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 Act
The Surrendered Infants Protection Act
The Pregnancy and Parenting Online Resources Act
The School Chaplain Act
The Offenses Involving Children Act
The Lewd or Lascivious Grooming Act
The Anti-Human Trafficking Act
The Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence Act
The 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 Healthcare Act.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Florida Family Policy Council
P.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
[email protected]
Phone: 407-251-5130