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 sixth week of
the Florida Legislative Session.
Dear Friends,
Week 6 of the 2025 Legislative Session has come and gone, leaving beyond yet another week of challenges and victories for FFV’s agenda, especially pivotal considering this marks the last week most of the lower subcommittees would meet. As we move into the final third of the 2025 session, the sense of urgency for our team is at a heightened level as we work behind the scenes to ensure that our bill priorities that are close to passage get the final push across the finish line.
Highlighted below are just a few of our key victories from this past week. For those eager to dive deeper into the details, a comprehensive PDF with in-depth bill progress updates is available.
Rep. Sam Greco gives closing debate on HB 1517
Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act (HB 1517)
Victory: On Wednesday, Rep. Sam Greco took to the floor to present the Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act.
He outlined the bill’s aim to allow parents to file civil lawsuits for the wrongful death of an unborn child. The legislation not only recognizes an unborn child as a distinct legal entity but also extends vital legal protections, ensuring accountability in cases of negligent or intentional harm. It forges new legal avenues for parents seeking redress for both emotional and financial losses, thereby humanizing the status of the unborn within state civil statute.
After a compelling close by Rep. Greco and powerful speeches of support from Reps. Dean Black and Mike Redondo, the House, in a party line vote, passed the bill off the House floor, 79-32 and is now headed to the Senate.
Parental Rights in Healthcare Act (HB 1505)
Victory: On Monday, the House bill passed its second committee, the Judiciary Committee, 16-5, spearheaded by Rep. Rachel Plakon. 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.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee in support of restoring parental rights in healthcare.
Office of Faith and Community Act (HB 293)
Victory: The bill, presented by Rep. Doug Bankson, passed its second House committee unanimously. 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.
For those eager to dive deeper into the details, a comprehensive PDF with in-depth bill progress updates is available HERE.
Looking forward to Week 7, I am excited for the announced hearings on several of our priority bills, including the Hope Florida Program Act and the Office of Faith and Community Act and am looking forward to additional hearings being announced on many of our other priorities remaining sometime towards the end of next week.
I’m excited to bring you updates from the frontlines, where every win reflects the power of your prayers, steadfast support, and the contributions of those who paved the way. If you’d like to help us push further—whether with a one-time donation or by joining our circle of monthly supporters—please donate HERE. Your generosity makes a true impact. In these challenging times, Florida Family Voice remains a committed advocate for truth, the sanctity of life, and the strength of the Florida family.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director
Florida Family Voice
This is the sixth week of Legislative Session 2025, and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida was able to host one of the largest groups of Pastors and Christian Leaders in its 7-year history of the Florida Capitol Project. 25 pastors were praying with legislators, staff, and distributing personalized Bibles. The ministry was, as one attending pastor remarked, “Off the charts.” Several pastors who have attended FCP multiple times over the years observed, “Every year we have attended has been great, but this year was simply at a whole new level.”
Perhaps the best description and endorsement of the Florida Capitol Project comes from a pastor who has attended over several years.
“I have had the pleasure of joining Kevin and Tracie Baird and the team from the Church Ambassador Network in Tallahassee for the Florida Capitol Project for the last three years. I am always amazed at what God is already doing in the halls and chambers of our state capitol. It is such a joy to join other Pastors and Ministry leaders in unity praying for our leaders in the civic mission field. The Representatives, Senators, and even their Aides are usually so thankful that we are there just to pray for them and not lobbying or asking anything of them. I look forward to attending the Florida Capitol Project every year and encourage other Ministry leaders to do the same. It is so important that our Brothers and Sisters in Christ do not neglect this mission field in our prayers or our service.”
Pastors are catching the vision for their part in reaching the civic mission field. A pastor remarked, “I simply had no idea as to what God was doing in the halls of government.” Another pastor remarked, “I would have never imagined that you could pray and minister with our elected leaders like I experienced today.” A first-time attender said, “I know 5 pastors this very moment who I can reach out to and bring with me next year.”
Something special and important is starting to stir within the hearts of Florida’s shepherds. It is a vision for civic missions.
I am convinced that if we could underwrite more of the expenses for pastors to attend FCP, that our number of attenders could significantly increase. Would you consider helping us underwrite the costs of this critical ministry by sending us a financial gift? My hope is that one day we have the resources for provide accommodations, meals, and travel expenses for every Florida pastor who would want to attend. It’s a big vision, but with God’s help and your partnership we can begin to see it come to pass.
For more information on the Church Ambassador Network and the Florida Capitol Project, visit our website HERE.
To become a financial partner to FFV and in turn help us reach the pastors of Florida, you can donate HERE.
Thank you again for praying for what we are doing. I can assure you, it is making a difference!
Thank you so much,
Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Executive Director
Church Ambassador Network of Florida
Time is Ticking!
Don’t Miss our 20th Annual Dinner Gala
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