LEGISLATIVE WEEK #3 IN TALLAHASSEE
STAY INFORMED THROUGH OUR INSIDER’S REPORT & AMBASSADORS’ UPDATE BELOW.
Dear Friends,
Week 3 of the 2024 Legislative Session was a massive success. Over 200 grassroots supporters in Florida, from Pensacola to Miami, joined us in Tallahassee on Monday and Tuesday for our annual FFPC Pro-Life, Pro-Family Days! We had a remarkable time of fellowship including praise and worship, legislative instruction, worldview training, and updates from leading allies in the legislature. The entire event was a tremendous encouragement and a complete success!
On Monday, Pastoral Ministries Director Kevin Baird, Media Producer Noah Fay, and I led a panel discussion covering our prioritized bills, advice for promoting the legislation, and the Biblical worldview implications of these public policies. We also shared the Biblical criteria for speaking the truth in love when engaging in the civic arena as ambassadors of Christ. Pastor Baird gave a stirring message on the importance of church involvement in the civic arena.
I had the pleasure of moderating a legislator panel with three of our close allies, Rep. Doug Bankson, Rep. Berny Jacques, and Rep. Chase Tremont. They each shared from the heart about their inspiration for getting into the political world and the surprises, frustrations, and highlights they have experienced upon coming to Tallahassee. Their testimonies and strong conviction to speak boldly on behalf of believers was a blessing to everyone present.
On Tuesday, at our morning prayer breakfast, we heard inspirational messages from Rep. Kiyan Michael, Sen. Clay Yarborough, and Sen. Dennis Baxley. Immediately after, our group of 200+ descended upon the Capitol grounds. Attendees lobbied their respective House and Senate members regarding bills that impact families and promote life. We also had the opportunity to visit and pray inside the House Chambers and the Florida State Supreme Court. At the Court, we were blessed to hear from former Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson, a committed believer and a dear friend of FFPC, who discussed the judicial offices and the role of the Court.
Be sure to take a look at the 2 latest episode below of Florida Focus, where Noah and I provide a recap of Day 1 and Day 2 and share the reasons why you should attend next year’s Pro-Life, Pro-Family Days!
Aaron DiPietro , FFPC Legislative Affairs Director and Noah Fay, FFPC Media Producer, recap the first day of Pro-Life, Pro-Family Days 2024
Aaron DiPietro , FFPC Legislative Affairs Director and Noah Fay, FFPC Media Producer, recap the second day of Pro-Life, Pro-Family Days 2024
Meanwhile, on the legislative front, we had some incredible victories on key bills this week! On Monday afternoon, HB 1639, The Biological Sex in Healthcare Bill, sponsored by Rep. Doug Bankson, passed its first House committee, the Select Committee on Health Innovation, by a vote of 10-5. Among other key provisions, this legislation defends the rights of detransitioners by requiring any healthcare insurance provider that covers chemical and surgical gender-reassignment procedures to also cover procedures for detransitioning back to one’s biological sex.
VICTORY!!!
The major highlight victory of the week, however, came on Wednesday, when HB 3, The Age Verification for Porn Sites Act, designed to protect minors from dangerous and graphic pornographic content online, unanimously passed a final vote on the House floor! We are extremely grateful to the leadership of Reps. Chase Tramont and Toby Overdorf for taking on this critically important issue to protect Florida’s children. The bill now heads to the Senate.
Many more committee victories occurred this week, all of which you can read about HERE. We have included the latest information for over two dozen 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.
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 in 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 so thrilled to have a front-row seat to the action in Tallahassee as I represent FFPC full-time during the session, engaging with legislators, testifying in committees, and working to advance our priority bills. 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,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Policy Council
LISTED BELOW ARE THE BILLS THAT WE ARE ADVOCATING FOR OR AGAINST.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PDF VERSION WITH COMPLETE DESCRIPTION AND STATUS.
WEEK OF JANUARY 22-26
Director, Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Deputy Director, Tracie Baird
Week #3 of the Florida Capitol Project found pastors participating with the Florida Family Policy Council in their premier event called Pro-Family Days. This yearly gathering has become an anticipated training, educational, and inspirational time for those desiring to influence the state legislative process. There were over 40 pastors participating in the event from various evangelical churches and ministerial networks. It was exciting and heartwarming to see so many of God’s shepherds desiring to impact and influence the civic mission field.
Three highlights that were notable during Pro-Family Days.
First, we revealed of our new ministerial network name, The Church Ambassador Network of Florida (CAN/FL). This name better represents the work that pastors are doing from across the state of Florida in ministering to our elected civic leaders. The Kingdom of God is built through transformed lives and relationships. Pastors are the ministerial ambassadors of that Kingdom in the civic arena as they connect with the ministers of civic government (Romans 13:1-4). This connection provides amazing opportunities to bless and help the residents of Florida.
Third, we were honored to have several state representatives attend who are also pastors in the local church. These men literally have one foot in civic government and the other in church leadership. They provide not only a unique perspective, but it is also an inspiration to see how their committed, Christian faith is applied to the civic government space.
It was an incredible two days together as the Church Ambassador Network and its flagship program, The Florida Capitol Project, were able to be enlarged and empowered in significant ways.
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 question they might have.
Florida Family Policy Council
P.O. Box 530103
Orlando, Florida 32853-0103
[email protected]
Phone: 407-251-5130