Our weekly recap from Aaron DiPietro, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice and Kevin Baird, Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of Florida
FFV’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.
FINAL 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.
Looking 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 so HERE.
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
Time is Ticking!
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