Legislative Insider’s Report 

2017 Legislative Session – Weeks 5 and 6 (of 9 weeks)

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOOD BILLS

ADOPTION / FOSTER CARE 

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

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

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

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

LIFE 

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

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

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

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

EDUCATION 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GAMING 

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

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

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

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

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

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

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY 

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

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

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

ISRAEL

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

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

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

BAD BILLS 

LGBT RIGHTS

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

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

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

GAMBLING

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

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

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

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

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

ALCOHOL

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

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

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

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

The post Legislative Insider’s Report: Weeks 5 and 6 of 9 appeared first on FFV.

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) is currently looking for churches and individual volunteers to assist us in distributing educational Voter Guides across Florida in preparation for 2016’s upcoming elections. Each election cycle, FFPC produces educational Voter Guides free of charge to distribute, primarily to churches, in local areas around the state, so that voters can make more informed choices when casting their ballot. We are at a pivotal point in our nation and we have the opportunity to make a huge impact in the direction of our country this year. Please consider joining us in this important effort!

In 2016, there will be three elections:
* March 15: Florida Presidential Preference Primary
* August 30: Florida Primary (for all offices with the exception of President)
* November 8: General (all offices, including President)

Florida Family Policy Council will produce and distribute separate voter guides for each of these elections.

Several opportunities for volunteers include, 1) Storing voter guides at “Hub Locations” such as a church or office; 2) “Hub Captains” who coordinate and oversee countywide distribution of voter guides; 3) “Church Liaisons” who are contacts at local churches who work with the Hub Captains to identify how many guides their specific church will need; 4) “Drivers” who will physically distribute voter guides to participating churches. In some cases, one person may hold more than one position listed above.

Would you please consider assisting us this year by replying to this email or calling us at your earliest convenience? Call us at 407-251-5130 or email info@flfamily.org.

Florida Family Policy Council would be grateful for any and all assistance that you can provide for this year’s voter guide efforts.

The post Volunteers Needed: 2016 Election Voter Guide Distribution appeared first on FFV.

Pro-Family Days at the Capitol Details:

Monday, January 25

3:00-4:00pm-                     Registration-Tallahassee Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

4:00-6:00pm-                     Training Session and Legislative Briefing

6:00-6:30pm-                     Break, Local Caucus, Transition for Dinner

6:30-7:30pm-                     Buffet Dinner and FFPC Program

8:00-9:00pm-                     Prayer Meeting at the Capitol led by Pastor Mario Bramnick

Tuesday, January 26

7:00-7:30am-                      Full Buffet Breakfast Served – Civic Center

7:30-8:45am-                      Prayer Breakfast

8:45am-                              Head for Capitol to Lobby with those in your District

Lunch-                                On your own- Options Provided

2:00pm-                              Group Meeting in Legislative Chambers & Closing Prayer

3 Steps to Prepare:

1)    Registration– Online HERE:

2)    Transportation– Individual arrangement OR with a group coming up in your area

3)    Housing Arrangements– Book a room HERE or if traveling with a group contact

Call the following names and numbers below for groups from the following cities that will be attending using shared transportation and room arrangements:

Pensacola– Contact Tom Thompson at (850) 434-5257
Tampa– Contact Patty Sodmont at (813) 777-9871
Clearwater– Contact Mark Phillips at (850) 567-8143
Boca Raton– Sue Trombino at (561) 239-8847
Miami– Contact Marilyn Rivera at (305) 546-1190
Orlando– Contact Nandi Randolph at (407) 251-5130

The deadline is approaching for this very exciting event.  Sign up ASAP here so we can begin to make plans for your briefing.  An appointment with your State Senator and or State Representative from your district will be arranged with others in your area for those attending.

For a full color PDF flyer to copy and hand out here:

Register online here:

See available block rates for rooms here:

The post Pro-Family Days at the Capitol & Prayer Breakfast in only 14 days! Sign up today for this life changing experience! appeared first on FFV.

Click on the below image to download a copy of our exciting anniversary brochure (PDF).

We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary as an organization and produced this dynamic history video and beautiful anniversary brochure to give our supporters a concise overview of our accomplishments and achievements over the past decade. Thank you for your interest in our work and we would welcome your financial support by making an online contribution here.

The post Celebrating Ten Years of Fighting for Life, Marriage, Family and Liberty appeared first on FFV.

CONTACT: Ryan Hughes
Shirley & Banister Public Affairs
703-739-5920/800-536-5920
rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) announced that a movement of pro-life Floridians, represented and led by FFPC President John Stemberger and co-sponsored by the Students for Life’s Defund Planned Parenthood Bus Tour will hold a major rally at the Florida State Capitol. The rally, which will be held on Monday, December 7th, will bring together pro-life Floridians from all over the state to demand action from Governor Rick Scott by ending the state’s Medicaid and Title X contracts with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

The capitol rally heralds the next step in a statewide and national campaign to raise awareness of an issue that has received national attention. Mr. Stemberger sent a letter requesting action to the Governor and his office.

“Governor Rick Scott has the clear legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse, and potential fraud,” said Stemberger. “In both his gubernatorial campaigns, Rick Scott campaigned that if elected he would be a pro-life Governor. We would now like him to take action like a pro-life Governor. The pro-life and pro-family community that supported the governor in the last two election must have their voices heard on the urgency of this matter, and we hope this rally will finally force the governor to listen.”

Details of the capitol rally are as follows:

WHO: Pro-Life Taxpayers and National Speakers (TBA)

WHAT: Florida Taxpayer Rally to Defund Planned Parenthood

WHEN: Monday, December 7, 2015 | Rally: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET |

Pre-Rally with Music and Snacks from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Florida State Capitol, 400 S Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

HOW: Carpool with friends or FREE coach bus service from Miami and Orlando

(Contact info@FLFamily.org for departure times and locations)

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is one of 38 other state based policy councils around the country which are associated with Focus on the Family. Many of these organizations are the leading pro-life, pro-family organizations in their respective states.

For more information or to arrange an interview with John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council, please contact Ryan Hughes with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

###

The post Pro-Life Taxpayers Plan Rally at Florida State Capitol to Demand Action appeared first on FFV.

Time is running out to register for this exclusive event for Pastors: 

The Protect My Ministry Tour 

“A 14 city seminar tour for Pastors & Headmasters to enjoy some great food and fellowship in a first class setting and learn how to legally protect your church and or Christian school in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision redefining marriage…”

REGISTER HERE: for one of 14 seminars on this tour:

Wednesday, September 30- Pensacola
Wednesday, September 30- Panama City
Thursday, October 1- Tallahassee
Monday, October 5- Jacksonville
Monday, October 5- Orlando
Tuesday, October 6- Tampa
Tuesday, October 6- Clearwater
Tuesday, October 6- Bradenton
Wednesday, October 7- Fort Myers
Wednesday, October 7- Naples
Thursday, October 8- Palm Beach
Thursday, October 8- Fort Lauderdale
Friday, October 9- Miami  
Wednesday, October 21- The Villages

• What changes need be made to your church by-laws?
• Should pastors still sign marriage certificates?
• Am you at risk if a same sex couple asks me to marry them?
• Are church mercy ministries that receive public funding at risk?
• How do you properly call a meeting to officially and legally amend official church documents
• Do you have to rent out your church building to any couple who wants to get married?

Attorney John Stemberger for the past ten years has addressed and given counsel to pastors and churches around the country on IRS non profit regulations and policies and legal changes regarding marriage, family and religious liberty issues.

Sign up today and enjoy food and fellowship in a comfortable atmosphere with other senior pastors and Christian school headmasters and obtain resources to learn the best practices to protect your church from legal attack by sexual orientation and gender identity ordinances and have many other questions answered.  Numerous handouts and resources will be available.Due to limited space and enormous demand for this material and resources, only one pastor per church or one school representative will be allowed to register for this event.  Register online HERE:

This event is being co sponsored by Family Research Council and Vision America.

The post Pastors: Time is Running Out to Register For Protect My Ministry Tour appeared first on FFV.