For Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session, that moment has arrived. With committee work largely behind us, nearly all remaining action will take place on the floors of the Florida House and Senate. The bills our team has spent months shepherding through hearings, conversations, and amendments now face their final votes, and the outcomes of those votes will shape Florida’s families for years to come.
This week offered a vivid reminder of why the Church’s presence in the public square matters. We had the privilege of welcoming pastors and faith leaders from Tampa and Southwest Florida to the Capitol, where they connected directly with their elected legislators and members of the executive branch. In collaboration with the Governor’s Faith and Community Initiative office, we were also able to bring this group to a private luncheon hosted by First Lady Casey DeSantis. This meaningful moment allowed members of the faith community to engage directly on the issues that matter most to the families they serve. These were not ceremonial visits. They were the kind of conversations that remind leaders what is actually at stake.
As we enter the final stretch, our team remains fully present in Tallahassee — advocating, encouraging, and continuing to serve as a consistent voice for Life, Marriage, Family, and Religious Liberty. Here’s where things stand as we head toward the finish line.
To View the Full 2026 FFV Legislative Agenda, click HEREWeek Seven at the CapitolWhat You Need to KnowAs Session enters its final days, the pace of legislative movement accelerates quickly. Bills that have advanced steadily through the process now depend on final negotiations, floor debate, and the relationships built over many months. Our team remains fully engaged, meeting with lawmakers, supporting policy champions, and continuing to serve as a faithful presence where decisions impacting Florida’s families are made.
The final weeks of Session have a way of clarifying what this work is really about. The votes matter, but so does the posture we bring to them. We are here to bear witness: to the dignity of human life, to the goodness of God’s design for the family, and to the truth that faithful presence over time is more powerful than any single legislative victory. None of that is possible without your partnership, your prayers, and your continued belief that the Church’s voice belongs in the public square.
For life, marriage, family, and religious liberty,
Erik Dellenback
CEO
Florida Family Voice
The post From the Capitol: Week 7 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
Gala Speaker Announced!We’re excited to invite you to Florida Family Voice’s 21st Annual Dinner Gala.
We wanted to share two important updates with you as we prepare for our most exciting event of the year.
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We are honored to welcome Victor Marx as our featured guest speaker.
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Our sponsorships, tables, and tickets are now available, and we would be honored to have you be part of this special evening.
Save the Date: April 25, 2026Location: Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP DETAILSWe are so excited and honored to welcome Victor Marx as our keynote speaker. His bold conviction, decades of sacrificial service, and wide-reaching platform make him the perfect speaker for this year!
Victor was a close mentor and friend to Charlie Kirk, who joined us as our keynote speaker last year. Charlie also wrote the foreword to Victor’s book The Dangerous Gentleman.
Victor is the founder of All Things Possible Ministries and a globally respected humanitarian who has dedicated his life to rescuing and restoring vulnerable women and children, mainly from the grasp of ISIS, while boldly living out his Christian faith in some of the world’s most difficult places. His story of redemption, resilience, and service has inspired countless individuals and faith leaders across the nation.
His life and ministry reflect the same calling that guides Florida Family Voice: to stand for truth while actively restoring and strengthening families, communities, and human dignity.
In recent months, Victor has stepped into a new season of public responsibility, announcing his candidacy for Governor of Colorado. This moment reflects a lifetime of conviction paired with compassion—faith expressed not only in words, but through sacrificial service.
We believe Victor carries forward that same courageous faith, grounded in humility, hope, and a deep love for people.
We hope you’ll join us for a meaningful evening of vision, testimony, and encouragement as we gather with fellow supporters who care deeply about the flourishing of families, communities, and the Church in Florida.
Please save the date and plan to join us on April 25th.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
The post Save the Date: Florida Family Voice’s 21st Annual Dinner Gala appeared first on FFV.
Did You Know?Did you know? In the 1960s and early 1970s, as Florida’s population surged in Central and South Florida, serious discussion emerged about relocating the state capital with Orlando often proposed as a more geographically central alternative. A relocation study commission was established, and for a time, Tallahassee’s future as the seat of government was genuinely uncertain.
Rather than lose the capital, Tallahassee’s business and civic leaders mobilized to keep it. The result was a compromise: modernize instead of move.
In 1977, the 22-story Capitol tower opened behind the Historic Capitol. The original building, once slated for demolition, was ultimately preserved and restored leaving Florida with both its historic Capitol and modern tower standing side-by-side.
Florida is often seen as a national leader in protecting Life, Marriage, Family, and Religious Liberty. But leadership is not sustained by reputation alone. It requires steady presence and consistent engagement.
Each session brings opportunities to strengthen these protections, along with efforts to weaken them. As we enter a more decisive phase, the work is less about broad vision and more about careful execution. Language matters. Timing matters. And the relationships built over time often determine whether key bills move forward or quietly stall.
This week, our team remained fully engaged on those fronts, advancing legislative priorities, welcoming pastors from East Central Florida, and investing in the next generation at the Capitol. Week 6 was marked by focused determination to ensure Florida continues strengthening a culture that defends life, family, and religious liberty.
To View the Full 2026 FFV Legislative Agenda, click HEREWeek Six at the CapitolWhat You Need to KnowStay plugged in with our email alerts and social media as our Tallahassee team continues highlighting the wins for life, marriage, family, and religious liberty as we wind down this session.
Advocating for life, marriage, family, and religious liberty requires steady presence and disciplined engagement. It requires showing up consistently when these principles are debated and defined.
Your partnership allows us to do exactly that. Because of your support, these foundational values have a voice in the legislative process.
We are grateful to stand alongside you in this work.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
The post From the Capitol: Week 6 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
Hello Friends,
I wanted to announce another encouraging update with you.
Late last year, I shared that with your help, we were hoping to grow our team and make several key hires to ensure we could steward our voice well and meet the moment ahead of us. I’m grateful to say that God has answered those prayers, and we are excited to welcome Sarah Tinter as our Director of Marketing.
In this role, Sarah leads Florida Family Voice’s strategic communications and brand development efforts—helping us clearly share the story of what God is doing through this ministry. Prior to joining FFV, Sarah served as Communications Coordinator for the Governor’s Faith and Community Initiative and previously as Digital Media Coordinator for the Florida State University Alumni Association.
Sarah is a proud Floridian and two-time Florida State University alumna, but what matters most to us is her heart. She is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who sees communication not simply as a skill, but as a calling—to speak truth with clarity, grace, and courage.
In a culture shaped so powerfully by media, this hire strengthens our ability to educate, encourage, and mobilize supporters across Florida while remaining faithful to our mission to defend Life, Marriage, Family, and Religious Liberty.
This step forward is only possible because of God’s provision and the generosity of partners like you. We are deeply grateful for your role in making it possible for FFV to grow wisely, intentionally, and with integrity.
Thank you for standing with us and for helping ensure that the story of this work is told well.
With sincere thanks,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
The post Welcoming Sarah Tinter to Florida Family Voice as Director of Marketing appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
We have officially reached the halfway point of Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session—and make no mistake: this is where the most consequential decisions come into clearer focus. The halfway point of session is when pressure rises, timelines tighten, and key votes begin moving quickly toward the finish line.
This week, Florida Family Voice remained fully engaged at the Florida State Capitol—not only in committee hearings and legislative meetings, but also in strengthening a vital connection: the Church and the public square.
Through our Church Ambassador Network, we had the privilege of hosting pastors and faith leaders from Central Florida for an impactful day at the Capitol, led by Dylan Fisher. These were not surface-level visits. We saw meaningful relationships strengthened, leaders encouraged, and pastors reminded that the decisions being made in Tallahassee are shaping the future of Florida’s families, churches, and communities.
At the same time, our team continued investing in the next generation. Aaron DiPietro, alongside his legislative advocacy, had the opportunity to speak with student groups from Students for Life at Florida State University and TeenPact — encouraging young Floridians to stand for truth, defend life, and pursue courageous civic leadership rooted in biblical conviction.
As we enter the second half of session, we ask you to pray for wisdom, favor, and protection—for our team and for the leaders making decisions that will shape Florida for generations.
Here’s where things stand this week:
The Insider’s Report – Week 5To View the Full 2026 FFV Legislative Agenda, click HEREWeek Five at the CapitolWhat You Need to KnowStay connected through our email alerts and social media as our Tallahassee team continues highlighting wins for life, marriage, family, and religious liberty this session.
As the Legislative Session continues, we are reminded that what happens in Tallahassee affects real families, real communities, and the most vulnerable people in our state.
Now that we have reached the halfway point of session, one thing is clear: the days ahead will move quickly — and we remain committed to standing faithfully in this moment.
Your partnership allows Florida Family Voice to be in the room every day — advocating for children who cannot speak for themselves, standing with families under pressure, and ensuring that faith is not silent in the public square.
Thank you for standing with us, and please continue praying as we press forward into the second half of session.
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
Did You Know?Once Florida’s Legislative Session reaches the halfway point, the Legislature begins operating under increasingly tight time constraints—and committee agendas become far more selective.
In the second half of session, leadership narrows its focus to the bills most likely to reach final passage, while hundreds of other proposals stall before making it to the floor. That is why Florida Family Voice works tirelessly each week to ensure that priorities defending life, marriage, family, and religious liberty continue moving forward—and are positioned to cross the finish line.
The post From the Capitol: Week 5 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
Florida Family Voice is honored to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis has reappointed Erik Dellenback, President and CEO of Florida Family Voice, to the
Florida Faith and Community Advisory Council.
View the Governor's Press Release HEREThis reappointment underscores the continued importance of faith-based leadership in public service and ensures that the voice of Florida’s faith community remains active and influential in the public square. As Florida approaches a new gubernatorial term, the appointment affirms the critical role faith leaders play in shaping policies that strengthen families, serve communities, and uphold enduring values.
Erik was first appointed to the Council in 2019 following his designation as Governor DeSantis’ Liaison for Faith and Community, after previously serving as President and CEO of the Tim Tebow Foundation, among other leadership roles. Over the past six years, Erik has remained a dedicated member of the Council and most recently served as Chairman from 2023 to 2025.
Through his continued service, Erik represents not only Florida Family Voice, but also the broader faith community’s commitment to thoughtful, constructive engagement at the highest levels of state government.
“I am incredibly thankful to Governor Ron DeSantis for the opportunity to be reappointed to the nation-leading Faith and Community Advisory Council. I’m humbled and honored to serve for the next four years and to carry this great momentum into the next administration.” – Erik Dellenback
Florida Family Voice remains committed to serving and equipping the Church, working alongside state leaders to promote policies that advance human flourishing in every corner and community of our state.
We are grateful for Erik’s continued service and look forward to the impact this work will have in the years ahead.
For more information about the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council, visit flgov.com.
The post Erik Dellenback Reappointed by Governor DeSantis appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe the Legislative Session is already nearly halfway complete. The pace in Tallahassee continues to accelerate, and with each passing week, the stakes grow higher for Florida’s families, children, and future.
This week, our Florida Family Voice team remained fully engaged at the Capitol—not only in committee rooms and legislative meetings, but also in strengthening the vital connection between the Church and the public square. Through our Church Ambassador Network, we had the privilege of welcoming pastors and faith leaders from Northeast Florida to the Florida State Capitol for an impactful day of learning, relationship-building, and encouragement.
Together, we met with representatives, senators, executive branch leaders, and key officials who are carrying the weight of leadership in this season. It was deeply encouraging to be reminded that there are men and women here who truly desire to serve with conviction and protect the most vulnerable.
This week also served as a powerful reminder that what happens in Tallahassee is not merely political—it has profound spiritual and moral consequences. As we move into the second half of session, we ask you to pray for wisdom, protection, and favor—for our team and for the leaders making critical decisions in the weeks ahead.
Here’s a look at where things stand this week: The Insider’s Report – Week 4.To View the Full 2026 FFV Legislative Agenda, click HEREWeek Four at the CapitolWhat You Need to KnowStay connected through our email alerts and social media as our Tallahassee team continues highlighting wins for life, marriage, family, and religious liberty this session.
As the Legislative Session continues, we are reminded that what happens in Tallahassee affects real families, real communities, and the most vulnerable among us.This week offered an encouraging reminder: there are men and women—called to lead in this season—who sincerely want to do what is right. They need prayer. They need support. And they need the Church to remain engaged.
Your partnership allows Florida Family Voice to be present every day—advocating for children who cannot speak for themselves, standing with families under pressure, and ensuring that faith is not silent in the public square.
We are grateful you are part of this work.
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
Did You Know?Did you know that of the approximately 1,500–2,000 bills filed each legislative session, only a small fraction become law. On average, fewer than 5–8% of all bills successfully move through the committee process, pass both chambers, and are signed by the Governor. FFV’s team works tirelessly each session to ensure that priorities upholding life, marriage, family, and religious liberty are among that small number.
The post From the Capitol: Week 4 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
As the Legislative Session presses forward, this week brought a sobering moment for our team. While advocating to protect children—both born and unborn—our team spent long hours in key committee rooms and had a front-row seat to some of the strongest opposition we have encountered in quite some time. It became clear that this was not merely political disagreement, but a deeper challenge to the truths we believe are essential to human dignity and flourishing.
In those moments, we were reminded of the truth of Scripture: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers.” The spiritual dimension of this work is real. And yet, even in the midst of opposition, the Lord continued to open doors and move important legislation forward—while reminding our team of the enduring importance of compassion, humility, and grace toward those with whom we disagree.
As we look to the weeks ahead, we ask you to pray intentionally for wisdom, clarity, protection, and courage for our team, and that the Lord would soften hearts and guide every conversation.
Here’s a look at where things stand this week: The Insider’s Report – Week 3.To View the Full 2026 FFV Legislative Agenda, click HEREWeek Three at the CapitolWhat You Need to KnowStay connected through our email alerts and social media as our Tallahassee team continues highlighting wins for life, marriage, family, and religious liberty this session.
As the session continues, we are reminded that meaningful work is rarely without resistance. Moments of challenge often clarify why this calling matters and deepen our dependence on the Lord’s wisdom and strength.
Your partnership allows our team to faithfully serve each day—advocating for children who cannot speak for themselves, supporting families under pressure, and ensuring the Church’s voice is not absent from the public square.
Florida Family Voice exists to serve in exactly this way: equipping and supporting the Church as it ministers to families across our state. And as this week reminded us, we do not labor alone. The Lord goes before us, sustains us, and remains faithful in every season.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
Did You Know?Did you know that that Florida’s Legislative Session only lasts nine weeks each year—about two months—and the timing actually rotates? In even-numbered years (like 2024 and 2026), session runs from early January to early March. In odd-numbered years (like 2023 and 2025), it runs from early March to early May.
That short, fast-moving window is why Florida Family Voice’s full-time presence on the ground in Tallahassee is so important as we work to advance policies that protect life, strengthen families, uphold marriage, and defend religious liberty.
The post From the Capitol: Week 3 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
I’m grateful to share another personnel update with you—one that is especially meaningful to our team in this season and a clear testimony to God’s provision.
You made this possible and we are SO grateful for you!
For a while, it has been our desire at Florida Family Voice to bring our Legislative Affairs Director on full-time, knowing how critical this role is to faithfully steward our presence in Tallahassee. Today, I’m thankful to say: God has made a way.
Aaron DiPietro, who has faithfully served as our Legislative Affairs Director in a part-time capacity for the last six years, is now able to devote his full time and attention to the work of Florida Family Voice.
Aaron is a native Floridian who was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he currently resides with his wife Sophia and daughter Laura. The oldest of six boys, he was home educated and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University. His background includes extensive work in the petroleum industry. In addition to his work with FFV, Aaron also serves as the Political Director for Florida Family Action, the political arm of FFV.
For some time, Aaron has balanced this role alongside a second job—out of conviction, commitment, and a deep belief in this mission. Now, because of the generosity and prayers of partners like you, he is able to focus fully on advancing policies that strengthen families, protect life, defend religious freedom, and uphold parental rights in Florida.
This is more critical now than ever with our great governor finishing his term and the fights against our Biblical worldview increasing in our state’s capitol.
In his expanded role, Aaron leads FFV’s legislative strategy and engagement efforts—monitoring and analyzing legislation, building strong relationships with elected officials and legislative leaders, developing and advocating for priority legislation, and mobilizing grassroots supporters across the state. He represents FFV in hearings and policy discussions, prepares testimony and policy resources, and works closely with our communications team to ensure our advocacy is clear, consistent, and grounded in our mission.
This transition is more than a staffing update—it is a stewardship milestone. It allows us to be present, prepared, and principled as we engage the legislative process with wisdom, integrity, and courage.
We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for supporters like you who made this step possible. Your partnership has helped turn sacrifice into sustainability and vision into action.
Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the importance of this work. We are deeply encouraged by what God is doing—and confident in the season ahead.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
The post Aaron DiPietro Serving Full-Time at FFV as Legislative Affairs Director appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
It seems like session started only yesterday, but here we are with Week 2 already in the books, and what a week it was. From wins for Life, Marriage, Family, and Religious Liberty, this week has been a resounding success in FFV’s mission to rebuild the walls of Culture.
Welcome to the Insider’s Report – Week 2!To View the Full 2026 FFV Legislative Agenda, click HEREWeek Two at the CapitolWhat You Need to KnowContinue to stay engaged through our email alerts and social media, as our Tallahassee team continues to document the incredible victories for life, marriage, family, and religious liberty this session.
Never forget that your partnership with FFV matters.
Every day, we stand to defend and rebuild the walls of life, marriage, family, and religious liberties. We stand to defend our shared Biblical worldview, and the faith that matters to you in battles that most people don’t even know are happening. We would not be able to engage in this arena without your support.
Florida Family Voice is more than a name; it is our calling to stand as the voice for Florida’s families and Church—from the halls of the Capitol to the pulpits of Florida’s churches, and into the homes of Florida families, from Pensacola to the Florida Keys.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
Did You Know?Did you know that over 1,700 bills have been filed for the 2026 Florida session alone and that FFV’s team is actively engaged in reviewing all the bills for their impact on life, family, marriage, and religious liberty?
The post From the Capitol: Week 2 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
Dear FFV Family,
We’re celebrating a major victory today for children, families, and the right of states to protect both. In a decision with nationwide impact, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Tennessee’s law banning harmful gender transition procedures on minors to remain in effect. This decision sends a clear message: states have the constitutional authority to safeguard children from irreversible medical harm.
This is more than just a win for Tennessee—it’s a direct defense of what we’ve worked hard to accomplish here in Florida.
Florida Family Voice was on the front lines in 2023, helping to pass and defend legislation that protects children from puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions that can leave permanent physical and emotional scars. Today’s ruling helps shield Florida’s law from future legal attacks, reinforcing our state’s ability to prioritize the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
Let’s be clear: this fight is far from over. But today, we thank God for this affirmation of truth, science, and common sense—and for a legal system that upheld the right of parents and lawmakers to say, “Let kids be kids.”
We will continue to stand for Florida families and children—and we’re grateful to stand with you in that mission.
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
Your prayers and financial support help us stand strong—thank you for partnering with us.
DONATEThe post Supreme Court Victory: A Win for Children and for Florida! appeared first on FFV.
Family Policy Alliance President Craig DeRoche interviews Erik Dellenback about his new role as CEO of Florida Family Voice and the vision he brings to impact families across Florida and the nation.
Dear FFV Friend,
I am only a few weeks into my new role as CEO of Florida Family Voice, and I am so in awe of how God is moving. I want to share some of it with you in hopes that it encourages you and that you will consider joining us in prayer and continued support!
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God has assembled an amazing staff team at FFV (formerly Florida Family Policy Council), and they love serving our state and representing you as we boldly proclaim a Biblical Worldview and stand firm on the four walls of FFV – Family, Marriage, Life, and Religious Liberty.
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Just a few weeks ago, we had our Annual Gala where Charlie Kirk and I discussed the landscape of Florida, the win we experienced with A4 (Praise God), our statewide 4,300-mile Bus Tour, and where we need to be in this next season. We must simultaneously be watching the horizon for new attacks and rebuilding the walls of marriage and family. Florida is leading and we need you locking arms with us to keep it that way.
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I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Craig DeRoche, President of Family Policy Alliance, for an important conversation about faith, leadership, and the future of our nation. One of the key topics we explored was the vital role of the Church in political advocacy. Now more than ever, I believe Christians must not retreat from civic engagement. The Church is God’s plan A and has both the calling and the capacity to shape policies grounded in biblical truth—and that influence can be a powerful force for good. When the Church speaks with one voice, it can unite believers across political lines. By focusing on shared values rather than partisan divides, we can mobilize a movement that rises above the noise and brings lasting impact.
You can watch the full interview here.
A few things you can expect from FFV as we go forward:
We will be joining together in collaboration with the church and like hearted ministries to come together with one voice.
We will not simply talk about what we are against but rather what we are for!
- We’re not just against abortion—we’re for life.
- We’re not political or partisan—we are ardent defenders of Biblical truth.
- Division is not an option; Christians we must unify.
We will remind ourselves and all around us that God is faithful and good and fully capable to handle all we endeavor to do.
But this is only the beginning.
I invite you to join us.
Your prayers, your voice, your support—financial or otherwise—can help fortify these walls for the next generation.
Will you rebuild the walls with us?Will you help us make much of the Church?
We don’t want this to be about giving to a cause— but rather about investing in a vision.
A vision where:
- The Capital C Church has a collective voice.
- Children grow up in stable, faith-filled homes.
- Life in the womb is protected and celebrated.
- Pastors preach boldly without fear.
- Families across Florida thrive in freedom and truth.
I invite you to pray, share, and consider how God may be calling you to help rebuild what’s been broken.
Together, we can shift the culture—not with fear, but with faith.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
P.S. If you were unable to be with us at our gala this year, you can catch my vision for Florida family voice in this video from the event.
P.S.S. Photographs of the event can be accessed here.
COUNT ME IN! HERE'S MY GIFT...Erik Dellenback: Rebuilding the Walls – 2025 Florida Family Voice Dinner Gala
The post Don’t Miss Out: Dinner Gala to Frontlines Interview! appeared first on FFV.
Dear FFV Family,Simply put, Florida Family Voice could not stand boldly as watchmen on the four walls and battlefronts of our mission—family, marriage, life, and religious liberty—without the blessing and favor of Almighty God and the freedoms secured by the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.On behalf of our organization and our nation, we say THANK YOU to these heroes!All gave some. Some gave all.This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We pray for peace and comfort for their families, and we also extend our gratitude to our veterans and military members.Personally, as someone with a family member who has served in every major war since World War II, I promise you this: as an organization, we will never forget the cost of freedom or the legacy of your service.May God bless you—and may God continue to bless America.Erik Dellenback, CEOFlorida Family VoiceThe post A moment to pause and remember… appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friend,
What a night! The 2025 Annual Dinner was not only a powerful gathering of passionate believers standing for faith, family, and freedom—it was also my first official day as CEO of Florida Family Voice.
It was an incredible honor to step into this new role and also serve as the MC for the evening. I can’t imagine a better way to begin this journey than surrounded by so many of you who care deeply about our mission and the future of Florida. It was a joy to personally meet so many of you.
During this special evening, more than 500 leaders, pastors, partners, and friends came together for a powerful night featuring keynote speaker Charlie Kirk—an evening marked by conviction, clarity, and a renewed call to action.
The FFV theme for the night was simple but urgent: “Rebuild the Walls.”
In a culture where the foundational walls of marriage, family, life, and religious liberty are under constant attack, I had the privilege of delivering my first message as CEO with a clear challenge:
This is our moment.
It’s time to rise—not as victims of cultural decline, but as visionaries called to rebuild and reframe the narrative with courage and conviction.
Much like Nehemiah rallied the people of Jerusalem to rebuild what had been broken, Florida Family Voice is stepping into that role for our state. We are holding both the sword and the shovel—defending truth while actively strengthening families and communities across Florida.
We’re joining together with one voice.
We’re not just against abortion—we’re for life.
We’re not political—we’re biblical.
We’re not divided—we’re forming a collective voice.
From the defeat of Amendment 4 to the mobilization of churches across all 67 counties, this year’s work has shown what happens when we unite with purpose.
But this is only the beginning.Now, I invite you to join us.
Your prayers, your voice, your support—financial or otherwise—can help fortify these walls for the next generation.
Will you rebuild the walls with us?Will you help us make much of the Church?Florida can lead and be a beacon to the nation.
This isn’t about giving to a cause—it’s about investing in a vision.
A vision where:
The Capital C Church has a collective voice.
Children grow up in stable, faith-filled homes.
Life in the womb is protected and celebrated.
Pastors preach boldly without fear.
And families across Florida thrive in freedom and truth.
I invite you to pray, share, and consider how God may be calling you to help rebuild what’s been broken.
Together, we can shift the culture—not with fear, but with faith.
With gratitude,
Erik Dellenback
CEO, Florida Family Voice
P.S. If you were unable to be with us at our gala this year, you can catch my vision for Florida Family Voice in this video from the event.
COUNT ME IN! HERE'S MY GIFT...Erik Dellenback: Rebuilding the Walls – 2025 Florida Family Voice Dinner Gala
Florida Family VoiceP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
info@FLfamily.org
Phone: 407-251-5130
The post 🎥 A Powerful Night, A Bold New Vision — A Message from Erik Dellenback, our new CEO appeared first on FFV.
Our weekly recap from Aaron DiPietro, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice and Kevin Baird, Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of FloridaFFV’s Aaron DiPietro provides a quick update on the ninth week of
the Florida Legislative Session.
Dear Friend,
The 2025 Florida Legislative Session has concluded, and it is time for the FFV Insider’s Victory Report. In recent years, Florida has solidified its position as the beacon of hope, standing firm in the fight for life, family, and liberty—both for our nation and beyond. From advancing the sanctity of human life to safeguarding the innocence of our children, defending parental rights, upholding religious freedom, and protecting medical liberties, we have consistently and unapologetically led on issue after issue and Florida Family Voice has stood on the frontlines achieving many of those victories, year after year.
The first victory of the week actually came from outside of the legislature, from the Attorney General’s Office, when Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the creation of the Office of Parental Rights (OPR), a pioneering initiative designed to empower parents and protect their rights across the state. The OPR will serve as a vital legal resource for parents facing challenges related to medical consent, educational decisions, privacy violations, and more. By providing legal assistance and support, the office will ensure parents have the tools they need to protect their rights and advocate for their children’s well-being. With full backing from Governor Ron DeSantis, the OPR is set to make a significant impact in reinforcing Florida’s commitment to family values and parental authority and enforcing many of the great parental rights bills that FFV has worked on over the years! You can find out more about the Office of Parental Rights at this LINK.
An even more thrilling victory came in the past few weeks as Florida achieved a significant pro-life milestone in 2024, with the state’s abortion rate declining more than any other in the nation. This drop, reported by the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute, is attributed to the enactment of the Heartbeat Protection Act, which prohibits most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The law went into effect on May 1, 2024, and has been credited with reducing the number of abortions by over 14% compared to the 2023 numbers! Additionally, in the aftermath of Florida voters rejecting the radical abortion-til-birth Amendment 4, we can expect an even larger drop in abortions, moving into 2025!
Back in Tallahassee, in spite of a rather tumultuous legislative session, which resulted in a record low number of bills passed into law (a number not seen in decades), we did achieve several significant victories moving the ball forward for life, family, and liberty in our state.
The Nonconsensual Altered Sexual Content & Porn Removal Act, or “Brooke’s Law,” requires platforms to remove nonconsensual altered sexual content within 48 hours and penalizes those who fail to comply. It provides victims with recourse against pornography producers’ abuses and is awaiting the governor’s signature.
The Surrendered Infants Procedures and Baby Box Act expands safe haven laws, allowing newborns to be safely surrendered at baby boxes. It ensures prompt medical care and simplifies adoption procedures. The bill has been signed into law by Governor DeSantis!
The Stem Cell Therapy Regulations Act sets ethical guidelines for stem cell therapies, banning non-FDA-approved treatments, especially involving embryonic stem cells, and promotes adult stem cell research. The bill awaits the governor’s signature.
The Supervision of Children Act ensures that parents cannot be penalized for leaving mature children unsupervised for activities like walking to school or playing outside, protecting parental rights from government overreach. The bill awaits the governor’s signature.
Finally, the capstone victory was the passage of the Initiative Petitions Reform Act, which strengthens Florida’s constitution by tightening election security procedures for citizen-led amendments. As we saw in the fight last year over Amendment 3 & 4, our citizen’s initiative process is broken under the weight of multiple cases of widespread petition fraud and blatant disregard for the initiative process. This law seeks to restore safeguards to protect the sacred initiative process, punish fraudsters, shield Florida from out of state billions seeking to buy our constitution, and ensure that any changes to our constitution truly reflect the will of the people of Florida. The House version has passed both chambers and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
For the full Victory Report containing all of this session’s victories and losses and details on the bills, click on the link below.
Sen. Erin Grall presenting HB 1205, The Citizens Initiative Reform Act
Legislative Agenda DownloadUnfortunately, however, we did see a significant number of other priority bills tabled and killed. Generally, with a few exceptions, the bills were not killed by any one person but were the victims of circumstance from an intense three-way leadership clash between Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Ben Albritton, and House Speaker Danny Perez, particularly in the latter weeks of session regarding debates over the budget; moreover, a special session will be called to pass a final budget in the next few weeks. Granted, the influence of influential Senate Rules Chair Kathleen Passidomo or other more moderate members of the legislators in opposition to our priorities was present for a few of the occasions. And for other bills, procedural hurdles or the legislative clock running out were the culprits.
However, in spite of the setbacks, this was still a very successful and productive session. Below, you will find links to a comprehensive report on the legislative victories achieved and losses dealt this session, including the good bills passed and the bad bills defeated. We also outline our priorities for future sessions, consisting of many of the good bills that died this session. We want to thank all our bill sponsors and cosponsors for their fight in standing for these critical issues. You can see many of those members listed in the report below.
For the full Victory Report containing all of this session’s victories and losses and details on the bills, click on the link below.
Legislative Agenda DownloadBeyond the legislative victories, this session was the most impactful in the advances FFV was able to make behind the scenes—in the quiet work of relationship-building rooted in trust, respect, and biblical principles. We strove to embody the hands and feet of Jesus by walking alongside lawmakers, offering support, prayer, wisdom, and guidance as they navigated complex policy challenges. Behind the scenes, we equipped legislators with in-depth research, clear talking points, and thorough debate preparation so they could champion our pro-family priorities with integrity and clarity. When language or conflict issues arose, we followed the Matthew 18 principle—addressing concerns privately to refine proposals or address problems without unnecessary public attacks. This humble, relational approach balanced with a principled and uncompromising stand on the issues, has and continues to set Florida Family Voice apart in the process and earned respect across the board in Tallahassee. This session was the clearest example of that impact to date.
As I come to the end of my fourth session with Florida Family Voice, I am once again humbled to serve on the frontlines in Tallahassee and in spite of the challenging circumstances, I am excited about the future. Thank you once more for your unwavering support and prayers as we continue to be a voice for the Florida’s family in the years to come! God bless!
For the Family,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director
P.S. You can support the impact Florida Family Voice makes by making a one-time donation or joining our circle of monthly supporters—visit HERE — your support is pivotal to supporting the Florida Family Voice vision moving into the post-session stretch.
This is the ninth week of Legislative Session 2025, and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida was at the state capitol finishing a great year of ministry and Bible distribution. This has been one of the busiest sessions for legislators, yet one of the most fruitful for the work of the Florida Capitol Project.
As a report and recap, let’s review some of the highlights of the ministry that took place through the Church Ambassador Network.
This year marked our 7th legislative session of the Florida Capitol Project where we connected pastors from across the state directly with their elected leaders for moments of prayer, possibilities of partnership, and on occasion important public policy discussions. We launched our first annual Gather at the Gate event at the Capitol Courtyard on the opening day of the Legislative Session to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance, blessing, and provision over this session’s activities.
Over 9 weeks, 119 pastors had more than 250 impactful ministry moments at the Capitol – bringing our FCP total to over 630 pastors and 860 ministry opportunities in just seven years. Some of these meetings were the first time a legislator had ever been personally prayed for by a pastor in their office. And the impact didn’t stop there.
The highlight this year was distributing personalized, leather-bound study Bibles. Thanks to a generous donation, we are placing a brand-new Bible into the hands of every one of Florida’s 160 state legislators. Each Bible is personalized with their name and title on the cover. This is a visible reminder that God’s Word has a place in every corner of government.
The response has been overwhelming. Week after week, we heard one word again and again, “Wow!” One legislator said it was the first Bible they’d ever touched. Another told us they were looking for a study Bible but didn’t know where to start. One even shared through tears that a family member was ready to open their heart to Christ and asked for a Bible. This timely gift was a sign to them that the Lord would bring salvation to this precious family member.
God’s Word opened hearts and doors like never before. The Spirit is at work in your state capitol, softening hearts, opening conversations, and raising up men and women who will lead with wisdom and integrity. These encounters are bearing much fruit. Tracie is personally discipling several legislators in their walk with Christ.
The Florida Capitol Project is more than an outreach; it’s a movement to reintroduce the presence of the Church into the heart of government; not for political power, but for spiritual renewal.
As we conclude Legislative Session 2025 at the state capitol, we will continue to work and travel the state to reach the 17,000 evangelical churches in Florida encouraging Pastors and Churches to engage in the civic mission field. We are also growing FFV’s Church Ambassador Network Advisory Board made up of some of Florida’s most influential spiritual leaders. We now have 15 pastoral leaders on our statewide advisory board, with 15 more to be added soon.
At Florida Family Voice, we believe the Church is God’s Plan A. We are building trusted, Gospel-centered relationships that bless and protect our state—now and for the future.
I hope I get a chance to meet many of you at the upcoming FFV Gala in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Creek Conference Center, featuring Charlie Kirk. It will be an exciting night. If that’s not possible, then I hope you will consider supporting our ongoing and important work taking place here in Florida. We would gladly receive your generous support and steward it to the glory of God.
Thank-you again for your interest and prayers.
Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of Florida
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Our weekly recap from Aaron DiPietro, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family VoiceFFV’s Aaron DiPietro provides a quick update on the eighth week of
the Florida Legislative Session.
Dear Friends,
As we enter the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative Session, Week 8 has been a strong and eventful one for Florida Family Voice. Several key bills we’ve championed are moving forward in both the House and Senate. With committee meetings now concluded, our full attention turns to floor votes in the final days ahead.
In a notable political shift, Senate Democratic Minority Leader Jason Pizzo announced his departure from the Democratic Party to become a No Party Affiliation (NPA), a move that could reshape future legislative negotiations.
Challenges remain, particularly with the state budget negotiations stalled between the House and Senate. While this issue doesn’t directly affect our priorities, it does impact the legislative climate—making our vigilance in Week 9 more crucial than ever.
Despite the hurdles, Week 8 has brought major wins for FFV. The coming days will determine the fate of much of our legislative agenda. As we press forward, your prayers and support are essential. Whether through a one-time gift or by becoming a monthly supporter, your partnership makes all the difference.
Visit HERE to contribute and help power our efforts through the final days of the 2025 Session.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro in the House gallery during House proceedings.
Below we have listed the top 5 victories from this past week. For the full list of this week’s victories, click on the link below.
Legislative Agenda DownloadParental Rights in Healthcare Act (SB 1288/HB 1505)Victory!
On Monday, the Senate version of the Parental Rights in Healthcare Act, led by Sen. Erin Grall, passed its final committee (Rules) with a 13-9 vote. The following day, the House bill cleared its final committee (Education & Employment) by a vote of 16-5.
This landmark legislation strengthens parental authority by guaranteeing parents full access to their minor children’s medical records, prohibiting the use of biometric medical feedback systems in schools without parental consent, and reinforcing consent requirements for school surveys and medical treatments that have been occurring without parental knowledge. It ensures that parents remain fully informed and involved in all healthcare decisions affecting their children.
On Friday, Reps. Rachel Plakon and Kim Kendall successfully defended the House version, which passed 80-28. The bill now awaits a final vote in the Senate.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro with bill sponsors Reps. Rachel Plakon and Kim Kendall and
Parental Rights Florida’s Patti Sullivan.
Protecting Minors from Obscenity in Education Act (HB 1539)Victory!
On Thursday, the Protecting Minors from Obscenity in Education Act passed the full House floor. Bill sponsor Rep. Doug Bankson effectively presented the legislation, emphasizing its mission to safeguard children by updating the definition of obscenity to a stricter, child-centered standard, shielding students from exposure to sexually explicit material in educational settings.
Fellow representatives delivered powerful testimony underscoring the urgent need for the bill, with many speaking out strongly in support. The bill passed with a vote of 81-29 and now moves to the Senate!
Bill sponsor Rep. Doug Bankson defending HB 1539 on the House floor.
Office of Faith and Community Act (SB 820)
VICTORY!
On Thursday, the Senate passed this important bill, sponsored by Sen. Clay Yarborough, by a vote of 27-9, despite last-minute efforts to block it. The legislation formally establishes the Office of Faith and Community—originally created by Governor DeSantis—within the Executive Office of the Governor.
This office is dedicated to strengthening partnerships between faith-based organizations and state agencies by eliminating bureaucratic barriers that hinder religious groups from serving vulnerable populations. All that remains is a final vote in the House
Fetal Development Educational Act (HB 1255)
VICTORY!
On Wednesday, the House passed this powerful bill, sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy, with a strong 86-27 vote! The bill revises multiple education policies to protect students and foster a more positive learning environment—including restricting the use of taxpayer funds for political activism and enhancing discipline standards. Most notably, it requires that 6th–12th graders (with parental consent) receive comprehensive fetal development education through high-definition videos, helping students better understand and respect the miracle of human life.
Despite intense opposition focused almost exclusively on this provision, the bill prevailed and now awaits a final vote in the Senate before heading to the Governor’s desk!
Protecting Faith-Based Content in BIP Counseling Programs Act (HB 391)VICTORY!
This critical bill, sponsored by Rep. Omar Blanco, ensures that faith-based content is permitted within state-approved Batterers’ Intervention Programs (BIP). Previously, career bureaucrats at the Department of Children and Families restricted these programs to secular-only content, excluding several faith-based providers—even those with outstanding success and low recidivism rates.
This legislation corrects that injustice by amending statutes to explicitly allow faith-based counseling options. On Tuesday, the bill passed its final committee, Health and Human Services, unanimously, and on Friday, it passed the full House by an overwhelming 109-1 vote! It now advances to the Senate for consideration.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro and Rep. Omar Blanco, sponsor of HB 391.
For the full list of this week’s victories and details on the bills, click on the link below.
Legislative Agenda DownloadThe end of the session is in sight, and as you can see, we are on the verge of a full slate of incredible victories for life, family, parental rights, and religious freedom! Please continue to keep our team in your prayers as we push full steam ahead toward the finish of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session. God bless!
For the Florida Family,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice
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20th Annual Dinner GalaSaturday, May 10, 2025Rosen Shingle CreekDinner & Program – 6:00 PMTICKETS & SPONSORSHIP DETAILSREGISTER TODAY!The post FL Legislative Session – Week #8 Insider’s Report appeared first on FFV.
As we celebrate the miracle of the Resurrection,may your Easter be filled with faith, hope, and love.
We invite you to enjoy this special Eastermessage from the White House.
Presidential Message on Holy Week, 2025
This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity.
Beginning with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and culminating in the Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Good Friday, and reaching its pinnacle in the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. This week is a time of reflection for Christians to memorialize Jesus’ crucifixion—and to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for His miraculous Resurrection from the dead.
During this sacred week, we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. In His final hours on Earth, Christ willingly endured excruciating pain, torture, and execution on the cross out of a deep and abiding love for all His creation. Through His suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins. Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life. On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness—signaling that death does not have the final word.
This Holy Week, my Administration renews its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of government. We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square.
As we focus on Christ’s redeeming sacrifice, we look to His love, humility, and obedience—even in life’s most difficult and uncertain moments. This week, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our beloved Nation. We pray that America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven.
May God bless you and your family during this special time of year and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
The post Have a blessed Easter! appeared first on FFV.
Our weekly recap from Aaron DiPietro, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice and Kevin Baird, Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of FloridaFFV’s Aaron DiPietro provides a quick update on the seventh week of
the Florida Legislative Session.
Dear Friends,
Two more weeks left! Week 7 of the 2025 Legislative Session has flown by, and as committee work winds down and action shifts to the House and Senate floors, we’re celebrating major progress. Through strategic testimony, behind-the-scenes advocacy with key leaders, and—above all—God’s providence, many of our bills continue to advance as we race toward the session’s final stretch.
As if this week’s victories weren’t enough, the Florida Family Voice Board of Directors announced our new President and CEO—Erik Dellenback! A passionate leader with a strong track record—including roles with the DeSantis administration and the Tim Tebow Foundation—Erik is also a devoted father, husband, and follower of Christ. We’re thrilled to welcome him aboard! Learn more about his background and the board’s announcement here. HERE!
Tragically, this week’s victories were overshadowed by the devastating shooting at Florida State University, just blocks from the Capitol. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. Please join us in praying for healing, restoration, and unity—that what was meant for evil may be used by God to draw our state and leaders together in these final weeks of session and beyond.
Regarding the legislative session, we have listed only a few of our key victories from this past week in this report. For those wanting to see the full list of this week’s victories, click the link below.
Legislative Agenda DownloadFINAL PASSAGE VICTORY!!
Surrendered Infants Procedures and Baby Box Act (HB 791)
On Wednesday, Sen. Stan McClain presented the Surrendered Infants Procedures and Baby Box Act, a bill that already passed the full House unanimously. This bill seeks to enhance safe haven laws by extending the timeframe for legally surrendering newborns and introducing baby boxes for anonymous drop-offs. It also aims to improve legal protections for parents and streamline the surrender process for those infants. After a strong presentation by Sen. McClain, the bill was put to a vote and passed 33-4, marking the first official FFV victory for the 2025 Legislative Session! The bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
Protecting Minors from Obscenity in Education Act (SB 1539)
Victory! On Wednesday, the bill passed its final House committee, Education & Employment, 14-5, despite critics falsely crying regarding book bans. Bill sponsor Rep. Doug Bankson skillfully defended the bill and refuted these allegations, highlighting the bill’s focus on safeguarding our children, by updating the definition of obscenity to a more rigorous, child-focused standard to protect from exposure to blatantly sexually explicit material in educational settings. He also homed in on the aims to enhance transparency in school libraries and public venues, ensuring that only age-appropriate content is accessible to students. Multiple members spoke out in strong and vocal support of the bill’s common sense and evidence-based approach, resulting in ultimate passage. The bill now heads to the House floor for a final vote next week.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of protecting children in public schools from obscene materials.
Office of Faith and Community Act (HB 293 / SB 820)
Victory! On Tuesday, the Senate version, sponsored by Sen. Clay Yarborough, passed its second committee, Appropriations for Ag, Environment, and General Government, 9-3. Later in the week, on Thursday, the House bill, presented by Rep. Doug Bankson, passed its final House committee, State Affairs, 15-5. This bill codifies the Gov. DeSantis-created Office of Faith and Community within the Executive Office of the Governor. The office exists to foster collaboration between faith-based organizations and state agencies, working tirelessly to remove bureaucratic obstacles that often prevent religious organizations from serving the most vulnerable in our state. Looking forward to next week, the House version is now prepped for a final floor vote, while the Senate version has been scheduled for its final committee hearing on Tuesday.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of codifying the Office of Faith and Community in state law.
Legislative Agenda DownloadLooking ahead to Week 8, I’m excited for key hearings—especially on our top priority, the Parental Rights in Healthcare & Education Act—and hopeful for continued progress on the rest of FFV’s agenda.
As we enter the final stretch of session, your prayers are more important than ever. We’re close to victory on key priorities—life, parental rights, religious freedom, and protecting children—but we must press on to get them across the finish line.
Additionally, if you are so led, we ask for your financial support to help us finish strong—whether with a one-time donation or by joining our circle of monthly supporters—you can do soHERE.
Your generosity makes a true impact.
Again, thank you sincerely for your prayers and support as we seek to finish the race well as we come to the end of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session. God bless!
In Christ,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice
This is the seventh week of Legislative Session 2025, and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida was on site continuing to distribute the personalized, large-print Bibles to the Florida’s state representatives and senators. These beautiful, leather-bound Bibles are received gratefully and are quickly becoming the memento of their 2025 legislative year. These Bibles have literally become the “door-opener” to so many legislator’s offices. It reminds me of Paul’s journey to Troas and he marveled at how many doors were open to him as he proclaimed the Gospel (2 Corinthians 2:12). In much the same way pastors journey to the state capitol in Tallahassee, doors are swinging open to our work.
Pastoral presence and voice are critical for the legislative process. I remember attending a committee meeting seven years ago as I considered becoming the CAN director for FFV. I had signed up to give testimony and was looking forward to my first experience in Florida to do such a thing. To be candid, I do not remember the piece of legislation, but I do remember that it needed a pastor’s voice to influence its passage. I watched and listened as lobbyist after lobbyist spoke to the benefits or dangers of the bill. I also watched the group of representatives listening to the lobbyists acting disinterested and bored as a number of them played on their phones. They probably had good reason as the process unfolding before them had few surprises. The people testifying were familiar lobbying voices and the arguments presented were those they had heard on many of an occasion. As my moment to testify approached, I mentally prepared myself for a disconnected group of representatives. However, as I introduced myself by name and occupation (a pastor) an unusual thing took place before me. The representatives in the room laid down their phones, looked up from their reading, and a couple of them even leaned forward to listen to what I wanted to share.
I can assure you that I had no new argument or information related to the bill. I certainly do not have the looks to merit any special attention. What I am convinced happened that day was the spiritual authority of a pastor was about to be released and without any fanfare or programming, legislators’ hearts were touched by God to listen to a servant of the Lord. That simple illustration I saw in a committee room convinced me that every pastor has a unique anointing or “unction”, given by God, to speak to people’s hearts. This is why pastors coming to the state capitol is vital. Their voice can make the divine difference with important public policy and decisions.
Through the Florida Capitol Project, pastors are catching the vision for the civic mission field and responding to the call of God as to their part of reaching it.
Our work is a long-term strategy. Reaching 17,000 evangelical, Bible-believing churches and pastors in Florida will take time. However, in seven years we can legitimately say we are making a dent in that number as hundreds of pastors have attended and responded to engaging their civic government.
Can I ask you again to consider becoming a partner with Florida Family Voice and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida by sending a financial gift so we might reach these pastors who need the experience of the Florida Capitol Project. Any size gift would be appreciated, but your best gift would be especially appreciated now. You can donate HERE.
Thank you for praying and giving. The work continues to move forward with your help. We are going to end this legislative session strong.
Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Executive Director
Church Ambassador Network of Florida
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20th Annual Dinner GalaSaturday, May 10, 2025Rosen Shingle CreekDinner & Program – 6:00 PMTICKETS & SPONSORSHIP DETAILSREGISTER TODAY!The post FL Legislative Session – Week #7 Insider’s Report & Ambassadors’ Update appeared first on FFV.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFlorida Family Voice NamesErik Dellenback as New President and CEOORLANDO, FL — [April 16, 2025] — Florida Family Voice (formerly known as Florida Family Policy Council) is pleased to announce that Erik Dellenback will serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.
Bruce O’Donoghue, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Florida Family Voice, shared that the Board offered Mr. Dellenback the position in March, with the understanding that he would fulfill his current duties with Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Office through the conclusion of the Legislative Session.
“We are very pleased that Erik will be leading our organization,” O’Donoghue stated. “His passion to protect the unborn, defend marriage and families, and preserve the religious liberties our nation offers—coupled with his extensive experience and knowledge—makes him the perfect person to lead us today and in the years ahead.”
Mr. Dellenback will officially begin his role on Saturday, May 10th, at Florida Family Voice’s annual gala in Orlando, which will feature Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point Ministries.
For the past five and a half years, Erik has served as the Governor’s Liaison for Faith and Community in the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis and, more recently, also as the Executive Director of Hope Florida. Under his leadership, Florida has become the most faith and community-friendly state in the nation, with more than 2,200 faith institutions and 5,600 nonprofit partners mobilized to serve the most vulnerable. Hope Florida, an initiative created by First Lady Casey DeSantis, has redefined the role of government in supporting families and communities.
Before joining state government, Erik worked as a consultant to several of the nation’s leading nonprofits and helped start For Others, a nonprofit addressing America’s foster care crisis, alongside Christian musician Chris Tomlin.
Erik also served as the founding President and Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) for seven years. During his tenure, he launched numerous domestic and international ministry programs, including the globally recognized Night to Shine, a prom night experience for individuals with special needs. The event has grown into a worldwide movement held in all 50 states and 24 countries, representing over 32 denominations of the Christian church.
Earlier in his career, Erik spent over a decade with the Gator Bowl Association, including roles as Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer and founding Director of the ACC Football Championship.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Erik’s background spans roles as a movie producer, business and nonprofit executive, college professor, speaker, and entrepreneur. Yet, he most values being known simply as a husband, father, and follower of Jesus. He and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Florida with their five children.
Media Contact:
Bruce O’Donoghue
Board Chairman
Florida Family Voice
407-251-5130
frontdesk@flfamily.org
www.flfamily.org
20th Annual Dinner GalaSaturday, May 10, 2025Rosen Shingle CreekDinner & Program – 6:00 PMTICKETS & SPONSORSHIP DETAILSRegister Today!The post Breaking News – Meet Our New President Erik Dellenback! appeared first on FFV.
Our weekly recap from Aaron DiPietro, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice and Kevin Baird, Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of FloridaFFV’s Aaron DiPietro provides a quick update on the sixth week of
the Florida Legislative Session.
Dear Friends,
Week 6 of the 2025 Legislative Session has come and gone, leaving beyond yet another week of challenges and victories for FFV’s agenda, especially pivotal considering this marks the last week most of the lower subcommittees would meet. As we move into the final third of the 2025 session, the sense of urgency for our team is at a heightened level as we work behind the scenes to ensure that our bill priorities that are close to passage get the final push across the finish line.
Highlighted below are just a few of our key victories from this past week. For those eager to dive deeper into the details, a comprehensive PDF with in-depth bill progress updates is available.
Legislative Agenda Download Rep. Sam Greco gives closing debate on HB 1517
Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act (HB 1517)
Victory: On Wednesday, Rep. Sam Greco took to the floor to present the Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act.
He outlined the bill’s aim to allow parents to file civil lawsuits for the wrongful death of an unborn child. The legislation not only recognizes an unborn child as a distinct legal entity but also extends vital legal protections, ensuring accountability in cases of negligent or intentional harm. It forges new legal avenues for parents seeking redress for both emotional and financial losses, thereby humanizing the status of the unborn within state civil statute.
After a compelling close by Rep. Greco and powerful speeches of support from Reps. Dean Black and Mike Redondo, the House, in a party line vote, passed the bill off the House floor, 79-32 and is now headed to the Senate.
Parental Rights in Healthcare Act (HB 1505)
Victory: On Monday, the House bill passed its second committee, the Judiciary Committee, 16-5, spearheaded by Rep. Rachel Plakon. This legislation reinforces parental authority by requiring schools to notify parents of any changes to their child’s educational or medical records, banning biometric tracking systems without consent, and strengthening consent requirements for school surveys and medical treatments. It ensures parents remain fully informed and involved in all decisions affecting their minor children.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of restoring parental rights in healthcare.
Office of Faith and Community Act (HB 293)
Victory: The bill, presented by Rep. Doug Bankson, passed its second House committee unanimously. This bill codifies the Gov. DeSantis-created Office of Faith and Community within the Executive Office of the Governor. The office exists to foster collaboration between faith-based organizations and state agencies, working tirelessly to remove bureaucratic obstacles that often prevent religious organizations from serving the most vulnerable in our state.
For those eager to dive deeper into the details, a comprehensive PDF with in-depth bill progress updates is available HERE.
Looking forward to Week 7, I am excited for the announced hearings on several of our priority bills, including the Hope Florida Program Act and the Office of Faith and Community Act and am looking forward to additional hearings being announced on many of our other priorities remaining sometime towards the end of next week.
I’m excited to bring you updates from the frontlines, where every win reflects the power of your prayers, steadfast support, and the contributions of those who paved the way. If you’d like to help us push further—whether with a one-time donation or by joining our circle of monthly supporters—please donate HERE. Your generosity makes a true impact. In these challenging times, Florida Family Voice remains a committed advocate for truth, the sanctity of life, and the strength of the Florida family.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director
Florida Family Voice
Legislative Agenda DownloadThis is the sixth week of Legislative Session 2025, and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida was able to host one of the largest groups of Pastors and Christian Leaders in its 7-year history of the Florida Capitol Project. 25 pastors were praying with legislators, staff, and distributing personalized Bibles. The ministry was, as one attending pastor remarked, “Off the charts.” Several pastors who have attended FCP multiple times over the years observed, “Every year we have attended has been great, but this year was simply at a whole new level.”
Perhaps the best description and endorsement of the Florida Capitol Project comes from a pastor who has attended over several years.
“I have had the pleasure of joining Kevin and Tracie Baird and the team from the Church Ambassador Network in Tallahassee for the Florida Capitol Project for the last three years. I am always amazed at what God is already doing in the halls and chambers of our state capitol. It is such a joy to join other Pastors and Ministry leaders in unity praying for our leaders in the civic mission field. The Representatives, Senators, and even their Aides are usually so thankful that we are there just to pray for them and not lobbying or asking anything of them. I look forward to attending the Florida Capitol Project every year and encourage other Ministry leaders to do the same. It is so important that our Brothers and Sisters in Christ do not neglect this mission field in our prayers or our service.”
Pastors are catching the vision for their part in reaching the civic mission field. A pastor remarked, “I simply had no idea as to what God was doing in the halls of government.” Another pastor remarked, “I would have never imagined that you could pray and minister with our elected leaders like I experienced today.” A first-time attender said, “I know 5 pastors this very moment who I can reach out to and bring with me next year.”
Something special and important is starting to stir within the hearts of Florida’s shepherds. It is a vision for civic missions.
I am convinced that if we could underwrite more of the expenses for pastors to attend FCP, that our number of attenders could significantly increase. Would you consider helping us underwrite the costs of this critical ministry by sending us a financial gift? My hope is that one day we have the resources for provide accommodations, meals, and travel expenses for every Florida pastor who would want to attend. It’s a big vision, but with God’s help and your partnership we can begin to see it come to pass.
For more information on the Church Ambassador Network and the Florida Capitol Project, visit our website HERE.
To become a financial partner to FFV and in turn help us reach the pastors of Florida, you can donate HERE.
Thank you again for praying for what we are doing. I can assure you, it is making a difference!
Thank you so much,
Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Executive Director
Church Ambassador Network of Florida
Time is Ticking!Don’t Miss our 20th Annual Dinner Gala
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20th Annual Dinner GalaSaturday, May 10, 2025Rosen Shingle CreekDinner & Program – 6:00 PMTICKETS & SPONSORSHIP DETAILSREGISTER TODAY!The post FL Legislative Session – Week #6 Insider’s Report & Ambassadors’ Update appeared first on FFV.
20th Annual Dinner Gala
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Rosen Shingle Creek
Dinner & Program – 6:00 PM
Get ready for an exciting Valentine’s Day surprise!
Our featured speaker will be revealed this Friday, February 14th, at 11:00 AM—trust us, you’re going to love it! Registration opens right after the big announcement, so stay tuned on social media and check your email. You won’t want to miss this!
The post Save the date- Our dinner gala! 🌟 appeared first on FFV.
We are excited to invite you to a special time of prayer and worship at the Florida State Capitol. In partnership with the Florida Capitol Project and the Church Ambassador Network, we will be hosting “GATHER AT THE GATE” on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.This gathering will take place on the steps of the Old State Capitol courtyard from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, just before the official Organization Day activities of the Florida Legislature.This free event is an opportunity for the Church of Florida to come together in unity—praying for God’s blessing over the 2025 Legislative Session, interceding for our elected leaders, and seeking divine wisdom for the important decisions ahead. Pastors and special guests will lead us in prayer, accompanied by powerful moments of worship to invite God’s presence over the Capitol and our state.If you are in the Tallahassee region, we encourage you to join us. Your presence will be a source of encouragement to our legislators as they prepare for the work ahead.We hope to see you there as we stand in prayer for Florida’s future!The post Join Us for “Gather at the Gate” – A Prayer Gathering at the Florida State Capitol appeared first on FFV.
We hope that you can join us!
DOWNLOAD THE FLYERIf you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time – Register Now!
Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in today’s culture at The Voice Conference (formerly Pro-Family Days)—a dynamic event dedicated to Biblical worldview training, inspiration, and empowerment.
This two-day gathering brings together compelling speakers, interactive panel discussions, and legislative briefings designed to prepare you to stand confidently for your faith in every area of life.
Schedule:
Monday, Day 1Doors Open: 2:00 PM
Program Begins: 3:00 PM
Enjoy engaging sessions with expert speakers who will inspire and equip you to live out your faith in the civic arena.
The day concludes with a unique dinner program, where you’ll learn how to engage with the culture and effectively make your voice heard.
Tuesday, Day 2Prayer Breakfast – Doors Open: 6:30 AM
Breakfast Served: 7:00 AM
Start your day with worship, fellowship, and encouragement as we pray for our leaders and nation and hear from dynamic speakers challenging us to be bold and stand for truth.
Legislative Briefings & Citizen Lobbying
Engage in practical hands-on lobbying at the Florida Capitol and gain firsthand insight into how laws are shaped and how you can influence change.
The conference concludes at 1:00 PM.
Highlights of the Conference
Biblical Worldview Training: Strengthen your understanding of today’s pressing cultural and legislative issues through the lens of Scripture.
Compelling Speakers: Hear from powerful and inspiring Christian voices, including influential leaders who are leading with faith in the public square.
Panel Discussions: Engage with experts who will tackle key issues affecting our communities and families.
Fellowship: Connect with like-minded believers from across the state who share your passion for faith and truth.
Legislative Briefings: Learn how bills are passed into law and discover what’s happening on critical issues this year.
Prayer & Worship: Be spiritually refreshed as we lift up our nation, our leaders, and our communities before the Lord.
Join us for two days of empowerment, education, and fellowship that will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact!
Mark your calendars:
Dates: Monday, March 10 – Tuesday, March 11
Location: Donald Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee, Florida 505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Doors Open: Monday at 2:00 PM
Event Concludes: Tuesday at 1:00 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your faith, connect with others, and be equipped to influence your world with truth and grace.
Register now and be part of The Voice Conference—where faith meets action!
REGISTER NOWThe post Meet Our Speakers… appeared first on FFV.
Greetings Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to read about some exciting updates.
FLORIDA CAPITOL PROJECT
The Church Ambassador Network of Florida is preparing to host pastors and Christian leaders from across the state in order to connect them with their elected civic representatives. Registrations are coming in and schedules are being set to participate in the 7th year of the Florida Capitol Project. It is not too late for pastors and Christian Ministry leaders to participate in what should be the greatest ministry year ever at our Florida state capitol as we pray for our legislators, partner with government for the common good, and discuss important public policy. The good news is that the Florida Church is engaging the civic mission field, and the Church Ambassador Network is excited to help facilitate those efforts.
For more information please visit our website: https://flchurchambassadornetwork.org
Also, see below for a downloadable flyer.
GATHER AT THE GATE on March 4th
Along with the Florida Capitol Project, we want to make you aware that on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Florida Family Voice, along with the Church Ambassador Network will be hosting a prayer gathering at the state capitol in Tallahassee called, “GATHER AT THE GATE.” This gathering will take place at the old state capitol steps in the courtyard from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM before the official Organization Day activities of the Florida legislature. The Church of Florida is invited to come to this free event as we invoke God’s blessing upon the 2025 Legislative Session, pray for our elected leaders, and ask for wisdom from above as the great discussions of our state take place. Pastors and invited guests will be leading us in those prayers, along with some powerful worship moments to solicit God’s presence upon the state capitol campus. Please consider attending, especially if you are in the Tallahassee region, as it will encourage so many of our legislators.
THE VOICE CONFERENCE 2025
We also want to invite you to The Voice Conference, March 10-11, which is a premier gathering at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, focused on Biblical worldview education and equipping the Body of Christ to stand boldly for righteousness in today’s challenging culture, and to effectively engage in civic government. This two-day event will bring together numerous influential speakers, interactive panels, and legislative briefings to train and inspire believers to engage in the civic arena with faith and confidence. It will also include an amazing evening banquet and morning prayer breakfast which are highlights of this event. For more information and ticket acquisition, visit here.
As an organization, we are excited about 2025 and the ministry doors the Lord is opening for us. We have been a part of some amazing victories in the past, but we believe that the future has even more important labor to be accomplished. If you haven’t considered becoming a financial partner and faithful friend to this ministry, why not take this moment and partner with Florida Family Voice in this great mission endeavor by sending a one-time gift, or better yet, take the journey with us and become a regular monthly supporter. Your generous tax-deductible gifts are the resources that keep us on the front lines, defending and advocating for timeless Biblical values. We appreciate those folks who have assisted us through the years, and we welcome those who would like to join financially in widening our scope of impact on the civic mission field.
God bless and we hope to see you in Tallahassee!
Kevin R. Baird, M.Div., D.Min.
Executive Director
Church Ambassador Network of Florida
DONATEDOWNLOAD THE ENGLISH VERSION HERE
DOWNLOAD THE SPANISH VERSION HERE
Note: If needed, we have a Spanish interpreter available during the 2025 Florida Capitol Project sessions.
The post Join Us March 4th: Gather at the Gate 🌟 appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
Florida Family Voice is proud to support Governor DeSantis’ bold reforms to strengthen the integrity of our state’s initiative petition process.
These reforms are crucial in curbing the influence of out-of-state special interests that manipulate our elections. As we saw last year with Amendments 3 and 4, wealthy groups from outside Florida have poured millions into Florida, circumnavigating the people’s elected representatives and running deceptive and misleading campaigns. Additionally, mounting evidence has been uncovered revealing significant fraud occurred in the petition collecting process, that we cannot allow to happen in the future.
The proposed reforms for the special session include:
· Require voters to send petition forms directly to Supervisors of Elections by mail or in person, with strict ID protections, and prohibit third-party collection of petitions.
· Require the Florida Supreme Court to determine if any given initiative violates any inalienable rights in Article I, section 2 of the Florida Constitution.
· Authorize the Secretary of State to decertify petitions lacking valid signatures or compliance with constitutional or statutory requirements.
· Introduce a private right for any citizen to challenge petition certification.
· Enhance ballot disclosures with fiscal impact statements, legal effects, and defined terms.
· Require fiscal impact statements to be prepared by a Governor-appointed panel and for the Attorney General to also provide a summary of the amendment to also go on the ballot.
We encourage you to contact your representatives and urge them to support these critical reforms. Find out more about the proposals here.
Mark your calendars!
On the first day of this special session, Monday, January 27th, Florida Family Voice’s team will host a short Zoom webinar to discuss how these reforms will help curb petition fraud and protect our values against radical amendments like last year’s radical Amendment 4, which sought to legalize abortion until birth here in Florida. Though we defeated it once, we must take action to ensure that dark-money, out-of-state leftist groups know that Florida’s Constitution is secure and not for sale.
You can register for the Webinar HERE.
Together, let’s safeguard Florida’s future.
Sincerely,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director
Florida Family Voice
P.S. Registration is now open for “The Voice Conference” (Formerly Pro-Family Days) Learn More Here
The post Action Alert! Support Governor DeSantis’ Special Session to Protect Florida Elections plus webinar details… appeared first on FFV.
Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in today’s culture at The Voice Conference (formerly Pro-Family Days)—a dynamic event dedicated to Biblical worldview training, inspiration, and empowerment.
This two-day gathering brings together compelling speakers, interactive panel discussions, and legislative briefings designed to prepare you to stand confidently for your faith in every area of life.
Dress is business casual.
Schedule:
Monday, Day 1Doors Open: 2:00 PM
Program Begins: 3:00 PM
Enjoy engaging sessions with expert speakers who will inspire and equip you to live out your faith in the civic arena.
The day concludes with a unique dinner program, where you’ll learn how to engage with the culture and effectively make your voice heard.
Tuesday, Day 2Prayer Breakfast – Doors Open: 6:30 AM
Breakfast Served: 7:00 AM
Start your day with worship, fellowship, and encouragement as we pray for our leaders and nation and hear from dynamic speakers challenging us to be bold and stand for truth.
Legislative Briefings & Citizen Lobbying
Engage in practical hands-on lobbying at the Florida Capitol and gain firsthand insight into how laws are shaped and how you can influence change.
The conference concludes at 1:00 PM.
Highlights of the Conference
Biblical Worldview Training: Strengthen your understanding of today’s pressing cultural and legislative issues through the lens of Scripture.
Compelling Speakers: Hear from powerful and inspiring Christian voices, including influential leaders who are leading with faith in the public square.
Panel Discussions: Engage with experts who will tackle key issues affecting our communities and families.
Fellowship: Connect with like-minded believers from across the state who share your passion for faith and truth.
Legislative Briefings: Learn how bills are passed into law and discover what’s happening on critical issues this year.
Prayer & Worship: Be spiritually refreshed as we lift up our nation, our leaders, and our communities before the Lord.
Join us for two days of empowerment, education, and fellowship that will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Mark your calendars:
Dates: Monday, March 10 – Tuesday, March 11
Location: Donald Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee, Florida505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Doors Open: Monday at 2:00 PM
Event Concludes: Tuesday at 1:00 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your faith, connect with others, and be equipped to influence your world with truth and grace.
Register now for The Voice Conference—where faith meets action!
The post Registration is now Open for The Voice Conference March 10 – March 11, 2025 appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friend,
As many of you are aware, the Church Ambassador Network is the church engagement department of Florida Family Voice. We are reaching out to the thousands of faithful Florida pastors to invite them to our flagship program called, “The Florida Capitol Project”.
2025 will be the 7th year of FCP ministry at the Florida Statehouse where we help connect Florida’s pastors with their elected representatives and civic officials. We have been honored to host hundreds of pastors through the years in Tallahassee and provide opportunity for life-changing ministry moments between the shepherds of God’s Church and the ministers of civic government (Romans 13:4).
Below is a flyer that you can download for this year’s dates and schedule of what will be happening on the statehouse grounds while pastors are there. For more information, visit the Florida Church Ambassador Network website.
You may also reach out through the website contact page to have any question or inquiry addressed. We can provide testimonials and contacts from some of Florida’s most influential pastors to offer the highest level of confidence in the ministry which is taking place. This contact page is where you can let us know that you wish to register for an FCP experience. We will share all the information you will need upon registration contact.
May I ask just TWO important favors from you, our friends of FFV?
1. If you are a pastor receiving this email, would you take a moment to pray and ask the Lord if this is something He might want you to do? Our elected leaders are literally begging us to bring pastors to the Capitol so they might be strengthened and encouraged in the work God has called them to. Believe it or not, the sight of a pastor in the halls of government is still unique and your presence would bring immeasurable encouragement. If you are a concerned church member and have a heart for pastors’ involvement on the civic mission field, would you pass this information along to your pastor so they might know of the good work taking place in Tallahassee?
- We do our best to underwrite much of the expense of bringing pastors to Tallahassee for these ministry moments. At this time, we can cover their meals while visiting with us on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings. For many pastors, the travel and hotel expenses are not a problem, but other faithful shepherds are not in the same position to bear the burden of those costs. We are also reaching next generation pastors, pastors in training, and students in Bible Colleges and Seminaries to expose them to the important work of engaging the civic arena. We would love to have the financial resources available to make sure every pastor who desires to come to the statehouse has that opportunity no matter their personal financial situation. Would you consider supporting FFV in this growing endeavor by sending a one-time gift or better yet, becoming a monthly faithful friend with us? Your gift will go a long way in maintaining a pastoral presence at the Florida State Capitol.
The Tallahassee Team of the Florida Capitol Project is praying that this 7th year of ministry will see a great outpouring of God’s Spirit upon the work and ministry, as well as an unprecedented attendance from Florida’s pastors. Please join with us in asking the Lord of the harvest for more laborers and workers in this exciting mission field (Matthew 9:37-38). As a friend of FFV, you are appreciated more than you will ever know. Thank-you for your prayers and consideration.
God’s blessing to you,
Kevin R. Baird, M.Div., D.Min.
Executive Director
Church Ambassador Network of Florida
P.S. Your gift to Florida Family Voice is fully tax deductible.
Please indicate “Pastor Gift” in the notes section.
DonateDOWNLOAD THE ENGLISH VERSION HERE
DOWNLOAD THE SPANISH VERSION HERE
Note: If you are a pastor who speaks Spanish and need a translator, one will be available during the 2005 Florida Capitol Project session.
The post Discover the Power of Partnership with The Church Ambassador Network appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friend,
A new day has dawned in America because God shed His grace on us.
I write to you today excited for what the future holds for our country and for our beloved State of Florida.
The radical and reckless regime of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will officially end in just a few weeks. We will see pro-family lawmakers control both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
Here at home in Florida, pro-family lawmakers kept majorities in our legislature. While we are grateful for God’s mercy that Amendment 4 did not meet the threshold to pass, the fact that 57% of Floridians voted for it reveals just how much work remains to be done. This outcome means that either a majority of Floridians believe full-term abortion and the removal of parental consent are acceptable, or they were deceived by the false claims of pro-abortion ads. Either way, we have significant work ahead to educate our fellow Floridians about the harm of abortion. Abortion is not healthcare.
These battles are far from over – but they remind us of the importance of our work. The radicals who brought Amendment 4 the first time will bring it again. They will continue to fight against life, for expansions of LGBT agendas in schools, and for a restriction of parental rights regarding their precious children.
Having been in the battle leading up to the November 5th elections, I realize now more than ever the need for Florida Family Voice to continue its efforts to defeat darkness and bring truth to light.
As we look back on 2024, and the fresh start that awaits us in 2025, we’re expanding our team and preparing our forces for the battles – which will be even more intense than they have ever been before. We need your help. We are asking for your help.
Planned Parenthood still has millions of dollars. The ACLU is still going to file lawsuits challenging Florida’s pro-family laws. The Freedom from Religion Foundation is still going to contest Americans’ rights to worship and live according to their beliefs.
The radical left, despite falling short on Amendment 4, is going to come back to fight again, and that fight starts on March 4th when the Florida legislature’s 2025 session begins.
We cannot allow our victories to be short-lived. The stakes are too high.
If you have already given Thank You!
If you have not, please consider adding Florida Family Voice to your year-end contribution list. Our team needs to raise at least an additional $275,000 to be competitive with the radical left in 2025.
Your generous, year-end gift of $100, $500, $1000, $5000, $10,000 or more will be added to our battle fund for 2025. And with your support, we’ll be ready.
You can give securely online by credit card or e-check HERE
Your donation may also be mailed to the address below.
Florida Family VoiceP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
With your help, we’ll continue to fight for life, marriage, religious liberty, and parental rights, bring pastors to our Capitol, equip our leaders to speak out on important issues, and train up the next generation of Florida leaders. But we can’t do it without you.
Thank you for joining us at this critical and exciting time. We’re grateful for you and your family, and we can’t wait to battle alongside you in 2025. Be sure to download our 2024 ” A Year of Victories” PDF HERE.
God bless you and your family as you welcome the new year.
Yours In Christ Jesus,
W. Bruce O’Donoghue Chairman
Chairman, Board of Directors
P.S. Your gift to Florida Family Voice is fully tax deductible.
DonateThe post Celebrating 2024 Victories! appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friend,
This year, God has richly blessed Florida with many victories, and one of the most significant was the defeat of Amendment 4. It was truly inspiring to witness God’s people, from all denominations, coming together in prayer and action to stop this harmful proposed amendment.
As we read in Romans 12:5, “So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” This scripture beautifully captures the spirit of unity we experienced in our efforts.
It was a privilege to collaborate with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops in educating the public about the dangers of Amendment 4.
We are excited to share with you a special letter we received from the eight Florida Bishops, which you can read HERE. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them in future initiatives that advance our shared values.
In the body of Christ, each member has a unique role to play, and together, we support and strengthen one another for God’s glory. As we look toward the work ahead in 2025, your support remains vital in sustaining and expanding our efforts.
Will you take a moment to contribute to our year-end campaign and help us reach our ambitious goal of $275,000?
Your generous gift—whether $30, $50, $100, $250, $500, or more—will empower us to continue advocating for life, marriage and family, and religious freedom throughout 2025.
You can give easily through our secure online portal by clicking HERE, or by mailing your donation to the address below.
Florida Family Voice
P.O. Box 530103
Orlando, FL 32853-0103
On behalf of everyone at Florida Family Voice, thank you for your ongoing prayers and steadfast support.
With Gratitude,
W. Bruce O’Donoghue
Chairman, Board of Directors
The post We Thank God appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friend,
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our end-of-year campaign, with an ambitious goal of $275,000! The campaign kicks off today on Giving Tuesday, and we invite you to join us in this exciting journey.
As we look back on 2024, we thank God for a year filled with victories. (You’ll hear all about them in our upcoming 2024 Year in Review.) As we prepare to continue the fight in 2025, your support is crucial for sustaining and expanding our programs.
Will you take a moment to GIVE NOW to help us launch this campaign?
Our goal is to raise $50,000 today on Giving Tuesday to jumpstart the campaign, which will run through December.
With your gift of $30, $50, $100, $250, $500, or more, you enable us to advocate for life, marriage and family, religious freedom, and educational freedom in 2025.
You can contribute through our secure online giving portal by clicking HERE, or by mailing your gift to the address below. Please remember to designate “Giving Tuesday” on your check.
Florida Family Voice
P.O. Box 530103
Orlando, FL 32853-0103
From all of us at Florida Family Voice, thank you for your prayers and steadfast support.
With Gratitude,
W. Bruce O’Donoghue
Chairman, Board of Directors
The post It all starts today! appeared first on FFV.
The Florida Family Voice for Life Tour 2024 is now traveling throughout the entire state of Florida with the goal of defeating Amendment 4 in the upcoming election—the most pressing threat currently facing the unborn and their mothers in Florida.
Please invite your pastor, family, and friends to REGISTER NOW for this crucial event.
In addition, your prayers and gifts are greatly appreciated as we all join together to protect life and defeat Amendment 4
DONATEDETAILS & REGISTRATIONVOTE NO ON 4 YARD SIGNSLARGER QUANTITIES NOW AVAILABLEYARD SIGNSAmendment 4NOT WHAT IT SEEMSVOTER GUIDES WITH AMENDMENTSENGLISH & SPANISH The post WE’RE ON THE ROAD! Our bus is a traveling billboard throughout the state. appeared first on FFV.
JOIN US!
Florida Family Voice For Life Tour
STARTING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1st!
The Florida Family Voice for Life Tour 2024 will focus on the unborn with the goal of defeating Amendment 4 in the upcoming election—the most pressing threat currently facing the unborn and their mothers in Florida.
Please invite your pastor, family and friends to REGISTER NOW to attend this crucial event.
Note! Complimentary Breakfast or Lunch will be provided at most of the locations. If you have not registered, we need you to register now to help with our head count. Thank you!
DETAILS & REGISTRATIONVOTE NO ON 4 YARD SIGNSLARGER QUANTITIES NOW AVAILABLEORDER YARD SIGNSAmendment 4NOT WHAT IT SEEMSVOTER GUIDES WITH AMENDMENTSENGLISH & SPANISHVOTER GUIDESVOTE NO ON 4 RESOURCESThe post Voice for Life Tour Starts Tuesday, Oct 1st! appeared first on FFV.
Declaration of Florida Pastors in Defense of Voiceless Children and Vulnerable WomenFlorida Pastors are speaking out against the deceptive constitutional amendment initiative on the November ballot called Amendment 4.
This movement is pastor-initiated, pastor-inspired, and pastor-led.
It is literally a “spiritual” grassroots movement.
We are asking concerned pastors to consider reading and then signing the declaration for life, as well as soliciting the Church of Florida to let their local pastors know of this movement.
This declaration was a consensus document of a wide group of evangelical pastors upon which they could coalesce and stand together. Once a pastor affirms the declaration, it is the hope that they will pass it along to their colleagues in ministry.
Please share this with your pastor. Ask them to read and sign this declaration of life.
Declaration of Florida Pastors in Defense of Voiceless Children and Vulnerable Women
The post Action Alert – Taking a stand for LIFE- Defeating Amendment 4 appeared first on FFV.
The Florida Family Voice for Life Tour 2024 will focus on the unborn with the goal of defeating Amendment 4 in the upcoming election—
the most pressing threat currently facing the unborn and their mothers in Florida.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
VOTE NO ON 4 YARD SIGNSLARGER QUANTITIES NOW AVAILABLE
YARD SIGNS
VOTER GUIDESENGLISH & SPANISH
VOTE NO ON 4 RESOURCES
The post Speakers Announced – Voice For Life Tour and more… appeared first on FFV.
Ministry Leaders, Churches, Organizations We are preparing to deliver 1.6 million voter guides across the state!
Our non-partisan guides contain detailed information about the Presidential and Senate races as well as each of the six amendments on the ballot this November. Guides are available in English or Spanish. (See below)
Please fill out this form to request voter guides (in quantities of 100) to be delivered to your church or organization. Deliveries will be made during the last week of September or first week of October. Be sure to include the requested contact information for our drivers.
Please note that churches are allowed to distribute these guides to their members. A “Guidelines for Churches” document provided by ADF is available HERE.
We are asking churches to take a stand for LIFE and to speak out about the importance of voting NO on Amendment 4!
If you have questions, please reach out to us by email (frontdesk@flfamily.org) or by phone at 407-251-5130.
CLICK TO ACCESS THE ENGLISH AND SPANISH GUIDES
The post Order 2024 Voter Guides For Your Church or Organization appeared first on FFV.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced the appointment of Dr. Kevin Baird to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council. Dr. Baird is the Director of Pastoral Ministries for Florida Family Voice (formerly known as Florida Family Policy Council) and Executive Director of its Church Ambassador Network.
He and his wife, Tracie, host the Florida Capitol Project during the Florida Legislative Session each year. The Florida Capitol Project is designed for pastors and faith leaders to learn and observe the legislative process and to meet with elected Legislative Representatives and Senators while they are in Session each spring.
Dr. Baird has held this significant leadership role at Florida Family Voice for the past five years. As the former Senior Pastor of a large non-denominational church in South Carolina, he has a deep understanding of Christian leadership in one’s community. He is considered an expert in sharing the Biblical worldview and its significance not only to our state and country but also for the advancement of the gospel message worldwide.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Mid-American Nazarene University, a master’s degree in divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in ministry from Evangel Theological Seminary.
We are extremely proud of Kevin, and Tracie, too, and the great work they do for Florida Family Voice.
Congratulations, Dr. Kevin Baird! We know you will serve our great State of Florida with distinction.
The post Dr. Kevin Baird appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council appeared first on FFV.
October 6, 2024: Protect Life SundayGovernor Ron DeSantis of Florida has issued a proclamation designating October 6, 2024, as “Protect Life Sunday.” This proclamation underscores the importance of valuing and protecting human life at all stages, from conception to natural death. The day is intended to raise awareness about the sanctity of life and to encourage communities across Florida to engage in activities that promote life-affirming values.
This initiative aligns with Governor DeSantis’ ongoing efforts to support pro-life policies and to highlight the state’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society, including the unborn. The proclamation encourages Floridians to participate in educational and community events that emphasize the significance of life and to advocate for laws and practices that protect life.
October 7, 2024: Deadline to Register for the 2024 General ElectionClick HERE to confirm you’re registered to vote in Florida!
October 6 – November 2, 2024: Early Voting in FloridaNovember 5, 2024: General ElectionVOTE NO ON 4 YARD SIGNS NOW AVAILABLE.
The post ACTION ALERT: Important 2024 Dates – Mark Your Calendar! appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
As the Florida Family Voice Interim President and Chairman of the Board, I can tell you that there’s nothing more important to our organization than serving as the true reflection of your voice on the issues that matter most to Floridians.
While our brand is evolving to better suit our purpose, our values have not changed. We remain the only statewide organization in Florida that advocates and educates on the issues of marriage, life, religious liberty, AND parental rights.
Thanks to you, the next president of FFV will inherit a thriving organization with a deep grassroots network, an engaged group of churches and pastors, and a reputation for winning the battles that make a difference. I’ll share more on that in a moment.
We were thrilled to see so many of you at our Annual Gala in Orlando this spring, with Special Guest Tucker Carlson. I want to extend a special thank you to those of you who stepped up to sponsor the event and to purchase tables.
Thanks also to all those who made such incredibly generous investments in our God-honoring work. Here is a downloadable photo collage from the event. We hope you’ll make plans to join us in May next year! (Dates and details will be coming in the months ahead.)
When we started this organization over twenty years ago, we would never have been able to host an event like this. Florida was a perennial swing state, as they call it. Control over government would shift between liberals and conservatives, jeopardizing our values at every turn.
But today, our state looks different, largely because faithful Floridians like you have shown up at the ballot box and continue to invest in organizations, like FFV, that have worked alongside lawmakers and citizens to change Florida’s policies towards respect for faith, family, and freedom.
Friends, we are prayerful and hopeful that you will continue to make that investment in our work – especially this year, with the upcoming elections – so that we can continue to forge relationships, build networks of support, and prepare additional policy improvements for our state. Will you consider making another investment in our work?
We are so grateful to have your continued support. I want to share a little bit with you about the road ahead.
As you may be aware, our longtime president, John Stemberger, stepped down at the beginning of the year, after more than two decades of dedicated service to the organization.
FFV’s Board is currently interviewing candidates to serve as the next leader of Florida Family Voice and plans to hire a new president later this year. The Board has remained committed to ensuring that this individual is the ideal fit for our mission and vision.
- *They must have a strategic mind.*
- They must have a passion to protect the family.
- And most importantly, they must have a heart for the Lord.
This is what the job demands, and it’s what Florida families NEED: a tireless, fearless advocate for the timeless values that make Florida one of the best places in the world to live, work, and raise a family.
Our nation is in decline, but we want to continue to point to Florida as a shining example of what America was, and can be again, if it will return to its roots, uplift the family as the cornerstone of society, and restore integrity and honor to its institutions.
It’s why we’ve shifted our focus for the next year …
.. to ensure that Biblical worldview training is at the centerpiece of everything we do here at Florida Family Voice.
The Bible is the answer to secular humanism.The Bible is the answer to relativism.The Bible is the answer to materialism.The Bible is the answer to poverty, homelessness, broken families, broken marriages, broken political systems, issues of life, human identity, and sexual identity.The Bible must be the centerpiece of our public policies, or they will ultimately FAIL.
To ensure the Bible is the focal point of our public policy in Florida, Florida Family Voice has added the active promotion of Biblical worldview education as a top priority of our organization. We will continue to do the work to win elections and pass bills, but that’s only part of the equation – we must influence hearts. minds. and souls to change the course of historv.
But, back to the road ahead. Our team has developed an ambitious, ten-year plan to advance the family in Florida, which includes items such as:
- Increasing digital media outreach with our Florida Focus podcast and the expansion of our social media platforms, to reach the next generation for truth.
- Holding in-person and virtual conferences across the state to train Floridians to defend the Christian faith, build a comprehensive Biblical worldview, and live out their faith.
- Growing our legislative team in Tallahassee and adding education and training/support resources for legislators and allies.
- Launching the Florida Family Alliance, a county-by-county network focused on school board and city council/commission issues. The Alliance will provide support for legal issues, school choice, family policy questions, and much more, and will have a special emphasis on Hispanic community engagement.
- Expanding our Church Ambassador Network, which has already facilitated hundreds of pastors from numerous denominations in connecting with their elected leaders for prayer, partnership, and public policy engagement.
Friends, I speak for the entire staff and Board of Directors at Florida Family Voice when I say that we’re focused on ensuring that God’s Word is the focus of our mission. We want to assist our partners including the churches and pastors aligned with our mission by providing the tools they need to bring Truth into the public square.
There is no Plan B.
And when it comes to carrying out those truths in government, we hope you’ll continue to trust Florida Family Voice to be your voice, for your family, your business, your kids and grandkids, and your communities.
If you would, Friends, please prayerfully consider making an investment in our work ahead of the next election cycle, so that we can reach voters with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Together, we will continue to build on our victories for life, marriage, religious liberty, and parental rights, we will continue to promote the Biblical worldview as the answer to our society’s biggest questions, and we WILL win hearts and minds to ensure Florida continues along the path to freedom.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission and for your faithful investment in this very worthy cause.
God Bless You,
Bruce O’Donoghue
Interim President
Florida Family Voice
P.S. As a valued supporter, your belief in and support for our mission has been instrumental in our success thus far, and we are excited to have you join us on this next phase of our journey. Together, as we celebrate the past twenty years, by God’s grace and with the prayers and support from all of our mission partners, we firmly believe, looking forward to the next twenty years and beyond, that we can make this mission a reality. Please consider making a one-time or recurring donation to support FFV’s work to promote and protect Florida families!
The post Full Steam Ahead… appeared first on FFV.
Greetings dear friends in Christ Jesus,
On behalf of everyone associated with Florida Family Voice, I want to wish you and your family a wonderful Independence Day holiday. We are celebrating our nation’s 248th anniversary of the day our forefathers declared independence from a tyrannical government in England. ‘Freedom’ was the word then and ‘Freedom’ is still the word today.
Just a few years ago I was in the congregation of a church when a notable visiting minister from England was the guest preacher. He began his sermon by saying, “In your founding, America, you once stated ‘No taxation without representation’. Well, how is that working out you for now?” We couldn’t help but laugh. It just wasn’t a funny laugh but rather a sad laugh.
While at times it may seem like we created a monster in the form of a democratic republic government, our nation is nothing short of a miracle. A miracle that God, himself, helped create, guide, and bless, in spite of ourselves.
As citizens of this miraculous nation, we have responsibilities to ensure the generations who follow us have a nation of Freedom in which to live, marry, raise children and worship our God. Florida Family Voice remains steadfast in its endeavor to advance these cherished dreams. So, please join us in a prayer for our country as we celebrate our nation’s founding.
God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people. Send forth your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. AMEN (prayer from the Arch Diocese of New Orleans)
Blessings,
Bruce O’Donoghue
Interim President
Florida Family Voice
DonateThe post Thanking God for Our Independence… appeared first on FFV.
Vote No on 4 Campaign Launches to Defeat The Deceptive and Extreme Amendment 4
Click here to see:
Website and Video in English
Website and Video in Spanish
Tallahassee, FL – Today, Vote No On 4 Florida formally launched its multilingual campaign to defeat Amendment 4 on the upcoming November ballot with the unveiling of new websites in both English and Spanish and the rollout of its first campaign video entitled “Not What it Seems” which exposes the deceptive nature and extreme ramifications of Amendment 4. The 2-minute video reveals that while other amendments provide clear definitions, the 34-word Amendment 4 fails to define any of its terms, including crucial words like “viability,” “healthcare provider,” and “patient’s health,” leaving voters in the dark about its true impact.
“Amendment 4 was deceptively written to allow abortions throughout the entire pregnancy, even when the baby can feel the pain of the procedure, and to make abortion the only medical procedure that can be performed on a minor without a parent’s consent,” said Vote No On 4 Florida President Dr. Mary J. O’Sullivan, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Miami Medical School. “By allowing any so-called ‘healthcare provider’ – not just doctors – to determine fetal viability and approve late-term abortions, Amendment 4 essentially gives abortion clinics a rubber stamp to approve abortions in the third trimester, up to and including the last month of pregnancy.”
The Vote No On 4 Florida campaign is gaining momentum with strong grassroots support and is mobilizing thousands of Floridians across the state, with county organizers assembling a grassroots network throughout Florida that is currently capable of reaching nearly 80% of the Florida electorate. These volunteers will campaign throughout Florida to inform voters that Amendment 4 is “way too extreme, and not what it seems.”
In contrast, Amendment 4 is being heavily bankrolled by out-of-state special interest groups, including the abortion industry and George Soros’ Open Society Fund, which support abortion at any time during pregnancy. Outrageously, Amendment 4’s primary funding organization once lobbied against a bill to require emergency medical treatment for babies born alive during an abortion procedure. Thankfully, that bill passed the Florida legislature unanimously, despite the lobbying efforts of Amendment 4’s lead financial and political backer.
For information on how to get involved, visit www.VoteNoOn4Florida.com.
The post Vote No on 4 Campaign Launches to Defeat The Deceptive and Extreme Amendment 4 appeared first on FFV.
The flagship program of CAN is the Florida Capitol Project which is reaching out to connect the 14,000 self-identified, evangelical pastors of Florida with their civic leaders in Tallahassee at the state Capitol for prayer, biblical partnership, and public policy influence.
We believe the relationship between pastors and their civic leaders is not only an important one, but a biblical and historical one as well. This relationship needs to be promoted and strengthened and we are doing our part to see that happen.
The dates for the 2025 session, as well as additional details are on the downloadable flyers below. If you are a pastor, we encourage you to attend. If you are not a pastor, please take a moment to share it with your pastor. To God be the glory!
Download 2025 Flyer (English)Download 2025 Flyer (Spanish)The post Announcing 2025 Dates for the Florida Capitol Project appeared first on FFV.
Florida Focus Special EditionOne on One Interview
with Tucker Carlson!
In this exclusive interview, Noah Fay has a “no holds barred” conversation with Tucker Carlson, recorded just before Tucker’s speech at our 20th Anniversary Dinner Gala Celebration.
Tune in now to enjoy this thought-provoking episode of Florida Focus.
DonateThe post 🎥 One on One Interview with Tucker Carlson appeared first on FFV.
Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce that Florida Family Voice has entered into an agreement with Mission Leadership to assist us in our search for a new President.
If you or someone you know may have interest in this position, all of the details are here.
Please remember us in prayer as we seek to find the person who God has called to serve as our next President. Thank you.
Blessings,
Bruce O’Donoghue
Interim President
Florida Family Voice
DonateThe post We are Hiring! appeared first on FFV.
In this Episode:
In less than 10 minutes, Aaron DiPietro and Noah Fay give a recap of our 20th Anniversary Dinner Gala Celebration and highlight some of the exciting plans for the future of Florida Family Voice!
The post 🎥 VIDEO: Tucker Carlson Dinner Gala Recap + More… appeared first on FFV.
Southeast Leadership CongressJune 26-28, 2024FULL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Do you know of a student between the ages of 16 and 24 who would benefit from an exciting summer program that teachers leadership, communications, and Christian worldview?
We have 10 remaining full scholarships available to attend Southeast Patriot Academy Leadership Congress – June 26-28, 2024, in Tallahassee.
The Patriot Academy is a first-class leadership training specializing in applied civics with a biblical, historical and constitutional foundation.
Patriot Academy students, ages 16-24, develop leadership skills with an emphasis on character, courage, life-purpose, and personal skills, underpinned by the founding fathers’ philosophy of governance.
Patriot Academy is the premier political leadership training ground in the nation with the most realistic simulated-legislative session available! This two-and-a-half-day program takes place in Tallahassee, Florida, during the summer each year.
Don’t delay! We have 10 remaining full scholarships available for Florida residents. The application can be found here. Registration for the event itself is separate, and the application is here. More details are here.
The post 10 FULL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE – Patriot Academy appeared first on FFV.
“There are many to thank for our freedom.” A message from the Interim President and Chairman of the board for Florida Family Voice.”
DonateThe post Pausing to Honor Our Veterans appeared first on FFV.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
19th Annual Dinner Gala
Featuring Tucker Carlson!
Just 2 1/2 weeks away.If you have not purchased your tickets/sponsorship yet, now is the time!
Saturday, May 4, 20246:00 PMRosen Plaza Hotel9700 International Drive, Orlando
Details & RegistrationGet ready to experience an inspiring evening celebrating our 20th Anniversary! You’ll enjoy an unforgettable program featuring Tucker Carlson, mouth-watering cuisine, and some exciting surprises along the way!
The program begins at 6:00 pm. Secure your table sponsorship or individual tickets now to be part of this exclusive event that celebrates faith, family, and the values that matter most.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and hear from the always inspiring and entertaining Tucker Carlson.
This event will sell out soon, so be sure to REGISTER TODAY!
The post Simply stated… appeared first on FFPC.
LEGISLATIVE WEEK #9 IN TALLAHASSEE
STAY INFORMED THROUGH OUR INSIDER’S REPORT & AMBASSADORS’ UPDATE BELOW.
Aaron DiPietro, FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, recaps Week #9 in Tallahassee.
Dear Friends,
Over the past few years, under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis and outgoing House Speaker Paul Renner, Florida has truly emerged as the shining “state on a hill” in fighting for life, family, and liberty for our State of Florida, our nation and even other countries around the world. From our advancements in respecting the sanctity of human life, to securing the innocence of our children, to safeguarding parental rights, to defending religious freedom, and protecting medical freedom, we have led the way on issue after issue. This year our state took additional steps in the 2024 Legislative Session to build on the record-shattering 2023 Legislative Session.
From legislation that builds on the culture of life in Florida, to enacting groundbreaking social media protections for Florida minors, to protecting children from predators and online pornographic content, we achieved a number of significant victories moving the ball forward for life, family, and liberty in our state. Below is a list of the priority bills that crossed the finish line this session.
The Porn Age Verification and Minors’ Social Media Protection ActThe Surrendered Infants Protection ActThe Pregnancy and Parenting Online Resources ActThe School Chaplain ActThe Offenses Involving Children ActThe Lewd or Lascivious Grooming ActThe Anti-Human Trafficking ActThe Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence ActThe Educator Preparation Programs Act
Unfortunately, we did see a number of other priority bills that were tabled or killed by Senate leadership. In many cases this went against the positions of both Governor Ron DeSantis and Speaker Paul Renner. These included the Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act, the Workplace Biological Sex Freedom Act, and the Defending Biological Sex in HealthcareAct.
However, in spite of those setbacks, this was still a very successful and productive session. HERE you will find a PDF which is a comprehensive report on the legislative victories achieved this session, including both the good bills passed and the bad bills defeated, most of which never even saw the light of day. We also outline our priorities for future sessions on the good bills that did not cross the finish line this session.
We want to thank all our bill sponsors and cosponsors for their fight in standing for these critical issues. We especially want to thank House Speaker Paul Renner for his amazing and principled leadership over the last two years. He has led the lower chamber with honor and integrity. He has been one of our strongest allies in the process. Without his quiet yet firm leadership and support of Governor DeSantis’s agenda, the legislative successes of the past two years would not have been possible. In recent years, we have had many great Speakers, but I can say with confidence that Speaker Renner has been one of the most remarkable of that group and he will be greatly missed.
Even beyond the agenda linked below, rest assured, that FFPC has also been working diligently behind the scenes on additional legislation addressing religious liberty, freedom of speech, and much more, ensuring that public policy consistently upholds the values and freedoms we hold so dear.
At the PDF linked below, you can track the latest developments on bills at stake in this last week of the session. Continue to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or sign up for email and text alerts here.
Once again, I was grateful to serve full-time on the frontlines in Tallahassee as I represented FFPC this session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, along with opposing harmful bills or amendments as well.
Thank you for your unwavering support and prayers as we continue to be a voice for Florida’s Families in the years to come! God bless!
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Policy Council
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION
AND THE STATUS OF EACH BILL
AMBASSADORS UPDATE #9 (March 4-5)Director, Kevin Baird, D.Min.Deputy Director, Tracie Baird
Week #9 was the final week of the 2024 legislative session and the conclusion of the 2024 Florida Capitol Project. FCP ended strong as over 21 pastors from a phenomenal, Hispanic church network, led by a Church Ambassador Network Advisory Board member, Pastor Rafael Mojica, drove from the Orlando area to participate in ministry on the civic mission field. God used their presence to open doors of ministry to both sides of the aisle and important Kingdom work was accomplished. It was exciting to again see pastors amazed and excited at how God is at work amongst our elected civic representatives.
It was leadership expert, John Maxwell, who remarked concerning the success of any new endeavor, “You must stick with a vision for at least 5 years before you begin to see the fruit of your labor.”
His insight has proven true as FCP has completed its 6th legislative session at the Florida State Capitol.
Over the nine weeks of the 2024 legislative session, FCP has facilitated:127 Pastors walking through the state capitol for ministry opportunities (that’s an average of 14 per week).
74 Christian Ministry Leaders joined us in ministry (that’s an average of 8 per week).
201 total Christian Leadership persons on site for ministry (that’s an average of 22 per week).
53 Churches represented in attendance.
This provided over 103+ ministry moments with elected officials for prayer and short discipleship moments in offices, hallways, and courtyards (which averaged 11-12 moments per week). Our Tallahassee regional pastors are moving into this government space with more regularity and these ministry moments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these connections. Over the past 6 legislative sessions, FCP has seen:
310+ Pastors, Chaplains, and Ministry Organization Leaders attend. (Some of this number represents a few multiple year participants.)
133+ Ministry staff leadership attending.
609+ Legislator ministry connection points.
159+ Churches represented in FCP participation.
We have hosted evangelical, Bible-believing pastors and leaders from over 16 different denominations.
Some may ask, “What will the Church Ambassador Network and FCP team be doing through the next 9 months?” We will be continuing the ministry through our REACH program which connects pastors with their elected officials in their local offices and districts. We will be identifying ministerial network and denominational meetings all throughout Florida to potentially share the work of the Church Ambassador Network and specifically the Florida Capitol Project. We will continue to make connections and establish relationships with the 14,000 Bible-believing, evangelical pastors in Florida in order to engage the civic mission field with prayer, to foster biblically appropriate partnerships with the state, and to participate in public policy discussions.Your interest and financial investments in this work through the Florida Family Policy Council is appreciated and essential to build upon this amazing foundation which our Lord has provided. Every team member is vital and your partnership in this ministry by both prayer and giving is what keeps us moving forward.
From the Capitol Project Team, the CAN Advisory Board, and the Florida Family Policy Council Board and Team, we thank you, the best is yet to come!
To find out more about this important work, please visit our website: www.floridacapitolproject.org
Everything you need to know to register is found on the website. If you have questions about anything, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kevin Baird at the cell number or email address provided. If you are a church member who believes your pastor might be interested in an incredible ministry opportunity, please forward the website and our information. I would love to answer any questions they might have.
DonateFlorida Family Policy CouncilP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
info@FLfamily.org
Phone: 407-251-5130
The post It’s a wrap! The Final Week – #9 This week in Tallahassee.. appeared first on FFPC.
LEGISLATIVE WEEK #8 IN TALLAHASSEE
STAY INFORMED THROUGH OUR INSIDER’S REPORT & AMBASSADORS’ UPDATE BELOW.
Aaron DiPietro, FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, recaps Week #8 in Tallahassee.
Dear Friends,
Week #8 of the Florida Legislature has concluded, leaving just one more week until the session’s end. The action centered on the House and Senate floors as final proposals either moved forward or died in the process. There was plenty of contentious debate in between!
Several of the FFPC priorities, both new and old, are moving towards the finish line, including the Defending Biological Sex in Healthcare Act, the Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence Act, Educator Preparation Programs Act, and the Gaming Control Act—all of which passed at least one of the two legislative chambers.
Multiple bills, unfortunately, have been or are at risk of being tabled or killed. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has refused to allow many of our legislative priorities to receive final votes on the Senate floor to avoid culture war clashes. She has chosen to oppose Governor Ron DeSantis and Speaker Paul Renner on many of our priorities in favor of appeasing Democrats in the Senate.
In this PDF, you can find the latest on the Florida Family Policy Council bills to track the latest on the bills at stake in this last week of the session.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or sign up for email and text alerts here.
As we near the end of this eventful legislative session, stay tuned to the Insider’s Report for our final 2024 Victory Report next week to summarize the victories here in the free state of Florida, as well as legislative goals for the future. The Florida Family Policy Council remains at the forefront of advocacy, working tirelessly to be the voice for life, the family, and religious liberty, here in our great state.
I am grateful to serve on the frontlines in Tallahassee as I represent FFPC full-time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills throughout the process. Thank you again for your prayers and support, without which we would not be able to engage in this critical fight.
For truth,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Policy Council
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION
AND THE STATUS OF EACH BILL
AMBASSADORS UPDATE #8 (FEB. 25-26)Director, Kevin Baird, D.Min.Deputy Director, Tracie Baird
Week #8 of the Florida Capitol Project was again impactful, and created or strengthened relationships between the pastors of Florida and their elected civic leaders. Each week, the vision and mission of FCP is coming into greater fruition and expression. The mission can be summarized into these 6 important points:
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FCP is committed to engaging civic government with a comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures. This is called a biblical worldview. In other words, we lead with the Gospel, believing that Jesus Christ and His Word are relevant in every age and in every arena.
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We have changed our vocabulary from using the word “politics” to using the phrase “civic mission field.” The same people who are in your neighborhood, your city, and every nation around the globe also serve at the Florida state capitol. Many people know the Lord, and many do not, yet all are people to whom the grace of God reaches and works.
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We desire pastors to connect and build relationships with civic leaders to demonstrate the working relationship of the “elders at the gate” of their state for the benefit and blessing of all Florida residents.
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FCP desires to create hands-on ministry opportunities, which include evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral care.
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We want to help create an environment of long-term pastoral presence at the state capitol during the legislative session. We believe pastoral presence has an important impact on the lives and work our legislators are doing.
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FCP desires to create ownership of the vision that sees the Church of Florida, through its pastoral leadership, engaging the needs and challenges of our state. We think pastors should be the leaders of this movement, and we are honored to be the facilitator of those relationships.
There is just one more week of the 2024 legislative session and the Florida Capitol Project is ending strong. Next week, I will give you the final report for this session and also outline the great work that The Church Ambassador Network will be doing through the rest of the year, assisting and partnering with the Church of Florida in reaching the civic mission field.
To find out more about this important work, please visit our website: www.floridacapitolproject.org
Everything you need to know to register is found on the website. If you have questions about anything, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kevin Baird at the cell number or email address provided. If you are a church member who believes your pastor might be interested in an incredible ministry opportunity, please forward the website and our information. I would love to answer any questions they might have.
DonateFlorida Family Policy CouncilP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
info@FLfamily.org
Phone: 407-251-5130
The post RECAP: Week #8- This week in Tallahassee… appeared first on FFPC.
LEGISLATIVE WEEK #7 IN TALLAHASSEE
STAY INFORMED THROUGH OUR INSIDER’S REPORT & AMBASSADORS’ UPDATE BELOW.
Aaron DiPietro, FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, recaps Week #7 in Tallahassee.
Dear Friends,
Week 7 of the Florida Legislature is finished, and the end of the session is in sight with only two weeks left to go. Apart from a few scheduling meetings, committee meetings are done, and the remainder of the session will be centered on the floors of the House and Senate chambers. This week saw some of the most heated and volatile committee hearings, two of which involved priority bills of ours.
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION
AND THE STATUS OF EACH BILL
Aaron DiPietro, FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, testifies in support of HB 651.
On Wednesday, HB 651, The Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act, a bill further humanizing the unborn in wrongful death civil lawsuits, passed its first committee stop, the Civil Justice Subcommittee, 12-5, and heads to its final House stop, thanks to the work of sponsor Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka. Opponents cried foul in claiming this bill would further harm women’s healthcare (i.e. abortion access) and would open the doorway to frivolous litigation against Florida abortion doctors. Thankfully, the bill moved forward and is nearing the finish line.
Aaron DiPietro, FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, testifies in support of HB 1639.
On Thursday, the Defending Biological Sex in Healthcare Act by Rep. Doug Bankson (HB 1639) was heard in the Infrastructure Strategies Committee. The bill requires any healthcare insurance providers that cover chemical and surgical gender-reassignment procedures to also cover procedures for detransitioning back to one’s biological sex. It also mandates that insurance providers must offer insurance plans that do not cover chemical and surgical transgender procedures and are forbidden from denying counseling and mental healthcare services meant to help individuals struggling with gender identity to reaffirm and embrace their biological sex. Gratefully, despite fierce opposition from the public and members, the committee passed the bill, 15-9, with GOP Rep. David Smith joining the Democrats to vote no.
Meanwhile, we achieved two other victories this week that are heading to the governor’s office! On Wednesday, the Offenses Involving Children Act (HB 305/SB 312) which closes a loophole in state law to ensure proper protections for minors from dangerous criminals and ensures that those criminals are properly charged and designated as sexual predators passed the full Senate floor, 38-0, and now (after already passing the House), the bill heads to the governor’s desk for his signature!
Also, the Surrendered Infants Protection Act (HB 775/SB 790), passed the Senate unanimously, 35-0, on Wednesday, and is officially heading to the governor’s desk! This bill expands the window that allows new mothers to give up their newborn babies and surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted. It also expands the list of individuals with whom babies may be left and the locations where they may be surrendered.
In this PDF, you can find the latest on the Florida Family Policy Council bills we are engaging on during this session, including those referenced above. Links to bill language, committee votes, and staff reviews are also provided by each bill.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or sign up for email and text alerts here.
As we near the end of this compelling legislative session, stay tuned to the Insider’s Report as your guide to the victories here in the free state of Florida. The Florida Family Policy Council remains at the forefront of advocacy, working tirelessly to ensure that the values we hold dear are reflected in the laws that govern our great state.
I am grateful to serve on the frontlines in Tallahassee as I represent FFPC full-time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process. Thank you again for your prayers and support, without which we would not be able to engage in this critical fight.
For life and the family,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Policy Council
Kevin Baird, FFPC Director of Pastoral Ministries gives an update on
the Florida Capitol Project.
AMBASSADORS UPDATE #7 (FEB. 18-19)
Director, Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Deputy Director, Tracie Baird
During week #7 of the Florida Capitol Project, we hosted this session’s largest group of pastors and Christian leaders at the state capitol in Tallahassee. These leaders represented Leon, Volusia, and Duval counties in Florida. We were able to connect for prayer and some short discipling moments with a number of our Florida representatives by both appointment and providence. It was also thrilling to be able to access the House Chamber floor for prayer and updates with specific government officials. A special thank-you goes out to Representative Webster Barnaby and his office for facilitating this special moment for the largest pastor representation from Volusia County, Florida.
- To pray with our government leaders.
Paul reminded Timothy (I Timothy 2:1-2), that he was to pray for his first-century civic leaders which would have included the despotic Caesar Nero. This reminds us that the Gospel is for all people no matter their politics or party affiliation. Jesus came to reach all people everywhere, including both sides of the partisan aisle.
- To partner where possible with our government leaders.
In much the same way Nehemiah partnered with King Artaxerxes in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Wall by requesting resources from the forest (Nehemiah 2), there are ways the Church and state can appropriately link arms for the benefit of the residents of Florida. Working together, the mutual goal of blessing and assisting the most vulnerable in our state can be accomplished.
- To participate in public policy discussions.
Pastors have the unique calling and humble privilege of representing the Church, their congregations, and God’s principles from the Bible. Their voice is an important addition to every policy discussion the civic government seeks to have as it considers how best to order the state and its communities. The Florida Capitol Project strongly believes that God’s people and ministers have a place in this space of civic discussion.
If you are a Florida pastor or Christian Ministry leader, there is still time to be a part of this genuinely impactful ministry, which is helping to change the culture of both Florida and the state capitol.
To find out more about this important work, please visit our website: www.floridacapitolproject.org
Everything you need to know to register is found on the website. If you have questions about anything, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kevin Baird at the cell number or email address provided. If you are a church member who believes your pastor might be interested in an incredible ministry opportunity, please forward the website and our information. I would love to answer any questions they might have.
DonateFlorida Family Policy CouncilP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
info@FLfamily.org
Phone: 407-251-5130
The post RECAP: Week #7- This week in Tallahassee… appeared first on FFPC.
Don’t Miss Our19th Annual Dinner GalaFeaturing Tucker Carlson!Ticket Sales Have Been Off The Charts!
Diamond Tables are SOLD OUT and Gold Table Sponsorships are going fast!
See all of the ticket and tablesponsorship options here.
Saturday, May 4, 20246:00 PMRosen Plaza Hotel9700 International Drive, Orlando
Details & RegistrationGet ready to experience an inspiring evening celebrating our 20th Anniversary! You’ll enjoy an unforgettable program featuring Tucker Carlson, mouth-watering cuisine, and some exciting surprises along the way!
The program begins at 6:00 pm. Secure your table sponsorship or individual tickets now to be part of this exclusive event that celebrates faith, family, and the values that matter most.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and hear from the always inspiring and entertaining Tucker Carlson.
This event will sell out, so be sure to REGISTER TODAY!
The post Hungary, Russia and now ORLANDO! appeared first on FFPC.
LEGISLATIVE WEEK #6 IN TALLAHASSEE
STAY INFORMED THROUGH OUR INSIDER’S REPORT & AMBASSADORS’ UPDATE BELOW.
Aaron DiPietro , FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, gives a summary of this weeks legislative session.
Dear Friends,
Week 6 of the Florida Legislature has come to an end, and we are officially two-thirds of the way through session. As we come to this point of the 2024 Legislative Session, the pace of Tallahassee has definitely slowed in the committee process, while picking up steam in the main chambers of both the House and Senate.
Two major victories crossed the finish line on the House side this week. The Surrendered Infants Protection Act (HB 775), sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Canady expands the window that allows for mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted. It also expands the list of individuals with whom babies may be left and the locations where they may be surrendered. On Thursday, the House version passed on the full House floor, 117-0!
Secondly, the Pregnancy and Parenting Online Resources Act(HB 415), sponsored by Rep. Berny Jacques was on the House floor as well. This bill mandates several state agencies create an online portal listing links to numerous public and private pregnancy and parenting resources for new parents, including mothers with unplanned pregnancies. Resources linked will include adoption services, maternal health services, social support, and other pregnancy-related resources to help provide care for new parents.
Legislative Affairs Director Aaron DiPietro watches as Representative Berny Jacques presents his bill.
Shockingly, after receiving bipartisan support in multiple committees, proabortion Democrats began cross-examining Rep. Jacques on the details covered in his bill to ask and why abortion was not included in the list of services included in the resources. Additional hostility arose when it became evident that prolife pregnancy centers within the Florida Pregnancy Care Network would be included but proabortion sites would not be. Rep. Jacques deftly responded to the political attacks and brought the focus back to the original intent of the bill which is to provide a comprehensive one-stop source for pregnancy and parenting resources to Florida citizens. Gratefully, the House version passed the full House floor, 83-33, shortly thereafter.
You can dive into the details of these and the remainder of our priority bills in the PDF link here. We have included the latest on the bills that the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session. Links to bill language, committee votes, and staff reviews are also provided by each bill.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or sign up for email and text alerts here.
As we continue through this exciting legislative session, stay tuned to the Insider’s Report as your comprehensive guide to the victories we are seeing at the Capitol. Stay tuned for in-depth analyses, interviews, and exclusive insights into the legislative advancements that reflect our unwavering commitment to family, faith, and freedom. The Florida Family Policy Council remains at the forefront of advocacy, working tirelessly to ensure that the values we hold dear are reflected in the laws that govern our great state.
I am grateful to serve on the frontlines in Tallahassee as I represent FFPC full-time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committees, and working to advance our priority bills through the process. Thank you again for your prayers and support, without which we would not be able to engage in this critical fight.
For liberty and justice for all under God,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Policy Council
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION
AND THE STATUS OF EACH BILL
AMBASSADORS UPDATE #6 (FEB. 11-12)
Director, Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Deputy Director, Tracie Baird
Week #6 of the Florida Capitol Project offered opportunities to provide more personal ministry moments with our elected officials. The vision of FCP is to create a bridge for the Church and its leaders to engage with civic government, but also to provide pastoral concern and counseling as need arises. As you might imagine, these personal ministry moments are not always appropriate to capture with photographs.
Few people understand the mental and spiritual toll civic service takes on a person trying to represent their districts, constituencies, and God in an integral manner. Our Florida civic representatives make $29,697 a year (which, by the way, hasn’t changed in 3 decades). No matter which side of the political aisle an official may identify with, I have found their hearts to be one of genuine service and a desire to help people. We may have our deep disagreements on what that looks like, but these are generally people who feel a “calling” to serve in this capacity. As they serve, many are still attempting to juggle on-going responsibilities we all have in this life. Some are business owners or employed by a business that continues while they serve. Most have marriages and families which need their attention and support. For weeks, many of them are away from their community support systems which the rest of us take for granted. It is a sacrifice in many ways to serve at the state capitol. It is important that the spiritual shepherds of Florida have opportunities to minister, encourage, and pray for these representatives’ needs.
As a 5-year veteran minister at the state capitol, I can assure you the personal conversations and counseling moments are plenteous. A pastor’s presence is appreciated and often times providential in many of these offices. As I have often said, “Elected leaders are people too!” Personal needs in family and business are not suspended due to their legislative service. It really is fertile ground for the Gospel ministry.
Find a few moments this week to pray for your state senator and representative, the executive branch, and the state supreme court. Better government begins when God’s people pray and God’s shepherds participate at the gate of their state.
To find out more about this important work, please visit our website: www.floridacapitolproject.org
Everything you need to know to register is found on the website. If you have questions about anything, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kevin Baird at the cell number or email address provided. If you are a church member who believes your pastor might be interested in an incredible ministry opportunity, please forward the website and our information. I would love to answer any questions they might have.
DonateFlorida Family Policy CouncilP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
info@FLfamily.org
Phone: 407-251-5130
The post RECAP: Week #6- This week in Tallahassee… appeared first on FFPC.
LEGISLATIVE WEEK #5 IN TALLAHASSEE
STAY INFORMED THROUGH OUR INSIDER’S REPORT & AMBASSADORS’ UPDATE BELOW.
Aaron DiPietro , FFPC Legislative Affairs Director, gives a summary of this weeks legislative session.
Dear Friends,
Week 5 of the Florida Legislature is over. As we reached the halfway mark of the 2023 Legislative Session, Tallahassee was full of action from both the halls of the legislature to the chambers of the Supreme Court.
On the legislative front, numerous priority bills moved closer to the finish line in both the House and Senate. The loaded list of bills moving forward includes the following:
The Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor ActSurrendered Infants Protection ActPregnancy and Parenting Online Resources ActAnti-Human Trafficking Minimum Age for Adult Entertainment ActRetention of Sexual Offense Evidence ActPorn Age Verification ActSocial Media Protection for Minors ActSchool Chaplain ActOffenses Involving Children ActChild Maintenance Restitution Act
You can dive into the details of these and the remainder of our priority bills in this PDF. We have included the latest on the bills that the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, including those referenced above. Links to bill language, committee votes, and staff reviews are also provided by each bill.
Noah Fay, FFPC Media Producer, and Aaron DiPietro , FFPC Legislative Affairs Director,
recap the oral arguments that took place on Wednesday.
On the judicial front, I was able to sit inside the Court while the Florida State Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday on whether to allow the radical abortion until birth ballot initiative to be on the 2024 General Election ballot here in Florida. If passed, this amendment would enshrine abortion as a fundamental right in Florida’s constitution and allow abortions for virtually any reason up to nine months of pregnancy. We and many of our allies, including
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, strongly maintain this amendment is very deceptive and misleading and should be struck down.
Use the PDF below to spread the word with your church, your friends, and your family regarding this dangerous amendment and how we can push back against the abortion corporation misinformation.
Click here to download a PDF of the above flyer.
The Florida State Supreme Court is the last line of defense against this extreme and misleading amendment being placed on the ballot for the November election! The Court now has until April 1st to issue their final ruling.
Please be in prayer for this critical decision which could set the stage for the most critical battle to defend the unborn on the state level in our lifetime! Make no mistake: if this amendment reaches the ballot and exceeds the 60% threshold in the November election, not only will this wipe out decades of pro-life accomplishments, but it would also completely eliminate any hope of finally seeing complete protections for the unborn and their mothers for the indefinite future. Abortion on demand, up until the moment of birth would be enshrined in our state constitution. Please continue to pray that the Lord would move on the hearts of the Justices to rule against this dangerous and deceptive amendment, so that we can continue to fight for the precious lives of the unborn and Lord willing live to see the day when Florida is a state that protects and cherishes our children, from the moment conception, to birth, and to natural death!
Florida Family has been both on the frontlines and behind the scenes in this battle with many of our allies, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America, the Florida Catholic Conference, Florida Right to Life, and many others, leading the charge to ensure this dangerous initiative does not become law in the state of Florida! Please keep our team in your prayers as we continue to lead this fight for life in the state of Florida!
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or sign up for email and text alerts here.
I am grateful to serve on the frontlines in Tallahassee as I represent FFPC full-time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committees, and working to advance our priority bills through the process. Thank you again for your prayers and support, without which we would not be able to engage in this critical fight.
For liberty,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Policy Council
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION
AND THE STATUS OF EACH BILL
AMBASSADORS UPDATE #5 (FEB. 4-5)
Director, Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Deputy Director, Tracie Baird
Week #5 of the Florida Capitol Project again saw pastors gather at the “gate of the state” to connect and minister to the “shepherds” of civic government (Romans 13:4). For several years, we have targeted and solicited the pastors in the Tallahassee / Leon County region to take a more active role in their ministry to elected state leaders. These spiritual leaders are an important key in staying relationally connected and keeping an ongoing pastoral presence at the Capitol. We thank God for those pastors who have individually through the years, sensed the call of God to be involved and present at the state capitol. Their faithfulness over the years has provided an open door for The Florida Capitol Project to see a growing number of regionally based pastors connect and participate in what we are doing.
This week, we hosted 6 Tallahassee regional pastors to the state capitol on the same day. This number represents a first fruit of pastoral harvest from this specific region which was greatly encouraging and a high-water mark for a single day, regional attendance. The Scripture continually reminds us in one way or another to “never despise the day of small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10). The Kingdom of God oftentimes comes as a seed but grows into a mighty harvest. It is happening at our Florida state capitol in so many ways.
Our FCP team has grown as well, and we are thrilled for the following partners at the state capitol:
Tracie Baird, Deputy Director of the Church Ambassador Network
Barry Webster, Assistant to the Director of the FCP
Pastor Charles and Dr. Monica Salem, Regional Pastors
Pastor Manny Arisso, Regional Pastor
Pastor Eli Hendricks, Regional Pastor
Pastor Allen Gonzalez, Host Pastor, FCP Briefing
As you faithfully give and support the work of the Florida Family Policy Council, you are also helping to keep the Church of Florida engaged in the civic mission field and pastoral leadership in the halls of the state capitol. Thank you for all you do!
To find out more about this important work, please visit our website: www.floridacapitolproject.org
Everything you need to know to register is found on the website. If you have questions about anything, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kevin Baird at the cell number or email address provided. If you are a church member who believes your pastor might be interested in an incredible ministry opportunity, please forward the website and our information. I would love to answer any questions they might have.
DonateFlorida Family Policy CouncilP.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
info@FLfamily.org
Phone: 407-251-5130
The post RECAP: Week #5 – This week in Tallahassee… appeared first on FFPC.
Aaron DiPietro, Florida Family Policy Council Legislative Affairs Director, was at the Supreme Court today for the oral arguments on whether the radical abortion-on-demand ballot initiative will be allowed to be on the 2024 General Election ballot here in Florida.
In this video, Aaron along with Noah Fay, FFPC Media Producer, recap what took place during the oral arguments this morning.
The post Video Update: On the ground in Tallahassee today… appeared first on FFPC.
Watch this very brief video as Noah Fay, FFPC Media Producer, gives a quick update on the upcoming Supreme Court Oral Arguments coming this Wednesday.
PRAYER ALERT!The Florida State Supreme Court will be meeting on Wednesday, February 7th, at 9 am to hear oral arguments on whether they will allow the radical abortion-on-demand ballot initiative to be on the 2024 General Election ballot here in Florida.
Among examining various technical issues, the Court will decide if the language of the amendment is misleading and deceptive as to the actual effect it will have. We and many of our allies, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, strongly maintain this is exactly the case with this dangerous amendment.
The ballot summary of this initiative reads as follows:
“No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.”
Here’s the reality…
This amendment is very extreme and deceptive. It would enshrine abortion as a fundamental right in Florida’s constitution and allow abortions for virtually any reason up to nine months of pregnancy.
The amendment is also dangerous because it would legally trump and invalidate almost every commonsense law in Florida regulating abortion, including parental consent, clinic safety regulations, and the 24-hour waiting period. The executive branch and the legislature would be powerless to regulate abortion or abortion clinics at all!
The amendment language is highly deceptive and not what it seems to be. It appears to allow lawmakers to restrict or stop late-term abortions after viability. But it also allows for abortion on demand for any “health” reason at the absolute discretion of any health provider. This provider could be an acupuncturist, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, or abortion clinic worker who is not a doctor.
This amendment is also deceptive by claiming to protect parental notification, the requirement that a parent be notified of a minor receiving an abortion. However, it fails to mention that it will absolutely eliminate parental consent laws, the requirement that a parent consent before a minor obtains an abortion.
The word “health” is extremely broad in the context of abortion case law. It can include any condition, including headaches, nausea, cramping, anxiety, and discomfort, and can include “emotional, psychological, familial” factors. Thus, the health “exception” could allow for abortion in virtually any and every situation.
The use of the term “viability” is also problematic because this concept is a moving target based on technology, and no clear definition of viability exists.
The PDF below (click the image to download) provides you with the talking points to arm you on how to spread the word with your church, your friends, and your family on this dangerous amendment and how we can push back against the abortion corporation misinformation.
Sadly, but unsurprisingly,after spending over 15 MILLION DOLLARS – funded largely by radical proabortion advocates Planned Parenthood and the ACLU in an extremely deceptive and underhanded campaign – the initiative has received the needed number of petitions to qualify for the ballot.
The Florida State Supreme Court is the last line of defense against this extreme and misleading amendment being placed on the ballot for the November election! After the oral arguments next week, the Court has until early April to issue their final ruling.
Please be in prayer for this critical decision which could set the stage for the most critical battle to defend the unborn on the state level in our lifetime!
Make no mistake: if this amendment reaches the ballot and exceeds the 60% threshold in the November election, not only will this wipe out decades of pro-life accomplishments, but it would also eliminate any hope of finally seeing the complete protections for the unborn and their mothers for the indefinite future. Abortion on demand, up until the moment of birth would be enshrined in our state constitution.
Please pray that the Lord would move on the hearts of the Justices to rule against this dangerous and deceptive amendment, so that we can continue to fight for the precious lives of the unborn and Lord willing live to see the day when Florida is a state that protects and cherishes our children, from the moment conception, to birth, and to natural death!
Here is a list of the Justices, so you may pray for them by name:
Chief Justice Carlos Muniz
Justice Charles Canady
Justice John Couriel
Justice Renatha Francis
Justice Jamie Grosshans
Justice Jorge Labarga
Justice Meredith Sasso
You can watch the livestream of the Court oral arguments as they are occurring HERE. Again, the Court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday, February 7th, at 9 am.
Several members of the FFPC team will be on the ground in Tallahassee and will provide updates in the days following the hearing.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or sign up for email and text alerts here.
Florida Family has been both on the frontlines and behind the scenes in this battle with many of our allies including Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America, the Florida Catholic Conference, Florida Right to Life, and many others. Together, we are leading the charge to ensure this dangerous initiative does not become law in the state of Florida.
Please keep our team in your prayers as we continue to lead this fight for life in the state of Florida!
For life,
Florida Family Policy Council Team
DonateThe post ACTION ALERT: FL Supreme Court proposed abortion amendment oral arguments this Wednesday…. appeared first on FFPC.
U R G E N T – IMPORTANT UPDATE!Please urge your family and friends to oppose this dangerous amendment.Download the PDFThe ACLU and Planned Parenthood have organized a heavily funded stealth group called “Floridians Protecting Freedom.” They are circulating a petition entitled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” The ballot summary of the petition reads as follows:
“No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.”
The amendment is very extreme and deceptive. It would enshrine abortion as a fundamental right in Florida’s constitution and allow abortions for virtually any reason up to nine months of pregnancy.
The amendment is also dangerous because it would legally trump and invalidate almost every commonsense law in Florida regulating abortion, including parental consent, clinic safety regulations, and the 24-hour waiting period.
The amendment language is highly deceptive and not what it seems to be. It appears to allow lawmakers to restrict or stop late-term abortions after viability. But it also allows for abortion on demand for any “health” reason at the absolute discretion of any health provider. This term could be an acupuncturist, nurse, pharmacist, or physical therapist.
The word “health” is extremely broad in the context of abortion case law. It can include any condition, including headaches, nausea, cramping, anxiety, and discomfort, and can include “emotional, psychological, familial” factors.
The use of the term “viability” is also problematic because this concept is a moving target based on technology, and no clear definition of viability exists.
Download the PDFThe post Beware of the extreme, deceptive, and dangerous abortion-on-demand amendment circulating in Florida appeared first on FFPC.
What is the true origin of Florida’s Privacy Right adopted in 1980? In the summer of 1989, I was a first-year law student clerking in the summer months for attorney Ken Connor, my mentor, and good friend who at the time was President of Florida Right to Life. He told me he was going to Canada and asked me to write an amicus brief to the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of a bipartisan group of legislators to defend the parental consent before abortion law that was passed earlier that year.
The focus of the brief was the origin and purpose of Article 1, Section 23 of the Florida Constitution, our Privacy Clause, which was enacted in 1980. I spent hundreds of hours researching this issue in the state archives. I listened to every debate, read every analysis, and read every transcript. The word abortion never appeared once in the entire record of the 1977-78 Constitution Revision Commission, a unique body that only meets every 20 years in Florida.
The then very liberal Florida Supreme Court struck down the parental consent law requiring a parent’s consent before an abortion could be performed on a minor. Since 1989, we have been living with this judge-made case, our state version of Roe vs. Wade, which grants a fundamental right to abortion in Florida. It is called In Re TW, a Minor. It is a horrible decision, poorly decided, and we have been praying and working for its reversal now for 34 years!
In 2017-2018 I served on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and focused most of my efforts on this express state privacy right. Appointed by then-House Speaker Richard Corcoran, this body meets only once every twenty years. I proposed an amendment to clarify that the privacy clause was intended to be for informational privacy and not a right to abortion. Unfortunately, the leadership of this Republican-controlled body barely let my proposal be heard, much less considered for a vote on the floor.
This Friday, September 8, 2023, the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee will hear a case involving whether Florida’s Privacy Right language in the state constitution gives the right to a mother to destroy her unborn child through an abortion. The case will review the bill signed by Governor DeSantis last year, which protects preborn children when they feel pain after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It will be a packed house in the courtroom, but I will be there in person to watch it. You can watch it online HERE at 9:00 a.m. EST this Friday morning.
Florida now has the most conservative, most textual, and most restrained state appellate court in the country. We feel confident that we will get a good outcome in this case. But nothing is for sure until it happens. Even though I know all but one personally, you just never know. If the court does decide that there is no right to abortion in the state constitution and reverses itself in the 1989 In Re TW a Minor case, then this will also trigger the effective date of the Heartbeat Bill, which was passed this year. The Heartbeat Bill would protect an unborn child after six weeks of pregnancy after there is a detectible heartbeat.
I have worked my entire professional life for this moment.
Because of my expertise in this area of law, I wrote a Law Review on the topic with my friend and colleague, attorney Jake Phillips. A law review is a peer-reviewed journal analyzing some area of the law. I am proud to say that that article was published in my alma mater, Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. I am enclosing a digital copy of the article HERE. This is a lengthy and detailed treatment of the topic, which will only be appreciated by “academic nerds” and other lawyers. If you are interested, it is a fascinating read.
I also wrote a very condensed version of the article in an Op-Ed that appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat, which can be read HERE.
Please pray for each member of the Florida Supreme Court and that they would be clear-minded in the outcome of this case. The current members of the court can be seen HERE:
Finally, thank you for your support and prayers for the little ones, all made in God’s image and without a voice. Together, we are their voice.
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Full Scholarships to Summer Programs for Your Student or Young Person
I wanted to share some exciting news with you. Scholarships are now available for the upcoming Summit Ministries event, and I didn’t want you to miss this incredible opportunity.
We believe that it is of utmost importance to train and empower the next generation, which is why we’ve already given over 60 scholarships to students just this year!
Although many of our scholarships are full, we would like to share an amazing opportunity with you. Summit, which is a life-changing two-week experience in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and Lookout Mountain, Georgia, is one of the finest Christian Worldview trainings available, and because of a generous supporter they are able to give a very generous scholarship for students who would like to attend either of the two sessions in Lookout Mountain, GA (on the border of Chattanooga, TN) on July 2 – July 15 or July 16 – July 19.
Summit is offering students $1800 toward this program in Lookout Mountain, GA, meaning that families would only be responsible for a $195 deposit and travel expenses. Boarding and food is already included in the program.
If you know any students that would benefit from such a program, they can learn more here: Student Conferences | Summit Ministries
For detailed instructions to apply and receive the $1800 gift from Summit, please email Maria Diaz, Director of Special Projects at mdiaz@flfamily.org, as soon as possible.
We are still accepting applicants for a scholarship for Florida residents to the Southeast Patriot Academy that takes places in Tallahassee, June 28-30, 2023. To apply for the scholarship, click here: Student Scholarship Application (cognitoforms.com) and for more information on this program, click here: Leadership Congress – Patriot Academy
Space is limited for both programs, so do not delay!
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Gov. DeSantis Keynotes FFPC Dinner Gala & Receives Highest Award Given by the Organization
Gov. DeSantis Keynotes FFPC Dinner Gala With Nearly 800 in Attendance
(Orlando, May 24) – The Florida Family Policy Council’s 18th annual dinner gala on Saturday, May 20, featured Governor DeSantis as the keynote speaker. The Governor delivered a speech emphasizing Florida’s amazing achievements. The event received national media attention and highlighted the Governor’s remarkable accomplishments.
During the gala, Governor DeSantis spoke for over 40 minutes, covering topics like the ban on the mutilation of minors with transgender surgeries and therapies that sterilize, the 6-week bill protecting unborn children after a detectable heartbeat bill, and fighting the war on corporate woke-ism, just to name a few.
In recognition of his contributions, Governor DeSantis received the Wilberforce award. As part of the ceremony, each of the nearly 800 attendees lit a candle as a symbol of honor and unity as a bagpiper walked down isle playing Amazing Grace.
Rebecca Hagelin, author of 30 Ways In 30 Days to Protect Your Family served as the M.C. for the event. John Stemberger had the honor of introducing Governor DeSantis, highlighting his remarkable influence and leadership.
John Stemberger remarks included the following before introducing the Governor.
During the course of history, unique men and women are providentially raised up by God, to lead through unique challenges. In the day in which we live, it has become apparent to many of us that Governor Ron DeSantis is a man for a time such as this
A recording of Governor DeSantis’s full inspiring speech can be viewed here.
For interviews or more information
Contact: Noah Fay
407-780-7844
Nfay@flfamily.org
# #
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BREAKING NEWS:PRO-ABORTION RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ANNOUNCE EXTREME ABORTION AMENDMENT TO FLORIDA CONSTITUTION IN 2024
Amendment Uses the Word Health, Which Has Been Legally used to Justify Any Abortion, Making It Highly Deceptive and Misleading
(Tallahassee, FL) Monday, May 8th, 2023. A group of pro-abortion activists has announced that they seek what they claim as an “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” The coalition making this announcement includes the ACLU and is forming a new committee called “Floridians Protecting Freedom,” along with Planned Parenthood, Florida Rising, and Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida. They hope to get this amendment onto the ballot in November of 2024.
In response to this announcement, John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council, issued the following statement:
“The wording of this proposed amendment is extreme in its effect and is extremely misleading. They reference viability limitations but open the door to abortion on demand for any reason by using the word “health.” The word health has been legally interpreted very broadly to justify abortion for practically any reason, including depression, fatigue, dizziness, hormonal issues, etc. The abortion doctor, who has an economic interest in performing the abortion, subjectively determines whether the “health” of the mother is in question. The amendment will also nullify all current abortion regulations in Florida law, including parental consent, the 24-hour waiting period, and clinic safety regulations. This is a terrible amendment for the safety of Florida women and their unborn children. We will vigorously fight to defeat this in court and, if necessary, at the ballot box.”
Although they have not officially filed the language as of this writing, the ACLU provided Fox News with the following ballot summary and actual amendment text:
“No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.” (Emphasis added)
The Full Text of the Proposed Amendment would create a New Section. “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion Limiting government interference with abortion.— Except as provided in Article X, Section 22, no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.” (Emphasis added)
The coalition has announced spending millions of dollars on this effort. If the proposal reaches the ballot, the measure will need approval from 60% of voters to pass. Citizen’s initiative amendments like this also require Florida Supreme Court approval on the “single subject” rule and that the ballot summary is not misleading.
Polling from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and the Florida Family Policy Council shows that 62% of Floridians support legislation to protect unborn babies when a heartbeat is detected, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. This is why the six-week heartbeat bill was passed during the recent legislative session. It accurately reflects the will of the people of Florida.
Katie Daniel, State Policy Director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said, “Governor DeSantis consistently acts on the will of the people who overwhelmingly support parental consent before an abortion for minors and want to protect babies with beating hearts.”
For interviews or more information
Contact: Noah Fay
407-780-7844
Nfay@flfamily.org
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The post BREAKING NEWS: Pro-Abortion Rights Activists Announce Campaign for Abortion-on-Demand Amendment to Florida Constitution on 2024 Ballot appeared first on FFPC.
For Immediate Release
May 1, 2023
Landmark new book, ‘Legacy of Life,’
honors 50 of the greatest pro-life leaders of the last 50 years.
Powerful new book to launch June 26, 2023, and will commemorate the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade
ORLANDO, Fla. — The pro-life movement has made an eternal impact on the fabric of America’s history. With powerful leaders at the helm, pro-life advocates have tirelessly worked to save millions of precious lives of the unborn, especially during the last five, turbulent decades of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal on demand.
Through the efforts of pro-life warriors over the last 50 years, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court ruling Dobbs v. Jackson on June 24, 2022.
To detail the impact these lifesaving leaders have had in America and around the world, this powerful new book, “Legacy of Life,” highlights 50 of the most influential pro-life leaders from the last 50 years. The book launches on June 26, 2023. This is a limited edition commemorative table book containing 50 tributes written by 50 of America’s most respected national influencers honoring the greatest founders, builders, strategists, and innovators of the pro-life movement during the last 50 years. Each leader is honored with a tribute, personal photos, and a customized frame in this remarkable collection of inspiring life stories of resilience, bravery, and commitment.
“Moral and spiritual darkness reigned in America for 50 years after the Roe v. Wade decision,” said John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, and general editor of the “Legacy of Life” book. “But on June 24, 2022, light burst forth and pierced the darkness. It did not destroy the darkness completely, but a new light of hope now shines in the great struggle to end the evil of abortion in America.
This momentous book not only highlights legacy leaders in the pro-life movement, such as Jack Willke, Ronald Reagan, Francis Schaeffer, and Mother Teresa but also tells inspiring personal stories of these heroes that have not been told before. Additionally, the book will bring a surprise to readers as today’s top living pro-life leaders in America will be revealed during the “Legacy of Life” book launch in June during the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs case.
Stemberger continued, “The purpose of this commemorative book is three-fold: to honor, to educate, and to inspire. First, we want to honor those who dedicated their lives to this noble cause, both the living and the dead, that brought us to this remarkable moment. The book’s second goal is to educate the public about the history of the pro-life movement through accessible stories about the lives and work of these 50 leaders. The book’s third and most important goal is to motivate and inspire the next generation to become champions for life in the greatest human rights struggle of the last century.
“As I survey each of the men and women being honored in this book, they are, generally speaking, a very diverse group. Largely tough and resilient, many are also considered controversial — imperfect men and women fighting for a perfect cause against a great evil. Together they remind me of the rugged colonials who fought in the American Revolution. They are heroes who changed the course of history because they refused to give up the fight. Like the campaigns to end slavery in America, it took a sustained multi-generational effort. Our collective hope is that those reading this book will be encouraged and energized to invest their time, talents, and treasures, thus continuing the battle to honor, cherish, and protect life.”
“Legacy of Life” will be available for purchase on June 26, 2023, but is available for preorder now. For more information, visit www.LegacyOfLifeBook.com. This book is being published by the Florida Family Policy Council.
John Stemberger is an AV-rated Orlando attorney who has also been a legal and pro-life advocate for over 38 years. Stemberger has a unique understanding of law, government, and the media from his extensive political background, having served as an advisor to state, federal, and presidential campaigns. In 1992, he was appointed as the Political Director of the Republican Party of Florida during the final campaign of former President George H. W. Bush.
In addition to the private practice of law, in 2004 Stemberger became the President and General Counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC). Since starting the FFPC, he served as Chairman of the successful campaign to amend Florida’s Constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, which 61.9% of Florida voters adopted in 2008. As an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster, Stembergerwas the primary founder of Trail Life USA, a Christian scouting movement for boys which started in 2014 and now has over 50,000 members in more than 1,000 troops chartered in all 50 states.
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To schedule interviews with spokespersons about “Legacy of Life,” contact
Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102
The post Announcing New Book, ‘Legacy of Life,’ honoring 50 of the greatest pro-life leaders of the last 50 years appeared first on FFPC.
Insider’s Report: Week 8 of 9, Florida Legislative Session
Dear Friend,
The 2023 Legislative Session is almost over, as Week 8 comes to completion.
The Capitol was mostly quiet, except for on Thursday, when over 200 LGBT pro-drag queen activists in red shirts, including some dressed as drag queens, gathered at the Capitol, both for a rally in the courtyard and for a loud protest inside the building between the House and Senate door openings. The rally centered on opposition to the legislature’s recent actions to protect Florida’s children from being sexualized in both the public schools and the public square from being exposed to sexualized adult performances like so called “drag shows.”
A video of the protesters chanting can be found here:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1650957330966540293
The pace of session in the second to last week has slowed greatly as the main committees have completed their work and all activity has moved to the House and Senate floors for final debate and passage of the remaining bills on the agenda. Floor sessions are now in full swing, lasting from around 10 am to around 6 pm, depending on the volume of bills on the agenda for the day.
Any bills that did not make it through all their assigned committees are all dead at this point. Final negotiations on bills which have passed both houses but have different language (either the Senate or House language) are still under way.
Additionally, FFPC helped gain a victory during participation in behind-the-scenes discussions on a groundbreaking immigration bill. The focus was on early draft language from SB 1718 trying to prevent the incidents of human traffickers and smuggling attempts. But the bill unintentionally would have applied criminal penalties to churches, pregnancy care centers, medical clinics and ordinary citizens engaged in helping and ministering to undocumented people already here. FFPC was able to work with numerous coalition partners, along with the Governor’s office and Senate sponsor, to clarify the language to make sure human traffickers are brought to justice and properly punished, while ensuring that churches and other community-based ministries were protected to continue to minister to individuals in need, regardless of immigration status. FFPC commends the Governor and legislative sponsors for their willingness to work together on striking a proper balance on this critical application of the legislation. The fix to the bill now only creates criminal penalties to people who are bringing illegal immigrants into Florida across state lines. It does not affect anyone caring for people who are already here.
Below, we have listed the top bills still alive this session that Florida Family Policy Council is tracking, along with the latest updates on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of all of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
As always, our Legislative Affairs Director Aaron DiPietro is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts
here.
Thank you again for your support,
John Stemberger
President
Abortion/Life Issues
SUPPORT 1. HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)
Description: The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: SB 300 passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor DeSantis!
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and Conscience
SUPPORT 1. HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description: The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be compelled to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to health care professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: HB 1403 has passed all committee stops and is expected to come up for a final vote next week. On Friday, SB 1580 passed off the Senate floor, 28,11, on a party-line vote, and now heads to the House.
SUPPORT 1. HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: SB 254 passed the full Senate by a vote of 27-12, with Sen. Gayle Harrell being the only no vote in the GOP caucus. The House also passed SB 254, with amendments, 82-31, on a party line vote. The amended version heads back to the Senate for a final vote there.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including sexually explicit drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences. It also restrict local government agencies and municipalities from permitting such events on public property or in publicly owned buildings where children are allowed to access.
Action: After SB 1438 passed the full Senate on a 28-12 party line vote, it also passed the full House, 82-32, also on a party line vote, and is awaiting the governor’s signature.
SUPPORT 3. HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)
Description: The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. The legislation applies to government buildings, including educational institutions and correctional facilities, among many other state owned or leased facilities.
Action: SB 1674 passed the final committee stop, Fiscal Policy, 14-6, and is waiting for the final Senate vote. HB 1521 passed the full House floor, 80-37 and has been sent to the Senate.
Education/Parental Rights SUPPORT 1. HB 1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description: This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Victory Alert: The governor has signed HB 1!
SUPPORT 2. HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The proposal seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. The bill also mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: HB 1069, (which also includes the language of HB 1223) passed the House and has been sent to the Senate. SB 1320 passed all committees and is awaiting a full Senate vote.
SUPPORT 3. HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)
Description: This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: HB 379 passed the House floor, 110-0, and also passed the Senate floor, 39-0, with an amendment. The amended version was returned to the House for one additional final vote.
Other Related Issues
SUPPORT 1. HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)
Description: The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: SB 252 passed all committees and is awaiting a final Senate floor vote. On Monday, HB 1013passed the Commerce Committee, 11-4, and now heads to the House floor for a final vote.
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
Give Online Now to Support Our Work
The post Insider’s Report: Week 8 of 9, Florida Legislative Session appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report: Legislative Session Week 7 of Week 9
Dear Friend,
The 2023 Legislative Session Week 7 is finished, and the end of the session is in sight!
The major highlight of this week was on Wednesday when the House passed three critical bills protecting children and Floridians in the state of Florida.
First, the Safety in Private Spaces Act was presented by freshman Rep. Rachel Plakon, (wife of former veteran House member Scott Plakon). It was clear that a star was born when she gave a powerful defense for the bill, which dictates that private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories, are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. Two GOP reps, Reps. Paula Stark and Cindy Stevenson joined the Democrats to oppose the bill. It now heads to the Senate for final passage.
Just in the last several years, once in a McDonald’s on vacation in Jacksonville Beach and then in Winter Park at a Cheesecake Factory, my grade school daughters found an adult man in the girl’s bathroom and then ran out to tell us. The managers in both stores did nothing when the incidents were reported. This stuff makes my blood boil, but this bill brings an end to this nonsense. WE WILL FIGHT TO PROTECT CHILDREN till our last dying breath! Be sure of it.
Second, Rep. Randy Fine argued for SB 1438, a bill that prohibits private businesses from allowing children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including sexually explicit drag shows, and blocks local governments from allowing such performances on government property where children would be present. The bill passed the House, 82-32, on a party-line vote and now heads to the governor’s desk. Why LGBT activists want to expose children to sexually explicit trash in venues paid for with taxpayer dollars is beyond me. But this bill puts a halt to that abuse.
Finally, Reps. Randy Fine and Ralph Massullo presented SB 254, an act seeking to prevent anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. The bill was slightly amended and passed the House, 82-31, on a party-line vote. It returns to the Senate for a final vote on the amended version.
Below are the top bills that Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of all of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our opponents (pro-abortion rights and pro-LGBT activists) continue to show up in mass protesting in rage and anger, lining the walls and halls of the legislature, trying to intimidate us and obstruct the process. These are some of the people Jesus calls “enemies” and teaches us to love and pray for. And we will pray for them and continue to try and be charitable. We will be people of goodwill even in the face of great opposition. But let that not be mistaken for a lack of will.
For real-time updates by our Legislative and Policy Director Aaron DiPietro, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John Stemberger
President
Abortion/Life Issues
SUPPORT1.HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)
Description:The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: SB 300 passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor DeSantis!
SUPPORT2.HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton)
Description:This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: HB 899 previously passed the House floor, 111-0, and has been sent to the Senate. SB 870 is waiting for its final stop in the Rules Committee.
SUPPORT 1.HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description:The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be compelled to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to health care professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: HB 1403 has passed all committee stops and has been scheduled to go before the full House for a final vote next week. On Wednesday, SB 1580 passed Rules Committee, 14-5, and now heads to the full Senate for a final vote there.
SUPPORT1.HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: SB 254 passed the full Senate by a vote of 27-12, with Sen. Gayle Harrell being the only no vote in the GOP caucus. On Wednesday, the House also passed SB 254, with amendments, 82-31, on a party line vote. The amended version heads back to the Senate for a final vote there.
SUPPORT2.HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including sexually explicit drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action: After SB 1438 passed the full Senate on a 28-12 party line vote, on Wednesday, it also passed the full House, 82-32, also on a party line vote, and now heads to the governor’s desk.
SUPPORT3.HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)
Description:The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: SB 1674 passed the first stop and is waiting for the final committee stop. On Wednesday, HB 1521 passed the full House floor, 80-37 and has been sent to the Senate. Two GOP reps, Reps. Paula Stark and Cindy Stevenson, joined the Democrats to oppose the bill.
SUPPORT 1.HB1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description:This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Victory Alert:The governor has signed HB 1!
SUPPORT 2.HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The proposal seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. The bill also mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: HB 1069, (which also includes the language of HB 1223) passed the House and has been sent to the Senate. SB 1320 passed all committees and is awaiting a full Senate vote.
SUPPORT 3.HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)
Description:This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: HB 379 passed the House floor, 110-0, and also passed the Senate floor, 39-0, with an amendment. The amended version was returned to the House for one additional final vote.
SUPPORT1.HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)
Description:The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: On Thursday, SB 252 passed Fiscal Policy, 13-5, and now heads to the Senate floor for a final vote. HB 1013 passed is awaiting the final stop, the Commerce Committee.
SUPPORT2.HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)
Description:This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly in the certification of group homes in the state of Florida. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action:Both bills have been assigned to three committees each, with HB 367 previously passing its first committee. SB 610 is awaiting a hearing in the final stop.
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
Give Online Now to Support Our Work
The post Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report: Legislative Session Week 7 of Week 9 appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report:Legislative Session Week 6 of Week 9
Dear Friend,
The 2023 Legislative Session Week 6 is finished! 6 weeks down – 3 weeks to go!
On Thursday, The Heartbeat Protection Act officially passed the State House. Later that evening, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed this landmark legislation into law! This legislation provides the strongest protections for the unborn, protecting the unborn after 6 weeks gestation, the point at which a heartbeat can be detected. The bill also provides a record investment in the Florida Pregnancy Care Network to provide resources and support for Florida’s expected mothers during and after pregnancy. After over seven hours of passionate debate and multiple protests – including one that resulted in the House chamber gallery being cleared by the Speaker – the bill passed 70-40with seven GOP representatives joining the Democrats in opposition, including Reps. Mike Caruso; Karen Gonzalez-Pittman; Peggy Gossett-Seidman; Sam Killebrew; Chip LaMarca; Vicki Lopez; and Rick Roth; seven additional GOP reps also did not vote.
Below, we have listed the top bills the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
As always, our Legislative Affairs Director Aaron DiPietro is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
Text underlined and in red indicates an action alert for scheduled committee hearings on our priority bills. For those willing and able, we would encourage you to attend and speak in favor of the bills up in committee.
For real-time updates, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John Stemberger
President
Abortion/Life Issues
SUPPORT1.HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)
Description:The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: On Thursday, after over seven hours of debate, SB 300 passed the full House floor, 70-40, with seven GOP representatives joining the Democrats in opposition; several other GOP reps did not vote. Having previously passed the Senate, SB 300 was signed into law Thursday night by Governor DeSantis!
SUPPORT2.HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton)
Description:This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: HB 899 previously passed the House floor, 111-0, and has been sent to the Senate. SB 870 is waiting for its final stop in the Rules Committee.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and Conscience
SUPPORT 1.HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description:The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to health care professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: On Monday, HB 1403 passed its final committee hearing, Health Regulation Subcommittee, 11-5, and now moves to head to the full House for a final vote. SB 1580 is awaiting its final hearing on the Senate side before going to a final vote there.
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender Issues
SUPPORT1.HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: HB 1421 passed all committee assignments and is awaiting a final full House floor vote. SB 254passed the full Senate by a vote of 27-12, with Sen. Gayle Harrell being the only no vote in the GOP caucus.
SUPPORT2.HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including sexually explicit drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action: On Monday, HB 1423 passed the final committee stop, State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee and now heads to the full House for a final vote. On Tuesday, SB 1438passed the full Senate on a 28-12 party line vote and is heading to the House.
SUPPORT3.HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)
Description:The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: SB 1674 passed the first stop and is waiting for the final committee stop. On Monday, HB 1521 passed its final committee, the Commerce Committee, 14-5, and now heads to the full House for a final vote shortly!
Education/Parental Rights
SUPPORT 1.HB1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description:This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Victory Alert:The governor has signed HB 1!
SUPPORT 2.HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The proposal seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. The bill also mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: HB 1069, (which also includes the language of HB 1223) passed the House and has been sent to the Senate. On Thursday, SB 1320 passed its final Senate committee stop, Fiscal Policy, 14-6 and now heads to the full Senate vote for a final vote.
SUPPORT 3.HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)
Description:This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: HB 379 passed the House floor, 110-0, and now heads to the Senate floor. SB 52 passed all committee assignments and is set for a final vote next week.
Other Related Issues
SUPPORT1.HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: HB 1487 passed its first of three committee stops. The senate version has been assigned to three committees each and is awaiting the first hearing.
SUPPORT2.HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)
Description:The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: SB 252 is awaiting its final Committee stop, Fiscal Policy. On Monday, HB 1013 passed the Health & Human Services Committee, 12-5, and now heads to the final stop, the Commerce Committee.
SUPPORT3.HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)
Description:This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action:Both bills have been assigned to three committees each, with HB 367 previously passing its first committee. On Tuesday, SB 610 passed the second stop, the Judiciary Committee, 10-0, and now moves on to its final stop.
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
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BREAKING NEWS: Gov. DeSantis Signs Heartbeat Bill into Law
New historic law will protect unborn children after six weeks of pregnancy
(Tallahassee, FL) On Thursday evening, April 13th, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law SB 300, The Heartbeat Protection Act, after it passed the House. The bill protects unborn children after 6 weeks of pregnancy when a heartbeat can be detected. These are the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida’s fifty-year history post-Roe.
DeSantis signed the bill into law in his office surrounded by the Bill sponsors Sen. Erin Grall, R- Indian River, and Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, and other supporters of the bill.
Florida Family Policy Council President John Stemberger was there in person with Governor DeSantis at the bill historic signing and made the following comments:
Many of us have worked all of our lives for a moment like this when Roe vs. Wade is reversed, and we can work to pass laws that provide real protections for the unborn and services for women to give them a real choice. As a state, we can learn to love children and not kill them. We applaud Speaker Renner, President Passadomo, and the Governor for their leadership in getting to this historic moment. Sen Grall and Rep Persons-Mulika also did amazing work to defend the unborn. In Florida, we are fighting to protect children, both born and unborn, and today’s bill is a huge step toward making Florida a safer place for the little ones.
The bill greatly expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, from Five Million to Twenty-Five million to further the work of Florida’s pregnancy centers to provide needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies, including diapers, formula, baby clothes, pregnancy tests, job training, parenting classes, counseling and a variety of other goods and services.
The legislation also prohibits the use of taxpayers’ dollars for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions.
Finally, the bill also prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs.
Of Interest, the bill does not have a specific effective date. Instead, there is a trigger provision in which the bill becomes effective only upon one of several possible rulings by the Florida Supreme Court deciding that the state constitution has no abortion right and or the overturning of our state abortion case precedent, In Re: T.W., A Minor.
The current pro-life bill prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks passed last year is now on appeal, and many legal commentators believe this case will overturn Florida’s long-standing judge-made abortion case.
This bill passed in the Senate a few weeks ago and was heard on the House Floor the entire day today. Both times, eruptions of shouting and protest occurred, and they had to clear the gallery and shut it down for the day due to the protesters. Today in the House, protestors began throwing trash onto the House floor, so they cleared the entire gallery of everyone, including peaceful observers and our staff. Democrats also tried to block and obstruct the bill by trying to add around 50 frivolous amendments.
For interviews or more information
Contact: Noah Fay
407-780-7844
Nfay@flfamily.org
# #
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Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report: Legislative Session Week 5 of Week 9
Dear Friend,
Though the 2023 Legislative Session Week 5 ended Wednesday afternoon for the Easter break, it was anything but uneventful.
From the passage of the both the landmark Heartbeat Bill and the groundbreaking Gender Procedures on Minors Protection Bill in the Senate, to the Medical Rights of Conscience Bill passing critical committees in both the House and the Senate, and much, much more, the two main days of Week 5 were absolutely full of victories. Below, we have listed for you top bills the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of all of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our Legislative Affairs Director Aaron DiPietro is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
Text underlined and in red indicates an action alert for scheduled committee hearings on our priority bills. For those willing and able, we would encourage you to attend and speak in favor of the bills up in committee.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John Stemberger
President
Abortion/Life IssuesSUPPORT1.HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)
Description:The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: On Monday, SB 300 passed the full Senate floor, 26-13, with two GOP senators, Corey Simon and Alexis Calatayud, joining the Democrats in opposition. SB 300 now is heading to the House floor for a final vote as soon as next week!
SUPPORT2.HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton)
Description:This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: HB 899 previously passed the House floor, 111-0, and has been sent to the Senate. On Monday, SB 870 is waiting for its final stop in the Rules Committee.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and ConscienceSUPPORT 1.HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description:The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to health care professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: On Monday, HB 1403 passed its first committee hearing, Health Regulation Subcommittee, 12-5. HB 1403 is now scheduled to be heard in its final committee hearing, Health & Human Services Committee on Monday, April 10th at 2:00 pm in Room 17H in the House Office Building!
On Tuesday, SB 1580 passed its first committee stop, Health Policy, 9-3, and now moves to its final stop.
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender IssuesSUPPORT 1.HB1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description:This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Victory Alert:The governor has signed HB 1!
SUPPORT 2.HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The proposal seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. The bill also mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: HB 1069, (which also includes the language of HB 1223) passed the House and has been sent to the Senate. SB 1320 is awaiting a hearing in the final Senate committee.
SUPPORT 3.HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)
Description:This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: On Friday, HB 379 passed the House floor, 110-0, and now heads to the Senate floor. On Tuesday, SB 52 passed all committee assignments and is set for a final vote next week.
Education/Parental RightsSUPPORT 1.HB1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description:This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Victory Alert:The governor has signed HB 1!
SUPPORT 2.HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The proposal seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. The bill also mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: On Friday, after a very contentious debate and with a rambunctious and bitter protest occurring on the 4th floor outside the chambers, HB 1069, (which also includes the language of HB 1223) passed the House floor, 77-35, on a near party line vote, with GOP Reps. Will Robinson and Demi Bussatta Cabrebra being the only Republicans to vote against the bill. It has now been sent to the Senate. SB 1320 is awaiting a hearing in the final Senate committee.
SUPPORT 3.HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)
Description:This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: On Friday, HB 379 passed the House floor, 110-0, and now heads to the Senate floor. On Tuesday, SB 52passed the Fiscal Policy Committee, 19-0, and now heads to a final vote next week.
SUPPORT 4.HB 817/SB 650 Sex Ed Transparency Act (Rep. Black/Sen. Collins)
Description:This proposal seeks to strengthen parental notification on sex education instruction and provide transparency on the contents of those courses.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 5.HB 1620/SB 1463 Minors Protection from Harmful Materials Act (Rep. Beltran/Sen. Grall)
Description:This bill establishes guidelines for educating educators on the dangers of technology abuse for children, especially the dangers of pornography. Further, it tightens the educational materials loophole in state obscenity statute, which was used to expose children to inappropriate or even graphic sexual content under the guise of education. It also enforces new rules on specific web providers, websites, and social media platforms to use age verification and other means to protect minors from harmful materials present on said platforms.
Action: The House version has been assigned to four committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
Other Related Issues SUPPORT1.HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: On Monday, HB 1487 passed its first committee hearing, Health Regulation Subcommittee, 13-4, and now moves on to its second of three committee stops. The senate version has been assigned to three committees each and is awaiting the first hearing.
SUPPORT2.HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)
Description:The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: On Tuesday, SB 252 passed the Senate Health Policy Committee, 11-0, and now moves to its final committee stop. HB 1013 is now scheduled to be heard in its final committee hearing, Health & Human Services Committee on Monday, April 10th at 2:00 pm in Room 17H in the House Office Building!
SUPPORT3.HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)
Description:This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action:Both bills have been assigned to three committees each, with HB 367 previously passing its first committee. On Tuesday, SB 610 passed the second stop, the Judiciary Committee, 10-0, and now moves on to its final stop!
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
Give Online Now to Support Our Work
The post Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report: Legislative Session Week 5 of Week 9 appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report:Legislative Session 2023: Week 4 of 9Dear Friend,
The 2023 Legislative Session Week 4 is over, and what a week it has been! We also had an amazing Pro-Family Days event, featuring presentations from and over 250 attendees from all over Florida, from Miami to Pensacola! Our theme was “Protecting Children: Born and Unborn.”
On Monday afternoon, our Legislative Affairs Director Aaron DiPietro and I presented our priority bills to an engaged audience, sharing the exciting victories and legislation that is moving forward this year in Florida. Monday evening, we were honored to hear from several powerful speakers, including Chloe Cole, gender “reassignment” surgery survivor and detransitioner, who began being transitioned from age twelve, and at the age of 16, received a double mastectomy. She delivered a powerful testimony of the harm these procedures were to her and how she chose to become a voice to end these dangerous procedures for minors.
Also, Chris “The Billboard Guy” Elkston, a father, husband, and activist fighting to protect children from sterilization and mutilation procedures, shared the dangers of the trans ideology movement. In addition, we were able to record a live popcast episode of “Straight Up with John Stemberger” with both Chloe and Chris, touching on various aspects of the trans movement and the threats to children’s health and safety and the opportunities arising to protect our society’s most vulnerable.
Tuesday morning, Sen. Erin Grall, House Speaker Paul Renner, and Rep. and Pastor Doug Bankson addressed the assembly, sharing their testimonies and the work the Florida legislature is doing to protect life, family, and freedom this session. Keynote speaker, Dr. William Lile aka “Prolife Doc” delivered a stirring presentation sharing the latest medical data proving the humanity of the unborn children in the womb.
Immediately after, the group headed to the Capitol to lobby their legislators on our priority bills; the group was also able to participate in testifying in favor of SB 300, the Heartbeat Protection Act, which passed the committee resoundingly. We finished our 2023 Pro-Family Days at the Supreme Court with an address delivered by former Florida Supreme Court justice Alan Lawson.
Week 4 was yet another action-packed one full of one committee victory after another. Below, we have listed for you the top bills the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our Legislative Affairs Director, Aaron DiPietro is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
Text underlined and in red indicates an action alert for scheduled committee hearings on our priority bills. For those willing and able, we encourage you to attend and speak in favor of the bills up in committee.
For real-time updates, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John Stemberger
President
Abortion/Life IssuesSUPPORT1.HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)
Description:The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: On Thursday, HB 7 passed the final committee stop, Health and Human Services Committee, 13-7, and now heads to the full House floor next week. SB 300 was heavily debated also on Thursday on the full Senate floor and is heading for a final vote on Monday!
SUPPORT2.HB 1339/SB 1306 Adoptive Parent Registry Act (Rep. Abbott/Sen. Harrell)
Description:This bill seeks to create a potential adoption registry of prospective parents who have been vetted properly and are awaiting adoption opportunities for newborn babies surrendered for adoption. The goal of the legislation is to create a streamlined process for the adoption process, in addition to reducing the cost of the adoption process.
Action: The house version is awaiting a hearing in the first of three committees. SB 1306 has passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee, 7-0 and is awaiting a hearing in the second of three committees.
SUPPORT3.HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton)
Description:This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: On Friday, HB 899 passed the House floor, 111-0, and has been sent to the Senate. On Monday, SB 870 has passed its first two committees and is waiting to for its final stop in the Rules Committee.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and ConscienceSUPPORT 1.HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description:The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to health care professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: HB 1403 is now scheduled to be heard in its first committee hearing, Health Regulation Subcommittee on Monday, April 3rd at 10:30 am in Room 102H in the House Office Building!
Also, SB 1580 is now scheduled to be heard in its first committee hearing, Health Policy Committee on Tuesday, April 4th at 2:00 pm in Room 412K in the Knott Building!
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender IssuesSUPPORT1.HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: On Monday, HB 1421 passed the Health and Human Services Committee 15-6 and now heads to the full House floor for a final vote. SB 254 is expected to receive a final vote on the full Senate floor next week.
SUPPORT2.HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action: HB 1423 is awaiting a hearing in the second of three committee stops. On Thursday, SB 1438 passed the Rules Committee, 16-3, and now is heading for a final Senate vote next week.
SUPPORT3.HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)
Description:The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: On Tuesday, HB 1521 passed the House Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee, 11-3 and now heads to the second of three stops. On Thursday, SB 1674 passed the Senate Rules Committee, 15-4, and now heads to the final stop.
SUPPORT4.HB 1265/SB 952 Reverse Woke Act (Rep. Yarkosky/Sen. Ingoglia)
Description:The bill establishes provisions in state law that if companies choose to provide healthcare coverage for employees to obtain gender reassignment hormones, treatments, and surgeries, then those same companies must also provide coverage to those same individuals who experience regret and seek to detransition and allows those individuals to sue the same companies for damages.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Education/Parental RightsSUPPORT 1.HB1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description:This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Victory Alert:The governor has signed HB 1!
SUPPORT 2.HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)
Description: The proposal seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. The bill also mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: On Friday, after a very contentious debate and with a rambunctious and bitter protest occurring on the 4th floor outside the chambers, HB 1069, (which also includes the language of HB 1223) passed the House floor, 77-35, on a near party line vote, with GOP Reps. Will Robinson and Demi Bussatta Cabrebra being the only Republicans to vote against the bill. It has now been sent to the Senate. SB 1320 is awaiting a hearing in the final Senate committee.
SUPPORT 3.HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)
Description:This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: On Friday, HB 379 passed the House floor, 110-0, and now heads to the Senate floor. On Tuesday, SB 52passed the Fiscal Policy Committee, 19-0, and now heads to a final vote next week.
SUPPORT 4.HB 817/SB 650 Sex Ed Transparency Act (Rep. Black/Sen. Collins)
Description:This proposal seeks to strengthen parental notification on sex education instruction and provide transparency on the contents of those courses.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 5.HB 1620/SB 1463 Minors Protection from Harmful Materials Act (Rep. Beltran/Sen. Grall)
Description:This bill establishes guidelines for educating educators on the dangers of technology abuse for children, especially the dangers of pornography. Further, it tightens the educational materials loophole in state obscenity statute, which was used to expose children to inappropriate or even graphic sexual content under the guise of education. It also enforces new rules on specific web providers, websites, and social media platforms to use age verification and other means to protect minors from harmful materials present on said platforms.
Action: The House version has been assigned to four committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
Other Related Issues SUPPORT1.HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)
Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)
Description:The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: HB 1487 is now scheduled to be heard in its first committee hearing, Health Regulation Subcommittee on Monday, April 3rd at 10:30 am in Room 102H in the House Office Building! The senate version has ben assigned to three committees each and is awaiting the first hearing.
SUPPORT2.HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)
Description:The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action:The House version has been assigned to three committees and the Senate version has been assigned to two. Both are awaiting their first hearings
SUPPORT3.HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)
Description:This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action:Both bills have been assigned to three committees each, with HB 367 previously passing its first committee. SB 610 is now scheduled to be heard in the second stop Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 4that 2:00 pm in Room 412K in the Knott Building!
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
Give Online Now to Support Our Work
The post Insider’s Report: Week 4 of 9, Florida Legislative Session appeared first on FFPC.
We are pleased to announce that our amazing Governor Ron DeSantis is the featured speaker for our 18th Annual Dinner Gala.
This is a monumental event as Governor DeSantis has done so much to advance the causes of our movement more than any other Florida Governor.
This is going to be a sell out event. Be sure to get your tickets here so you don’t miss this incredible evening together.
Information about the event below:
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023
4:30pm: VIP RECEPTION
5:30pm: DINNER & PROGRAM
ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL
9700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE NOW.
The post BREAKING: DeSantis to Keynote Annual Dinner appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report:Legislative Session 2023: Week 3 of 9Dear Friend,
Last week was week 3 of the Florida Legislative Session, and with it came some fantastic victories!
The week kicked off Monday afternoon as Sen. Clay Yarborough defended SB 1320, Parents’ Rights in Education Part 2, restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in PreK-8th grade; protecting students and school employees from being forced to address others using “preferred” pronouns when such terms contradict biological sex; tightening sex ed curriculum standards and increase parental appeal procedures to remove harmful materials from school classrooms and libraries. The bill passed and moved on to the next committee stop.
Later in the day, Sen. Erin Grall presented SB 300, The Heartbeat Protection Act, a bill to protect babies in the state of Florida after 6 weeks, restrict chemical abortions, and expand resources to support the Florida Pregnancy Care Network to help unexpectant mothers; the bill was approved and now moves on to the next stop.
Tuesday afternoon saw Sen. Clay Yarborough present SB 1438, Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act. The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences. The bill passed and heads to its second committee stop.
Wednesday afternoon, Reps. Randy Fine and Ralph Massullo defended HB 1421, the Gender Interventions on Minors Act, legislation seeking to protect minors from harmful gender “reassignment” chemical and surgical castration procedures, sharing the scientific and research data against these harmful procedures. The bill passed and heads to its second stop.
On Thursday, HB 1223 was merged in one bill with HB 1069. Reps. Stan McClain and Adam Anderson skillfullypresented the newly amended HB 1069, the House version of the Parents’ Rights in Education Part 2 with the committee approving the bill, which now heads to the full House for a final vote next week.
Simultaneously, at the same time on Thursday, Sen. Clay Yarborough defended SB 254, The Gender Interventions on Minors Act, in the second committee stop, Fiscal Policy. This legislation seeking to protect minors from harmful gender “reassignment” chemical and surgical castration procedures; the proposal passed and now heads to the Senate for a final vote.
And finally, on Friday morning, Rep. Randy Fine, advanced HB 1423, the House version of the Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act. The proposal passed and is heading to the second stop.
In addition to some of the major bill action above, several other priority bills advanced through the legislature; below, we have listed for you top bills the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of all of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our Legislative Affairs Director, Aaron DiPietro is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
Text underlined and in red indicates an ACTION ALERT for scheduled committee hearings on our priority bills. For those willing and able, we encourage you to attend and speak in favor of the bills up in committee.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John StembergerPresident
Abortion/Life IssuesSUPPORT 1. HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)Description: The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: HB 7 passed the first committee and is now awaiting the final committee stop, Health and Human Services Committee. On Monday, SB 300 passed the Health Policy Committee, the first of two committees, 7-4. SB 300 is now scheduled to be heard in the Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday, March 28*th at 8:30 am in Room 110S in the Senate Office Building!*
SUPPORT 2. HB 1339/SB 1306 Adoptive Parent Registry Act (Rep. Abbott/Sen. Harrell) Description: This bill seeks to create a potential adoption registry of prospective parents who have been vetted properly and are awaiting adoption opportunities for newborn babies surrendered for adoption. The goal of the legislation is to create a streamlined process for the adoption process, in addition to reducing the cost of the adoption process.
Action: The House version is awaiting a hearing in the first of three committees. On Monday, SB 1306 passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee, 7-0 and moves to its second of three committees.
SUPPORT 3. HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton) Description: This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: On Friday, HB 899 passed all committee stops and is now scheduled to be heard on the House floor next week. On Monday, SB 870 passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee, 4-3, and now moves on to the final committee stop.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and ConscienceSUPPORT 1. HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description: The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to healthcare professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to only two committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender IssuesSUPPORT 1. HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: On Wednesday, HB 1421 passed the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee 12-5 and now heads to the final committee stop. HB 1421 is now scheduled to be heard in its final committee hearing, Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 27th at 2:00 pm in Room 404H in the House Office Building! On Thursday, SB 254 passed the final committee stop, Fiscal Policy, 13-6, and now heads to the full Senate.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action: On Friday, HB 1423 passed the Commerce Committee, 13-6,and now advances to the final committee stop. On Tuesday, SB 1438 passed the Judiciary Committee, 8-3, and now advances to the final committee stop on the Senate side.
SUPPORT 3. HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)Description: The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: The house version has been assigned to three committees and is awaiting hearings; the senate version has been assigned to two committees.
SUPPORT 4. HB 1265/SB 952 Reverse Woke Act (Rep. Yarkosky/Sen. Ingoglia)Description: The bill establishes provisions in state law that if companies choose to provide healthcare coverage for employees to obtain gender reassignment hormones, treatments, and surgeries, then those same companies must also provide coverage to those same individuals who experience regret and seek to detransition and allows those individuals to sue the same companies for damages.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Education/Parental RightsSUPPORT 1. HB 1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)Description: This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Action: On Thursday, the Senate took up HB 1, which had been approved by the House last week, and also passed the bill, 26-12. HB 1 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature!
SUPPORT 2. HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)Description: HB 1223 seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. HB 1069 prohibits any sex education whatsoever in PreK-5th grades and mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: On Thursday, HB 1223 was merged into HB 1069, becoming one amended bill. Subsequently, HB 1069 passed the House Education and Employment Committee, 14-6, and is now scheduled to be heard on the full house floor next week period. On Monday, SB 1320 passed the Education PreK-12 Committee, 9-3, and now moves to the final Senate committee.
SUPPORT 3. HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)Description: This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: HB 379 passed all the committees and is now scheduled to be heard on the House floor next week. SB 52 is now scheduled to be heard in the Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday, March 28th at 8:30 am in Room 110S in the Senate Office Building!
SUPPORT 4. HB 817/SB 650 Sex Ed Transparency Act (Rep. Black/Sen. Collins)Description: This proposal seeks to strengthen parental notification on sex education instruction and provide transparency on the contents of those courses.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 5. HB 1620/SB 1463 Minors Protection from Harmful Materials Act (Rep. Beltran/Sen. Grall)Description: This bill establishes guidelines for educating educators on the dangers of technology abuse for children, especially the dangers of pornography. Further, it tightens the educational materials loophole in state obscenity statute, which was used to expose children to inappropriate or even graphic sexual content under the guise of education. It also enforces new rules on specific web providers, websites, and social media platforms to use age verification and other means to protect minors from harmful materials present on said platforms.
Action: The House version has been assigned to four committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
Other Related Issues SUPPORT 1. HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to have to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)Description: The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: The House version has been assigned to three committees and the Senate version has been assigned to two. Both are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 3. HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)Description: This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action:Both bills have been assigned to three committees each, with HB 367 previously passing its first committee. SB 610 is now scheduled to be heard in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee on Monday, March 20th at 11:30 pm in Room 37S in the Senate Office Building!
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
Give Online Now to Support Our Work
The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Week 3 of 9 – Protecting Minors, Parental Rights in Education, Heartbeat Protection Act appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report:Legislative Session 2023: Week 3 of 9Dear Friend,
Last week was week 3 of the Florida Legislative Session, and with it came some fantastic victories!
The week kicked off Monday afternoon as Sen. Clay Yarborough defended SB 1320, Parents’ Rights in Education Part 2, restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in PreK-8th grade; protecting students and school employees from being forced to address others using “preferred” pronouns when such terms contradict biological sex; tightening sex ed curriculum standards and increase parental appeal procedures to remove harmful materials from school classrooms and libraries. The bill passed and moved on to the next committee stop.
Later in the day, Sen. Erin Grall presented SB 300, The Heartbeat Protection Act, a bill to protect babies in the state of Florida after 6 weeks, restrict chemical abortions, and expand resources to support the Florida Pregnancy Care Network to help unexpectant mothers; the bill was approved and now moves on to the next stop.
Tuesday afternoon saw Sen. Clay Yarborough present SB 1438, Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act. The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences. The bill passed and heads to its second committee stop.
Wednesday afternoon, Reps. Randy Fine and Ralph Massullo defended HB 1421, the Gender Interventions on Minors Act, legislation seeking to protect minors from harmful gender “reassignment” chemical and surgical castration procedures, sharing the scientific and research data against these harmful procedures. The bill passed and heads to its second stop.
On Thursday, HB 1223 was merged in one bill with HB 1069. Reps. Stan McClain and Adam Anderson skillfullypresented the newly amended HB 1069, the House version of the Parents’ Rights in Education Part 2 with the committee approving the bill, which now heads to the full House for a final vote next week.
Simultaneously, at the same time on Thursday, Sen. Clay Yarborough defended SB 254, The Gender Interventions on Minors Act, in the second committee stop, Fiscal Policy. This legislation seeking to protect minors from harmful gender “reassignment” chemical and surgical castration procedures; the proposal passed and now heads to the Senate for a final vote.
And finally, on Friday morning, Rep. Randy Fine, advanced HB 1423, the House version of the Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act. The proposal passed and is heading to the second stop.
In addition to some of the major bill action above, several other priority bills advanced through the legislature; below, we have listed for you top bills the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of all of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our Legislative Affairs Director, Aaron DiPietro is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
Text underlined and in red indicates an ACTION ALERT for scheduled committee hearings on our priority bills. For those willing and able, we encourage you to attend and speak in favor of the bills up in committee.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John StembergerPresident
Abortion/Life IssuesSUPPORT 1. HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)Description: The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: HB 7 passed the first committee and is now awaiting the final committee stop, Health and Human Services Committee. On Monday, SB 300 passed the Health Policy Committee, the first of two committees, 7-4. SB 300 is now scheduled to be heard in the Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday, March 28*th at 8:30 am in Room 110S in the Senate Office Building!*
SUPPORT 2. HB 1339/SB 1306 Adoptive Parent Registry Act (Rep. Abbott/Sen. Harrell) Description: This bill seeks to create a potential adoption registry of prospective parents who have been vetted properly and are awaiting adoption opportunities for newborn babies surrendered for adoption. The goal of the legislation is to create a streamlined process for the adoption process, in addition to reducing the cost of the adoption process.
Action: The House version is awaiting a hearing in the first of three committees. On Monday, SB 1306 passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee, 7-0 and moves to its second of three committees.
SUPPORT 3. HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton) Description: This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: On Friday, HB 899 passed all committee stops and is now scheduled to be heard on the House floor next week. On Monday, SB 870 passed the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee, 4-3, and now moves on to the final committee stop.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and ConscienceSUPPORT 1. HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description: The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to healthcare professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to only two committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender IssuesSUPPORT 1. HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: On Wednesday, HB 1421 passed the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee 12-5 and now heads to the final committee stop. HB 1421 is now scheduled to be heard in its final committee hearing, Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 27th at 2:00 pm in Room 404H in the House Office Building! On Thursday, SB 254 passed the final committee stop, Fiscal Policy, 13-6, and now heads to the full Senate.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action: On Friday, HB 1423 passed the Commerce Committee, 13-6,and now advances to the final committee stop. On Tuesday, SB 1438 passed the Judiciary Committee, 8-3, and now advances to the final committee stop on the Senate side.
SUPPORT 3. HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)Description: The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: The house version has been assigned to three committees and is awaiting hearings; the senate version has been assigned to two committees.
SUPPORT 4. HB 1265/SB 952 Reverse Woke Act (Rep. Yarkosky/Sen. Ingoglia)Description: The bill establishes provisions in state law that if companies choose to provide healthcare coverage for employees to obtain gender reassignment hormones, treatments, and surgeries, then those same companies must also provide coverage to those same individuals who experience regret and seek to detransition and allows those individuals to sue the same companies for damages.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Education/Parental RightsSUPPORT 1. HB 1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)Description: This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Action: On Thursday, the Senate took up HB 1, which had been approved by the House last week, and also passed the bill, 26-12. HB 1 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature!
SUPPORT 2. HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)Description: HB 1223 seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. HB 1069 prohibits any sex education whatsoever in PreK-5th grades and mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: On Thursday, HB 1223 was merged into HB 1069, becoming one amended bill. Subsequently, HB 1069 passed the House Education and Employment Committee, 14-6, and is now scheduled to be heard on the full house floor next week period. On Monday, SB 1320 passed the Education PreK-12 Committee, 9-3, and now moves to the final Senate committee.
SUPPORT 3. HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)Description: This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: HB 379 passed all the committees and is now scheduled to be heard on the House floor next week. SB 52 is now scheduled to be heard in the Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday, March 28th at 8:30 am in Room 110S in the Senate Office Building!
SUPPORT 4. HB 817/SB 650 Sex Ed Transparency Act (Rep. Black/Sen. Collins)Description: This proposal seeks to strengthen parental notification on sex education instruction and provide transparency on the contents of those courses.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 5. HB 1620/SB 1463 Minors Protection from Harmful Materials Act (Rep. Beltran/Sen. Grall)Description: This bill establishes guidelines for educating educators on the dangers of technology abuse for children, especially the dangers of pornography. Further, it tightens the educational materials loophole in state obscenity statute, which was used to expose children to inappropriate or even graphic sexual content under the guise of education. It also enforces new rules on specific web providers, websites, and social media platforms to use age verification and other means to protect minors from harmful materials present on said platforms.
Action: The House version has been assigned to four committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
Other Related Issues SUPPORT 1. HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to have to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)Description: The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: The House version has been assigned to three committees and the Senate version has been assigned to two. Both are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 3. HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)Description: This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action:Both bills have been assigned to three committees each, with HB 367 previously passing its first committee. SB 610 is now scheduled to be heard in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee on Monday, March 20th at 11:30 pm in Room 37S in the Senate Office Building!
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
Give Online Now to Support Our Work
The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Week 3 of 9 – Protecting Minors, Parental Rights in Education, Heartbeat Protection Act appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report:Legislative Session 2023: Week 2 of 9Dear Friends,An exciting moment happened this week for the FFPC during the session’s last day of week two. Our Director of Pastoral Ministries, Dr. Kevin Baird, was chosen to be the Minister of the Day and give the invocation to open the Florida House of Representatives session. His prayer now goes into the official historical record of the Florida House. We are very proud of Kevin and his remarkable work at the Capitol, bringing pastors to pray with legislators every week of the session. Learn more about the Florida Capitol Project here.
Aaron DiPietro, our Legislative Affairs Director, testifying before the Florida House
The 2023 Legislative Session Week 2 was full of action from start to finish, with numerous committee vote victories!The week started on Monday with a bang as Sen. Clay Yarborough defended SB 254, The Gender Interventions on Minors Act, legislation seeking to protect minors from harmful gender “reassignment” chemical and surgical castration procedures; the proposal passed during the final vote. Tuesday saw Rep. Adam Anderson successfully advancing HB 1223, the Parents’ Rights in Education Part 2 legislation, restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in PreK-8th grade and protecting students and school employees from being forced to address others using “preferred” pronouns when such terms contradict biological sex.
On Wednesday, Rep. Stan McClain delivered HB 1069, a proposal to tighten sex ed curriculum standards and increase parental appeal procedures to remove harmful materials from school classrooms and libraries, with the committee voting to approve. On Thursday, Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka presented HB 7, The Heartbeat Protection Act, a bill to protect babies in Florida after six weeks; the bill was approved and now moves on to the next stop.
In addition to some of the highlights above, several other priority bills advanced through the legislature. Below are the top bills the Florida Family Policy Council is tracking this session, along with the latest action on each. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our Legislative Affairs Director, Aaron DiPietro, is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.
Text underlined and in red indicates an ACTION ALERT for scheduled committee hearings on our priority bills. For those willing and able, we encourage you to attend and speak in favor of the bills up in committee.
For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John StembergerPresident
Abortion/Life IssuesSUPPORT 1. HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)Description: The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action Alert: Thursday, HB 7 passed the Health Regulation Subcommittee, 13-5, and now moves to the final committee stop, Health and Human Services Committee. SB 300 is now scheduled to be heard in the Health Policy Committee, the first of two committees, on Monday, March 20th at 3:30 pm in Room 412K in the Knott building!
SUPPORT 2. HB 1339/SB 1306 Adoptive Parent Registry Act (Rep. Abbott/Sen. Harrell) Description: This bill seeks to create a potential adoption registry of prospective parents who have been vetted properly and are awaiting adoption opportunities for newborn babies surrendered for adoption. The goal of the legislation is to create a streamlined process for the adoption process, in addition to reducing the cost of the adoption process.
Action Alert: The house version is awaiting a hearing.*SB 1306 is now scheduled to be heard in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee on Monday, March 20th at 12:30 pm in Room 37S in the Senate Office Building!*
SUPPORT 3. HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton) Description: This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: On Thursday, the house version passed the first of two committees stops, Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee, 17-0; the senate version had previously passed the first of three committees.
Action Alert: On Friday,HB 899 passed the final of two committee stops, Health & Human Services, 20-0, and now is heading to the House floor. SB 870 is now scheduled to be heard in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee on Monday, March 20th at 12:30 pm in Room 37S in the Senate Office Building!
OPPOSE 4. HB 1033/SB 1076 Reproductive Health Care Rights Act (Rep. Harris/Sen. Berman)Description: This pair of bills seeks to reverse many key and recently passed protections for unborn children and their mothers. It establishes a right to abortion in state law and aims to legalize abortion until the third trimester.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
OPPOSE 5. HB 1231/SB 864 End of Life Act (Rep. Campbell/Sen. Book)Description: This pair of bills seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the state of Florida.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and ConscienceSUPPORT 1. HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)
Description: The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to healthcare professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to only two committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender IssuesOPPOSE 1. HB 393/SB 328 Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses Act (Rep. Harris/Sen. Book)
Description: This act would seek to add sexual orientation and gender identity as recognized categories in criminal defense law. Although there are some direct concerns about specific applications in real life, the main issue is the attempt of this bill to slide the subjective, undefinable, and legally fluid categories sexual orientation and gender identity into state law, despite being repeatedly rejected by the Florida legislature in other areas of law. This bill could also be precedent for future attempts to criminalize any opposition to the LGBT movement in the future.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees and is awaiting a hearing; the Senate version is scheduled for its first of two stops, Monday, March 13th, in the Health Policy Committee, at 3:30 pm in Room 412K in the Knott Building.
OPPOSE 3. HB 163/SB 874 Driver License and Identification Card Gender Designation Act (Rep. Arrington/Sen. Torres, Jr.)Description: The proposal seeks to add the category of non-binary on ID and Driver’s License State-issued cards. This action would begin the dismantling of government recognition of the biological realities of male and female and set precedent for further undermining sex-specific areas of public law.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 4. HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action Alert: The House version is still awaiting a committee hearing; *SB 1438 is now scheduled to be heard in the Commerce Committee on Tuesday, March 21st at 2:30 pm in Room 412K in the Knott Building!*
OPPOSE 5. HB 659/SB 1522 Sexually Transmissible Diseases Act (Rep. Robinson (F)/Sen. Pizzo)Description: Currently, under state law, to knowingly donate blood, organs, or other bodily items that are contaminated by an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or to knowingly participated in intercourse while infected with an STD without informing the partner, is a felony. This proposal would seek to lower that criminal action to a mere misdemeanor.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT6. HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)Description: The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: The house version has been assigned to three committees and is awaiting hearings; the senate version has been assigned to two committees.
OPPOSE 7. HB 219/SB 80 Marriages Between Persons of the Same Sex Act (Rep. Rayner-Goolsby/Sen. Polsky)Description: This provision aims to eliminate the language in state statute recognizing marriage as between one man and one woman.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 8. HB 1265/SB 952 Reverse Woke Act (Rep. Yarkosky/Sen. Ingoglia)Description: The bill establishes provisions in state law that if companies choose to provide healthcare coverage for employees to obtain gender reassignment hormones, treatments, and surgeries, then those same companies must also provide coverage to those same individuals who experience regret and seek to detransition and allows those individuals to sue the same companies for damages.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Education/Parental RightsSUPPORT 1. HB 1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)
Description: This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Action: On Wednesday, HB 1 passed the Employment and Education Committee, 16-4 and on Friday, passed the final stop, Education Quality Subcommittee, 13-3, and now heads to the floor. Also on Wednesday, SB 202 passed the Appropriations Committee on Education 9-4. It also has one remaining stop before heading to the Senate floor.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)Description: HB 1223 seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. HB 1069 prohibits any sex education whatsoever in PreK-5th grades and mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action Alert: On Tuesday, HB 1223 passed the House Choice and Innovation Subcommittee 14-4 and heads to its final committee. On Wednesday, HB 1069 passed the House Education Quality Subcommittee 13-5, and heads to its final committee as well. SB 1320 is now scheduled to be heard in the Education PreK-12 Committee on Monday, March 20th at 12:30 pm in Room 412K in the Knott Building!
SUPPORT 3. HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)Description: This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees. The Senate version is set for its second of three committees. It will be heard Tuesday, March 14th, at 1:30 pm in Room 412 in the Knott Building. On Thursday, the House version passed its first committee stop, Choice and Innovation Subcommittee, 17-0, and moves on to the second of three committees.
SUPPORT 4. HB 817/SB 650 Sex Ed Transparency Act (Rep. Black/Sen. Collins)Description: This proposal seeks to strengthen parental notification on sex education instruction and provide transparency on the contents of those courses.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 5. HB 1620/SB 1463 Minors Protection from Harmful Materials Act (Rep. Beltran/Sen. Grall)Description: This bill establishes guidelines for educating educators on the dangers of technology abuse for children, especially the dangers of pornography. Further, it tightens the educational materials loophole in state obscenity statute, which was used to expose children to inappropriate or even graphic sexual content under the guise of education. It also enforces new rules on specific web providers, websites, and social media platforms to use age verification and other means to protect minors from harmful materials present on said platforms.
Action: The House version has been assigned to four committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
Other Related Issues OPPOSE 1. HB 311/SB 324 Postsecondary Intellectual Freedom and Viewpoint Diversity Act (Rep. Hinson/Sen. Polsky)Description: The proposal would remove free speech protections for college students, as well as the ability of students to film lectures or presentations in class. It also eliminates free speech reviews conducted to ensure state colleges and universities are promoting an environment protecting and encouraging the free exchange of ideas.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to have to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 3. HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)Description: The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: The House version has been assigned to three committees and the Senate version has been assigned to two. Both are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 4. HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)Description: This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each; the House bill has passed its first committee, while the Senate version is awaiting a hearing.
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
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The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Week 2 of 9 – Action-Packed with Numerous Committee Victories! appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friends,
If you haven’t registered yet, we are only 12 days away from our Pro-life, Pro-family Days event and spots are selling out! People have said on multiple accounts that this is a life changing event that you don’t want to miss. Click the link here to sign up now while tickets are still available!
Read about all of our amazing speakers below 👇
Chloe Cole, the 18-year-old fighting to protect children, was born a female, underwent years of puberty blockers starting at 13 and had a double mastectomy at 15. After the procedure, Chloe still felt depressed, and even more so realizing what she was going to miss out on regarding having children. Chloe then de-transitioned and has been on a mission to protect children ever since. Watch her testimony Here
Chris Elston, a.k.a. “Billboard Chris” who is a father of two girls and decided to take a stand against gender ideology. Chris believes that children should be free to be who they are — not indoctrinated to believe they were born in the wrong body. Chris shares: “Puberty blockers are the first step in a medical pathway that brings physical harm to children. We are lied to about the effects of these drugs, and the cross-sex hormones which almost always follow.”See a clip of Chris Elston’s interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson Here
Dr. William Lile is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. In 1999, Dr. Lile took over the largest provider of abortions in Pensacola, Fl, and on the very first day, all abortions were stopped. He turned all the former abortion equipment in the facility into educational material to show people how brutal abortions are. Dr. Lile, known as the Pro-Life Doc, now spends a great deal of his time educating people on how “a life is a life, no matter how small” as he says. See Dr. Lile being featured on Fox Nation Here
The topic for Monday night will be focused on Transgender surgeries for minors featuring Chris and Chloe.The topic for Tuesday morning will be focused on Pro-life issues with Dr. Lile.
Register now for Pro-Family Days so you don’t miss Chloe Cole and the other amazing speakers we have lined up.
I hope you can join me for this life changing event.
John Stemberger, President, Florida Family Policy Council
The post Only 12 Days Left Until Pro-Life, Pro-Family Days appeared first on FFPC.
Florida Family Policy Council’s Legislative Insider’s Report:Legislative Session 2023: Week 1 of 9Dear Friend,The 2023 Legislative Session has arrived in the Free state of Florida! Opening this past Tuesday, March 7th, House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo began the proceedings within their respective chambers. This was followed by a joint session in the House Chamber where Governor Ron DeSantis gave the annual State of the State address, delivering powerful statements on the right to life, protecting children from sexualization, empowering parental rights, and promoting school choice.
A unique and historic highlight was Governor DeSantis recognizing Chloe Cole in the chamber who sat next to First Lady Casey DeSantis. Chloe is a formerly trans teenager, who took testosterone and puberty blockers at age 13, underwent a double mastectomy at age 15, and started de-transitioning at age 16. She is now a powerful advocate for protecting children like her from such harmful and dangerous procedures. She will be the speaker at our Pro-Life, Pro-Family Days event on March 27-28 in Tallahassee. Sign up for that event here:
We at FFPC are thrilled about the 2023 session and believe we truly are approaching one of the most exciting and fruitful sessions in recent history, even in light of the incredible victories of the last few sessions. Leading the list of our priority bills is the Heartbeat bill, which would protect pre-born babies after 6 weeks of pregnancy. Also, top on the agenda is enshrining Medical Rights of Conscience and Free Speech for Healthcare Professionals in state law. This would protect doctors’, nurses’, and pharmacists’ speech and conduct when they refuse to perform medical procedures which they consider immoral or unethical like abortion, trans surgeries, or when expressing dissenting viewpoints like COVID treatments. We will also see the furthering of expanding Parent’s Rights in Education and protecting children from sexualization and indoctrination. We will also see bills protecting children from being exposed to adult entertainment in public businesses like drag queen strip shows and other inappropriate conduct.
Below we have listed for you our top good and bad bills. The Florida Family Policy Council is tracking all of these and others on our agenda in this session. With the name and number of the bill is also a summary of each and links to each bill’s text. You can always keep track of all of our priority bills on our website, which will be updated as new priorities arise.
Our Legislative Affairs Director Aaron DiPietro pictured above is on the ground full time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committee, and working to advance our priority bills through the process, and he will be providing regular updates on our social media platforms; in addition, we will also provide email updates weekly throughout the session.For real-time updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up for text alerts here.
Thank you again for your support,
John StembergerPresident
Abortion/Life IssuesSUPPORT 1. HB 7/SB 300 Heartbeat Protection Act (Rep. Persons-Mulicka/Sen. Grall)Description: The proposal protects the unborn after 6 weeks, the time period at which a heartbeat can be detected, the strongest protections for the unborn in Florida post-Roe. Secondly, the legislation also prohibits state funding to be used for transporting mothers out of state to receive abortions. Thirdly, the bill prohibits the mailing of chemical abortion prescriptions and that a doctor must be present in person to prescribe such medications and to perform surgical abortions, cutting off the ability of clinics to use non-medical staff to conduct abortions or use telehealth to prescribe those abortion drugs. Finally, the bill expands support for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, providing needed resources for mothers in unexpectant pregnancies.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to only two committees each, indicating leadership prioritization and are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1339/SB 1306 Adoptive Parent Registry Act (Rep. Abbott/Sen. Harrell) Description: This bill seeks to create a potential adoption registry of prospective parents who have been vetted properly and are awaiting adoption opportunities for newborn babies surrendered for adoption. The goal of the legislation is to create a streamlined process for the adoption process, in addition to reducing the cost of the adoption process.
Action: Both the house and senate versions have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 3. HB 899/SB 870 Baby Box Act (Rep. Canady/Sen. Burton) Description: This bill seeks to expand the locations to first responder facilities and other locations where baby boxes can be installed and monitored. This allows for new mothers to give up their newborn babies and to surrender parental rights to enable the child to be adopted.
Action: On Thursday, the house version passed the first of two committees stops, Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee, 17-0; the senate version had previously passed the first of three committees.
OPPOSE 4. HB 1033/SB 1076 Reproductive Health Care Rights Act (Rep. Harris/Sen. Berman)Description: This pair of bills seeks to reverse many key and recently passed protections for unborn children and their mothers. It establishes a right to abortion in state law and aims to legalize abortion until the third trimester.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
OPPOSE 5. HB 1231/SB 864 End of Life Act (Rep. Campbell/Sen. Book)Description: This pair of bills seeks to legalize physician assisted suicide in the state of Florida.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT6. HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)Description: The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: The house version has been assigned to three committees and is awaiting hearings; the senate version has been assigned to two committees.
OPPOSE 7. HB 219/SB 80 Marriages Between Persons of the Same Sex Act (Rep. Rayner-Goolsby/Sen. Polsky)Description: This provision aims to eliminate the language in state statute recognizing marriage as between one man and one woman.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 8. HB 1265/SB 952 Reverse Woke Act (Rep. Yarkosky/Sen. Ingoglia)Description: The bill establishes provisions in state law that if companies choose to provide healthcare coverage for employees to obtain gender reassignment hormones, treatments, and surgeries, then those same companies must also provide coverage to those same individuals who experience regret and seek to detransition and allows those individuals to sue the same companies for damages.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Freedom of Religion, Speech, and ConscienceSUPPORT 1. HB 1403/SB 1580 Medical Conscience Protection Act (Rep. Rudman/ Sen. Trumbull)Description: The bill would protect the rights of medical doctors, nurses, or other providers, as well as religious medical facilities, to practice their conscience convictions in their healthcare practices. Specifically, no medical professional or entity could be forced to recommend, participate in, and provide nonemergency medical procedures and actions that would violate their sincerely held convictions and beliefs. For example, no doctor would be forced to perform an abortion, and no nurse would be demanded to participate in a “sex-reassignment” surgery, among other actions that could violate their rights of conscience.
This proposal also provides protections to health care professionals from being penalized, reprimanded, or deprived of their licenses for exercising their freedom of speech by private medical certification boards.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to only two committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Sexuality/Marriage/Gender IssuesOPPOSE 1. HB 393/SB 328 Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses Act (Rep. Harris/Sen. Book)Description: This act would seek to add sexual orientation and gender identity as recognized categories in criminal defense law. Although there are some direct concerns about specific applications in real life, the main issue is the attempt of this bill to slide the subjective, undefinable, and legally fluid categories sexual orientation and gender identity into state law, despite being repeatedly rejected by the Florida legislature in other areas of law. This bill could also be precedent for future attempts to criminalize any opposition to the LGBT movement in the future.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1421/SB 254 Gender Interventions on Minors Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill seeks to bans anyone from subjecting minors to dangerous “sex change” hormone treatments or so-called gender reassignment surgeries. It also establishes provisions for affected minors to have opportunities to seek damages from the individuals and entities that subjected them to the harmful treatments in the first place.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees and is awaiting a hearing; the Senate version is scheduled for its first of two stops, Monday, March 13th, in the Health Policy Committee, at 3:30 pm in Room 412K in the Knott Building.
OPPOSE 3. HB 163/SB 874 Driver License and Identification Card Gender Designation Act (Rep. Arrington/Sen. Torres, Jr.)Description: The proposal seeks to add the category of non-binary on ID and Driver’s License State-issued cards. This action would begin the dismantling of government recognition of the biological realities of male and female and set precedent for further undermining sex-specific areas of public law.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 4. HB 1423/SB 1438 Protecting Children from Adult Entertainment Act (Rep. Fine/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The bill establishes penalties for private businesses that allow children to have access to adult entertainment venues, including drag shows. Penalties range from serious fines for initial offences, to loss of business license for repeat offences.
Action: Both bills have been filed and are awaiting committee assignments.
OPPOSE 5. HB 659/SB 1522 Sexually Transmissible Diseases Act (Rep. Robinson (F)/Sen. Pizzo)Description: Currently, under state law, to knowingly donate blood, organs, or other bodily items that are contaminated by an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or to knowingly participated in intercourse while infected with an STD without informing the partner, is a felony. This proposal would seek to lower that criminal action to a mere misdemeanor.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT6. HB 1521/SB 1674 Safety in Private Spaces Act (Rep. Plakon/Sen. Grall)Description: The bill aims to codifying that certain private spaces such as restrooms, lockers, showers, and certain sleeping quarters, among other categories are to be kept separated by biological sex for the purposes of public safety and privacy. It also establishes penalties for both individuals and businesses that violate the provisions of the statute.
Action: The house version has been assigned to three committees and is awaiting hearings; the senate version has been assigned to two committees.
OPPOSE 7. HB 219/SB 80 Marriages Between Persons of the Same Sex Act (Rep. Rayner-Goolsby/Sen. Polsky)Description: This provision aims to eliminate the language in state statute recognizing marriage as between one man and one woman.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 8. HB 1265/SB 952 Reverse Woke Act (Rep. Yarkosky/Sen. Ingoglia)Description: The bill establishes provisions in state law that if companies choose to provide healthcare coverage for employees to obtain gender reassignment hormones, treatments, and surgeries, then those same companies must also provide coverage to those same individuals who experience regret and seek to detransition and allows those individuals to sue the same companies for damages.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
Education/Parental Rights SUPPORT 1. HB 1/SB 202 School Choice Act (Rep. Tuck/Sen. Simon)Description: This bill expands the Florida Education Scholarships to all students statewide, allowing the tax dollars to follow the child to the school of the parent’s choice, allowing parents to determine how their children are educated. This act will revolutionize school choice here in the state of Florida and allow parents, who would otherwise be forced to have their children in public schools, the freedom to choose other options. The bill exempts traditional home education from the bill’s oversight for those homeschoolers who decline to use the funds and establishes a separate category in state statute for those who choose to homeschool and receive the funds, under the category of personalized education plans.
Action: On Wednesday, HB 1 passed the Employment and Education Committee, 16-4 and on Friday, passed the final stop, Education Quality Subcommittee, 13-3, and now heads to the floor. Also on Wednesday, SB 202 passed the Appropriations Committee on Education 9-4. It also has one remaining stop before heading to the Senate floor.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1223/HB 1069/SB 1320 Parental Rights in Education Act (Rep. Anderson/Rep. McClain/Sen. Yarborough)Description: HB 1223 seeks to further build on Parent’s Rights in Education law by expanding the prohibition on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to cover PreK-8th grades. The bill also seeks to protect students and school employees from being forced to use preferred pronouns when those pronouns do not correspond with biological sex realities. HB 1069 prohibits any sex education whatsoever in PreK-5th grades and mandates any teaching in higher grades be tied to teaching biological sex as the basis of gender. It also eliminates the sex ed supplemental materials loophole which unintentionally allowed explicit material if the material was considered “supplemental”, ensuring that all materials in the classroom must meet the same standards. And finally, the proposal adds additional rights for parents to have access to materials in the classroom and rectify violations of the provision.
Action: All 3 proposals only have 2 committee stops each, indicating high priority for legislative leadership; the bills are awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 3. HB 379/SB 52 Student Social Media and Devices Safety Act (Rep. Yeager/Sen. Burgess)Description: This proposal seeks to protect young students in their usage of electronic devices while in public school. Public school servers must block access to certain inappropriate websites and block access to all social media platforms for students using those servers. In addition, strict standards on electronic device usage in the classrooms are required to be set and select educational staff are to undergo training on recognizing and addressing the dangers of social media.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees. The Senate version is set for its second of three committees. It will be heard Tuesday, March 14th, at 1:30 pm in Room 412 in the Knott Building. On Thursday, the House version passed its first committee stop, Choice and Innovation Subcommittee, 17-0, and moves on to the second of three committees.
SUPPORT 4. HB 817/SB 650 Sex Ed Transparency Act (Rep. Black/Sen. Collins)Description: This proposal seeks to strengthen parental notification on sex education instruction and provide transparency on the contents of those courses.
Action: The House version has been assigned to two committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
SUPPORT 5. HB 1620/SB 1463 Minors Protection from Harmful Materials Act (Rep. Beltran/Sen. Grall)Description: This bill establishes guidelines for educating educators on the dangers of technology abuse for children, especially the dangers of pornography. Further, it tightens the educational materials loophole in state obscenity statute, which was used to expose children to inappropriate or even graphic sexual content under the guise of education. It also enforces new rules on specific web providers, websites, and social media platforms to use age verification and other means to protect minors from harmful materials present on said platforms.
Action: The House version has been assigned to four committees, while the Senate version has been assigned to three. Both bills are still awaiting hearings.
Other Related Issues OPPOSE 1. HB 311/SB 324 Postsecondary Intellectual Freedom and Viewpoint Diversity Act (Rep. Hinson/Sen. Polsky)Description: The proposal would remove free speech protections for college students, as well as the ability of students to film lectures or presentations in class. It also eliminates free speech reviews conducted to ensure state colleges and universities are promoting an environment protecting and encouraging the free exchange of ideas.
Action: Neither bill has moved.
SUPPORT 2. HB 1487/SB 1618 Public Health Emergency Actions Act (Rep. Rudman/Sen. Yarborough)Description: The ordinances seek to restrict the power of the executive branch to declare public health emergencies and place additional checks and balances by requiring the legislature to have to approve extended public health emergency declarations. The proposals aim to avoid the massive shutdowns on churches, businesses and other establishments, and also to protect individuals from being forced to violate their moral, religious, or health convictions regarding government treatment plans in a public health emergency.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each and are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 3. HB 1013/SB 252 COVID Non-Discrimination Health Act (Rep. Griffitts/ Sen. Burton)Description: The proposal prohibits business entities, governmental entities, and educational institutions from mandating masking, Covid testing, or Covid vaccination requirements upon their customers or employees, to ensure their rights of religious freedom, conscience, and medical choice are protected. The legislation also requires that hospitals allow their doctors to provide a variety of treatments to address Covid cases and prohibits the hospitals from penalizing the doctors in any way for doing so.
Action: The House version has been assigned to three committees and the Senate version has been assigned to two. Both are awaiting their first hearings.
SUPPORT 4. HB 367/SB 610 Registration of Residential Child-caring Agencies and Family Foster Homes (Rep. Plakon/ Sen. Yarborough)Description: This bill repeals an outdated section of law that established a monopoly by one organization over the licensing of faith-based child care agencies, an organization which has sadly abused their monopoly and harmed a faith based child care agency in the process. This bill simply allows competition for other groups to apply to the state to be certified to also license faith-based child care agencies.
Action: Both bills have been assigned to three committees each; the House bill has passed its first committee, while the Senate version is awaiting a hearing.
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32806
Info@FLfamily.org * Phone: 407-251-1957
GIVE ONLINE NOW TO SUPPORT OUR WORK
The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Week 1 of 9 – State of the State, Opening Joint Session, Legislative Agenda for 2023 appeared first on FFPC.
For Immediate Release: March 6, 2023 |
Contact: Florida Family Policy Council Noah Fay, Nfay@flfamily.org
SBA Pro-Life America: Kelsey Pritchard, kpritchard@sbaprolife.org
New Poll: Over 60% of Floridians Support Protecting Unborn Babies With a Heartbeat FL Voters Strongly RejectAbortion On DemandTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – New polling conducted by Ragnar Research for SBA Pro-Life America and the Florida Family Policy Council shows likely Florida voters strongly support protecting human life in the womb once a heartbeat can be detected. Almost three-quarters of voters oppose allowing abortion on demand up until birth. The poll with a 4% margin of error surveyed 500 Floridians statewide from Feb. 27-March 2.
Key poll findings include:
- 62% of Floridians support legislation to protect unborn babies when a heartbeat is detected, with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.
- 61% of Independents and 58% of women surveyed support such legislation.
- Support was also high among Hispanic voters at 76%.
- Only 22% of likely voters support allowing abortion until the moment of birth.
Florida law currently protects unborn children before 15 weeks of pregnancy, a point by which science shows an unborn baby can feel pain. Though the law is being challenged by pro-abortion groups, it remains in effect. A heartbeat law is estimated to save tens of thousands of more lives each year if enacted.
The Sunshine State also dedicates significant resources to support pregnant women and new moms, including $4.5 million in funding for the Florida Pregnancy Support Services Program this fiscal year. Florida pregnancy centers served more than 76,000 women, men, youth and families in 2019, valued at $18.3 million, including nearly $12 million in medical services.
SBA Pro-Life America’s Southern Regional Director Caitlin Connorscommented:
“Floridians are compassionate and recognize the science of human life in the womb. When an unborn baby’s heartbeat can be detected, that child has more than a 90% chance of surviving to birth. It stands to reason that they and their mothers are deserving of protection in the law. As the 2023 legislative session commences, Florida’s strong pro-life Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders have the opportunity to keep pro-life success and momentum going, widening the circle of protection to reflect the will of the people and save thousands of lives each year.”
John Stemberger, President and General Counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, welcomed the new findings:
“When it comes to protecting children in Florida, both born and unborn, we should always do the right thing irrespective of the political consequences. But it is also good to know that over 60% of Floridians want to see an unborn child protected after a detectable heartbeat. This makes a heartbeat bill in Florida good policy and good politics. We will continue to work to protect mothers and their unborn children and advocate for providing help and support for them through both private and public resources. We can and should love them both.”
More than a dozen states have enacted pro-life protections since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, with the potential to save over 125,000 lives annually. To review the most accurate and up-to-date science of human prenatal development, visit Charlotte Lozier Institute’s groundbreaking Voyage of Life resource.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is a network of more than one million pro-life Americans nationwide, dedicated to ending abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.
Florida Family Policy Council is part of a network of 40 other state-based organizations who work with the Family Policy Alliance and focus on policy, law and cultural issues related to life, marriage, family and religious liberty.
The post Breaking News: New Poll: Over 60% of Floridians Support Protecting Unborn Babies With a Heartbeat appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friends,
We only have 25 days until Pro-Family days is here, and spots are filling up! You are not going to want to miss the amazing speakers we have joining us.
Chloe Cole, the 18-year-old fighting to protect children, was born a female, underwent years of puberty blockers starting at 13 and had a double mastectomy at 15. After the procedure, Chloe still felt depressed, and even more so realizing what she was going to miss out on regarding having children. Chloe then de-transitioned and has been on a mission to protect children ever since. Watch her testimony here.
Chris Elston, a.k.a. “Billboard Chris” who is a father of two girls and decided to take a stand against gender ideology. Chris believes that children should be free to be who they are — not indoctrinated to believe they were born in the wrong body. Chris shares: “Puberty blockers are the first step in a medical pathway that brings physical harm to children. We are lied to about the effects of these drugs, and the cross-sex hormones which almost always follow.” Watch a clip of Chris Elston’s interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson here.
Dr. William Lile is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. In 1999, Dr. Lile took over the largest provider of abortions in Pensacola, Fl, and on the very first day, all abortions were stopped. He turned all the former abortion equipment in the facility into educational material to show people how brutal abortions are. Dr. Lile, known as the Pro-Life Doc, now spends a great deal of his time educating people on how “a life is a life, no matter how small” as he says. See Dr. Lile being featured on Fox Nation here.
The topic for Monday night will be focused on Transgender surgeries for minors featuring Chris and Chloe. The topic for Tuesday morning will be focused on Pro-life issues with Dr. Lile.
Register now for Pro-Family Days so you don’t miss Chloe Cole and the other amazing speakers we have lined up.
I hope you can join me for this life-changing event.
John Stemberger
President, Florida Family Policy Council
The post Only 25 Days Left Until Pro-Family Days! appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friends,
Exciting news! Chris Elson, a.k.a. “Billboard Chris” will be coming all the way from his home in Vanvouver, BC to be one of our guest speakers at Pro-Family Days.
Chris is a father of two girls who decided to take a stand against gender ideology. Chris believes that children should be free to be who they are — not indoctrinated to believe they were born in the wrong body.
Chris shares: “Puberty blockers are the first step in a medical pathway that brings physical harm to children. We are lied to about the effects of these drugs, and the cross-sex hormones which almost always follow.”
If you have not done so yet, be sure to Register Here Now to hear Chris as well as Chloe Cole, who transitioned and de-transitioned all before the age of 18, and Dr. Lile, who is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
Register for Pro-Family Days now so you don’t miss Chloe Cole and the other amazing speakers we have lined up:
Register HereI hope you can join me for this life-changing event.
In His Service,
John Stemberger
President, Florida Family Policy Council
The post Chris Elston a.k.a.”Billboard Chris” just added as a Speaker at Pro-Family Days Event appeared first on FFPC.
| Dear Friends, We are so excited to announce Dr. William Lile will be joining us at Pro-Family Days as a guest speaker. Dr. Lile is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. In 1999, Dr. Lile took over the largest provider of abortions in Pensacola, Fl, and on the very first day, all abortions were stopped. He turned all the former abortion equipment in the facility into educational material to show people how brutal abortions are. Dr. Lile, known as the Pro-Life Doc, now spends a great deal of his time educating people on how “a life is a life, no matter how small” as he says. Dr. Lile will be giving a very educational talk on abortion, the chemical abortion pill, and how he is currently treating pre-born patients in the womb with extraordinary procedures, including open heart surgery. We are so excited to have Dr. Lile join Chloe Cole as one of our guest speakers. |
| You will not want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to hear Dr. Lile and Chloe Cole, the girl who had a double mastectomy at 15 and is now on a mission to protect children from gender affirming “care”. |
| Register for Pro-Family Days now so you don’t miss Dr. Lile and the other amazing speakers we have lined up
| I hope you can join me for this life changing event. |
| |
| John StembergerPresident, Florida Family Policy Council |
|
The post Exciting News! Dr. William Lile “The Pro-Life Doc” Confirmed as a Speaker at Pro-Family Days Event appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friends,
Exciting news! Chloe Cole, the 18-year-old fighting to protect children, is coming to Pro-Family Days as a guest speaker. Chloe, born a female, underwent years of puberty blockers starting at 13 and had a double mastectomy at 15. After the procedure, Chloe still felt depressed, and even more so realizing what she was going to miss out on regarding having children.
Chloe then de-transitioned and has been on a mission to protect children ever since. You will want to see her amazing story and what she has to say. Our goal is to educate people on the topic of transgender surgery for minors, and to gain support for a bill to be passed this year banning it. We will announce more guest speakers soon, so keep an eye out for our upcoming emails.
Listen to a brief overview of her powerful story now
It is a much watch
Register for Pro-Family Days now so you don’t miss Chloe Cole and the other amazing speakers we have lined up.
Register Here for Pro-Family DaysI hope you can join me for this life-changing event.
John Stemberger
President, Florida Family Policy Council
The post Breaking News!!!! Chloe Cole Confirmed as a Speaker at Pro-Family Days Event appeared first on FFPC.
Thank you! We reached our goal!Dear Friend,
You made it happen! We are so thankful to everyone that gave in our year-end campaign to reach our goal of raising $200,000.
Your support has helped us begin 2023 with a great start as we hire additional staff and get our lobbying teams and educational programs in place. Thank you!
As 2023 begins, I wanted to make you aware of these 2 important events coming up.
1- March for Life – St. Augustine – January 13-14, 2023
March for Life St. Augustine is for anyone of any faith who believes in the sanctity of human life. You can learn more here.
2- Pro-Family Days – Tallahassee – March 27-28, 2023
The theme for this year is “Protecting Children – Both Born & Unborn”
We will have special speakers (soon to be announced) that will instruct us on how to continue our fight for the unborn and how to best move forward after the overturn of Roe vs Wade. You can get all of the details as well as register here.
Thank you for your prayers and support as we begin 2023.
In His service,
John Stemberger
President, Florida Family Policy Council
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Avenue | Suite C | Orlando, FL | 32806
info@FLfamily.org | Phone: 407-251-5130
The post We made it! Plus upcoming events… appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friend,
It is hard to believe that we only have a few days left in 2022. if you have not seen our “2022 Year in Review” you can get a copy here. As you will see in the report, we have been blessed with many enormous wins this year.
We’re thanking God for these wins, and for giving us the opportunity to work with so many incredible, freedom-loving patriots! And we’re carrying that momentum as a mandate.
In these final days of 2022, we’re looking ahead to our most vulnerable areas – and the areas where our opponents plan to exploit. We’ve determined that we need to raise an additional $200,000 here at the year-end to hire additional staff and to ensure that our lobbying teams and educational outreach programs remain fully funded through 2023 and into the all-important 2024.
As you can see in the graphic below, we have reached 79% of our year end goal. If you have given, thank you so much!
If you have not made a year end gift yet, would you join us by making an investment in our work here before 2022 ends?
Every investment in our work is deeply appreciated and I can guarantee you that every dollar will be used to fight for life, marriage, religious liberty, parental rights, and free speech in Florida.
Blessings,
John Stemberger
President, Florida Family Policy Council
Florida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Avenue | Suite C | Orlando, FL | 32806
info@FLfamily.org | Phone: 407-251-5130
The post Whoa! we are almost there… appeared first on FFPC.
This Joyous Season
celebrates the very miracle of human life,
precious from the first moment of conception,
and embodied in the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
We can also celebrate a new Era of Life in America now that the greatest human rights movement of our time has prevailed.
Please celebrate with us this Christmas season that the humanity of the unborn has been
reborn once again in our nation’s laws.
From our family to yours, wishing you a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
John Stemberger, President
The Board of Directors
and the staff of the Florida Family Policy Council
DonateFlorida Family Policy Council4853 S. Orange Avenue | Suite C | Orlando, FL | 32806
info@FLfamily.org | Phone: 407-251-5130
The post From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friend,
I am excited to announce that registration is now open for Pro-Family Days 2023. Be sure to save the dates of March 27-28, 2023.
The theme for this year is “Protecting Children – Both Born & Unborn” and I hope that you will join us for this truly life-changing event.
We will have special speakers (soon to be announced) that will instruct us on how to continue our fight for the unborn and how to best move forward after the overturn of Roe vs Wade.
As you know, the LGBT+ activists are coming after our children in public and private schools and they are not even hiding it anymore. The indoctrination ranges from subtle to in your face. To help combat this, you will hear from experts with real life stories that will encourage you as well as teach you how to stand up for freedom and protect our children.
I hope you will join me for 2 important days of:
- Training on Key Bills
- Briefings from Experts
- Great Food & Fellowship
- Praise & Worship
- Lobbying Legislators: FL Capitol
- Prayer Breakfast
- Testimonies from Legislators
You can get all of the details as well as register here.
In His Service,
John Stemberger
President, Florida Family Policy Council
The post The dates are now set, I hope you can join us…for Pro-Family Days 2023 appeared first on FFPC.
Dear Friend,
There may not have been a “red wave” nationally, but there was in Florida…
I can’t say we were surprised – after all, we know this is what happens when you stand for conservative family values unapologetically. “Florida…” as Governor DeSantis said in his victory speech, “is where woke goes to die!”
Floridians want to uphold what is good, true, and beautiful in our world, and we won’t be bullied and intimidated by the woke mob who wants to see Florida return to abortion-on-demand, drag queens in school libraries, and rogue school boards locking parents out of the process.
We know the midterms were good to Florida, but I wanted to give you a fuller picture of just HOW MUCH good has happened here in the Sunshine State in 2022.
Simply click the graphic below to download FFPC’s 2022 Annual Report, which outlines some of the incredible accomplishments that your generous support enabled this year.
As you’ll see in the report, there was not a shortage of enormous wins.
We’re thanking God for these wins, and for giving us the opportunity to work with so many incredible, freedom-loving patriots! And we’re carrying that momentum as a mandate.
As we approach the end of 2022, we’re looking ahead to our most vulnerable areas – and the areas where our opponents plan to exploit. We’ve determined that we need to raise an additional $200,000 here at the year-end to hire additional staff and to ensure that our lobbying teams and educational outreach programs remain fully funded through 2023 and into the all-important 2024.
Would you join us by making an investment in our work before the end of the year?
Every investment in our work is deeply appreciated and I can guarantee you that every dollar will be used to fight for life, marriage, religious liberty, parental rights, and free speech in Florida.
Here’s the bottom line: none of this would have been possible without your help. This year was, in every sense of the word, HISTORIC. 2022 was the year of LIFE, and we want to celebrate it with you.
We’ve just commissioned a “LIFE WINS” art piece in celebration of the end of Roe v. Wade, and in anticipation of a future of LIFE in Florida. I’ve enclosed a picture of that art piece that you can download here. As a token of our appreciation, we’re going to be sending a large 18×24” print of “LIFE WINS” to every supporter who gives at least $250 by 12/31/2022 and requests a poster.
I’d love to send you one of these beautiful pieces. Would you join us today with a one-time or recurring investment in our freedom-promoting work in Florida? You can give here.
I’m praying that you’ll make a commitment to our work – and to the preservation of freedom in Florida – with a generous year-end gift.
Blessings to you and yours this Holiday Season!
John StembergerPresident, Florida Family Policy Council
The post 2022 Year in Review Report Enclosed with Historic Special Offer… appeared first on FFPC.
The post 🎥 2022 Election Breakdown: Video: What the Midterms Mean for Families Featuring FFPC’s John Stemberger appeared first on FFPC.
There are currently three pro-life citizen initiative petition drives registered in Florida to attempt to amend the state constitution. Unfortunately, they all have different leaders sponsoring them and each has different proposed language.
The post Our Position on Pro-Life Petition Campaigns to Amend the Florida Constitution appeared first on FFPC.
Order printed Florida voter guides for distribution at your church for the 2022 General Election.
The post Order Voter Guides for Your Church appeared first on FFPC.
Sign up to be part of this dynamic exchange with our US Senator Marco Rubio. He will be giving us an insider's briefing on DC politics and we will be dialoguing on the hot topics in American politics, religion, culture and big tech.
The post Ask Sen. Marco Rubio a Question in Our Virtual Town Hall appeared first on FFPC.
Sign up to be part of this dynamic exchange with our US Senator Marco Rubio. He will be giving us an insider's briefing on DC politics and we will be dialoguing on the hot topics in American politics, religion, culture and big tech.
The post Ask Sen. Marco Rubio a Question in Our Virtual Town Hall appeared first on FFPC.
Renatha Francis' judicial philosophy is one of restraint and she will interpret the law and the constitution as an originalist and a textualist.
The post BREAKING NEWS: Gov. DeSantis appoints Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court appeared first on FFPC.
We'll be casting a vision for Florida churches focusing on protecting children in education, equipping the church to care for women in crisis pregnancies, and partnering with and ministering to the leaders of civil government.
The post Announcing the “Be Thou My Vision” 13 City Pastors Conference Tour: Coming to a city near you… appeared first on FFPC.
Would you please consider giving a historic gift to support our work in this critical time in our state and nation?
The post We will not give up… appeared first on FFPC.
Supreme Court: "We hold Roe and Casey must be overturned." "It's time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the states."
The post BREAKING: “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled.” Final Answer appeared first on FFPC.
The post Thinking Clearly After Roe: A Five Part Strategy Moving Forward appeared first on FFPC.
Supreme Court Draft Decision Holds That Roe v Wade "Must Be Overturned".
The post BREAKING NEWS: Florida Family Policy Council Responds to Breaking News from Politico on Leaked Draft Decision in Dobbs Abortion Case appeared first on FFPC.
Do you know of a student between the ages of 16 and 24 who would benefit from an exciting summer program that teaches leadership, communications, and a Christian worldview? We have several opportunities and full scholarships available for qualified students!
The post Summer scholarships available for student leadership programs appeared first on FFPC.
(Orlando, FL) US Sen. Marco Rubio will address Florida Family Policy Council’s 2022 Annual Policy Awards dinner and state Sen. Aaron Bean will serve as MC. The featured speaker for the evening is CEO of the Babylon Bee Seth Dillon, and the event will take place on Saturday, May 14th at the Rosen Centre Hotel.
The post Two special speaker announcements for our annual dinner appeared first on FFPC.
(Kissimmee, FL) Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a late-term abortion bill into law today at a Spanish-speaking church surrounded by about 200 women, children and supporters of the bill which protects unborn children after 15 weeks, making it the strongest protection for unborn children in Florida’s history since Roe v. Wade.
The post BREAKING NEWS: GOV. RON DESANTIS SIGNS STRONGEST PRO-LIFE BILL IN FLORIDA’S HISTORY INTO LAW appeared first on FFPC.
In the Disney vs DeSantis Battle, DeSantis & Parents Across America are the clear winners.
The post BREAKING NEWS: GOV RON DESANTIS SIGNS PARENTS’ RIGHTS IN EDUCATION BILL INTO LAW DESPITE FIERCE OPPOSITION appeared first on FFPC.