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 fourth week of the Florida Legislative Session.
Dear Friends,
Week 4 of the 2025 Legislative Session culminated in a clean sweep of our priority bills — each advancing through key committees amid a good deal of spirited debate and vocal opposition from left-wing critics.
Nevertheless, our allied bill sponsors held the line, culminating in one of the most successful weeks thus far as we approach the halfway point of the 2025 session.
Below is a concise narrative of just a few of these victories, spotlighting sponsor leadership and the objections they overcame, along with some of the exciting bills that will be up on the agenda for next week.
For the full list of victories and more details on what these victories mean, click HERE for the detailed Insider’s Agenda Report.
Legislative Victories from Week 4
On Tuesday, the Office of Faith and Community Act (HB 293) passed its committee. Sponsored by Rep. Doug Bankson, the legislation permanently codifies the Governor’s Office of Faith and Community — ensuring faith-based nonprofits retain streamlined access to state resources.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of codifying the
Office of Faith and Community.
On Tuesday, the Gender Identity Government Employment Practices Act (SB 440) passed the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Stan McClain, the bill protects public employees from being forced to comply with gender identity mandates that conflict with their sincerely held beliefs.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of protecting conscience rights and opposing government-coerced, compelled speech.
On Tuesday, the Parental Rights in Healthcare Act (SB 1288) passed the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall, the legislation strengthens parental authority by mandating notification for changes to student records, banning biometric tracking without consent, and reinforcing medical consent requirements.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of restoring
parental rights in healthcare.
On Wednesday, the Initiative Petitions for Constitutional Amendments Reform Act (HB 1205) passed its final House committee and is heading to the full House floor. Sponsored by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, the bill strengthens signature verification, limits out-of-state petition influence, and increases transparency to protect Florida’s ballot process.
Action Alerts: Week 5 Opportunities
Parental Rights in Healthcare Act (HB 1505/SB 1288)
Sponsored by Rachel Plakon and Sen. Erin Grall, 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.
THIS BILL IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR FFV!
Hearing: The House version is slated for a hearing in the House Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 31st, at 1:30 pm in Room 17 in the House Office Building.
The Senate version is scheduled for next week in the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 1st, at 4:00 am in Room 110 in the Senate Office Building.
Protecting Minors from Obscenity in Education Act (SB 1692)
Focused on safeguarding our children, this proposal, led by Sen. Stan McClain, updates the standard adult-focused Miller test with a more rigorous, child-focused standard to regulate the exposure of sexually explicit material in educational settings. It aims to enhance transparency in school libraries and public venues, ensuring that only age-appropriate content is accessible to students.
THIS BILL IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR FFV!
Hearing: The Senate version is scheduled for next week in the Education PreK-12 Committee on Monday, March 31st, at 4:00 pm in Room 412 in the Knott Building.
The Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act (SB 1284)
Sponsored by Erin Grall, this bill allows parents to file civil lawsuits for the wrongful death of an unborn child. It recognizes an unborn child as a separate legal entity and extends legal protections to ensure accountability in cases of negligent or intentional harm. The legislation creates new avenues for parents to seek damages for emotional and financial loss resulting from the wrongful death of their unborn child, further humanizing the unborn in state statute.
Hearing: The Senate version is scheduled for next week in the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 1st, at 4:00 pm in Room 110 in the Senate Office Building.
Office of Faith and Community Act (SB 820)
Sponsored by Clay Yarborough, this bill will codify the Gov. DeSantis-created Office of Faith and Community within the Executive Office of the Governor. This office exists to foster collaboration between faith‑based organizations and state agencies. Recognizing the role of faith‑based groups in addressing needs and providing essential services, the office has worked tirelessly to remove bureaucratic obstacles that often prevent religious organizations from serving the most vulnerable in our state. Additionally, it assigns a dedicated liaison to assist these organizations in accessing available state resources. This legislation will make this office a permanent division within the Governor’s office.
Hearing: The Senate version is scheduled for next week in the Government Oversight Committee on Tuesday, April 1st, at 1:30 pm in Room 110 in the Senate Office Building.
The Hope Florida Program Act (SB 1144)
Sponsored by Danny Burgess, the Hope Florida Program Act is codifying into law the premier initiative that First Lady Casey DeSantis has been pursuing, designed to expand the state’s initiative by connecting families in need with community-based support rather than relying solely on government intervention. The act establishes “Hope Navigators” who offer personalized assistance, linking individuals to a network of nonprofits, churches, and ministries that can help meet their needs. It emphasizes the importance of public–private partnerships by streamlining access to resources like employment opportunities and essential services. By leveraging the expertise and reach of community organizations, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and create a more responsive, grassroots support system.
Hearing: The Senate version is scheduled for next week in the Government Oversight Committee on Tuesday, April 1st, at 1:30 pm in Room 110 in the Senate Office Building.
These victories would not be possible without the constant prayers and support that our faithful supporters give in our fight to safeguard family, faith, and freedom. Thank you for standing with FFV — your engagement makes all the difference. In the midst of a crazy and confused world looking for truth and hope, we passionately want to remind all that there is still some good in this world, and it is worth fighting for!
In Christ,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice
This is the fourth week of Legislative Session 2025, and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida again had pastoral “boots on the ground” connecting with our elected state representatives for prayer, partnership opportunities, public policy discussions, and proclaiming the good news of the Gospel. It was especially impactful as we had 16 pastors and spouses attending and were able to break into 3 teams and multiply our ministry efforts amongst our civic leaders throughout the state capitol.
We continued our personalized Bible distribution efforts and received incredible responses. The most often heard was response was simply, “WOW, this Bible is absolutely incredible!” Civic representatives are saying the following:
“This is the first Bible I have received since being given one handed-down from my great, great grandfather.”
“I was looking for a study Bible and couldn’t find the one I thought I might need and now you have provided the exact Bible I needed.”
“I just wanted to thank you so much for the lovely Bible that I was given. Wow, I will really cherish this as a keepsake.”
“I wanted to thank-you for the beautiful Bible. What a wonderful gift that I will treasure forever.”
“I was on the chamber floor and felt the need to come back to my office and you all were here with this Bible. I now know why I was prompted by the Lord to do that.”
One state legislator I that I personally presented a Bible to, had tears well up in his eyes and said, “Wow, this is the most meaningful thing anyone has done for me since I arrived here at the Capitol.”
These amazing responses are actually coming from both sides of the partisan wall. The only thing that can begin to heal the political wounds and offenses which fervent policy debate often times begets, is the power of God’s Word. God’s presence, as He moves through His Word and pastoral presence is a powerful antidote to the division and confusion that the public square often faces. The Church Ambassador Network reaching out through the Florida Capitol Project, along with other ministry groups on site at the state capitol, is making a tangible difference in legislators’ lives.
Along with ministry to our elected leaders, pastors are catching the vision for the civic mission field. Through the Florida Capitol Project, they are testifying that God has opened up their eyes to the ministry taking place at their state capitol and one even remarked as he departed, “This tour was absolutely life-changing”.
There are still 5 weeks left of the 2025 legislative session and there is room for more pastors. If you are a Christian leader or pastor, please look at the website and find the date which works for you. If you are a church member, please let your pastor know of this experience and encourage them to make the trip to Tallahassee. You can find all the details and contact information HERE.
I also want to encourage you to consider supporting Florida Family Voice and the Church Ambassador Network. It is because of generous donors that these personalized Bibles were made available, and doors have been opened for genuine ministry work. The best way to change a vote is for God to transform a heart. Your financial gift of any size will provide the necessary resources to keep your civic missionaries on the field of civic government.
Thanks in advance for your prayers and support.
Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of Florida
Don’t Miss our 20th Annual Dinner Gala!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Rosen Shingle Creek
Dinner & Program – 6:00 PM