SB 404 (Stargel) was heard by its second committee of reference, Senate Judiciary. After a lengthy period of testimony and a procedural move by an opponent that could have delayed a vote on the bill, it favorably passed the committee (3-2).

Legislation that strengthens protections for vulnerable elderly persons who receive court appointed guardians was passed unanimously by first committees of reference in both the House and the Senate. SB 994 (Passidomo) and HB 709 (Burton) make a number of changes to improve guardianship laws in the state with respect to conflict of interest, compensation and appointment of guardians. Additionally, the bills require that guardians may not consent to or authorize do-not-resuscitate orders for their wards without court approval. The FCCB indicated its support for the measure at both committee meetings.

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee passed (5-2) a bill that would create a new statewide consumer-loan program that could charge interest rates as high as 36 percent on small-dollar loans. Florida statutes consider interest rates beyond 18 percent to be usurious. However, consumer finance loans (installment loans largely accessed by individuals with limited access to capital and traditional financial services) are allowed to charge up to 30 percent under current Florida law.

In somber recognition of the January 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, the Catholic bishops of Florida have released a joint statement.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida’s Catholic bishops have released a joint statement in somber recognition of the 47th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. In Catholic dioceses in the U.S., January 22 is designated a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

The 2020 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature is scheduled to begin Tuesday, January 14. Lawmakers will convene in Tallahassee for 60 days to debate and vote on proposed legislation and to pass a state budget for fiscal year 20-21. The annual session is scheduled to conclude on March 13.

On December 10, SB 404 (Stargel) was taken up a second time by the Senate Health Policy Committee and passed (6-3). Last month, time expired before a vote due to stall tactics by lawmakers who oppose the underlying measure. At this week's meeting, committee members were able to hear testimony from members of the community, with several testifying in support of the right of parents to be involved in a life-altering decision made by their minor daughters. When a minor is pregnant the support of her family is crucial, regardless of whether she has an abortion, she chooses to parent that child, or she places that child for adoption.

On Monday, December 9, James Herzog, FCCB associate director for education, testified on behalf of HB 2565 (Bush III) regarding security funding for non-public K-12 schools that participate in state scholarship programs. The $1 million appropriation will help bolster what schools are already doing to protect children by hardening the physical security of their campuses. Potential improvements include the installation of bulletproof glass, perimeter fencing, gates and locks, visitor screening, and security cameras. HB 2565 passed the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously.

Members of the Sadowski Coalition - representing a diverse group of organizations including: advocates for elderly, veteran, homeless and special needs populations; faith-based organizations; and business associations - gathered at the Capitol to urge the Florida Legislature to use affordable housing trust fund monies as intended.

The FCCB has identified its public policy priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session, set to begin January 14. Key issues of concern are identified under the advocacy areas of life, education, health care, and family & social concerns.

On November 12, SB 404 (Stargel) was taken up by the Senate Health Policy Committee. In an effort to stall final consideration of the bill, fifteen amendments were filed by lawmakers who oppose the underlying measure. None of the amendments passed; however, the amendatory process and questions on the bill consumed the entire 90 minutes scheduled for the meeting. With time expiring, a vote on the bill could not be taken, and the bill was temporarily postponed. We expect the bill to be rescheduled for a future meeting of the committee.

On Saturday, November 30, communities across the globe dedicated to the abolition of the death penalty and a more civil form of justice will participate in The World Day of Cities for Life / Cities Against the Death Penalty. Specific efforts vary by location, but many cities take part by lighting up major historical, religious, or civic monuments. In turn, those illuminated monuments become symbols of a commitment to creating a world without the death penalty. This annual event has been spearheaded by the Rome-based lay Catholic community of Sant'Egidio since 2002. November 30 coincides with the anniversary of the first death penalty abolition in history, which occurred in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Italy on November 30, 1786. Today, the top five nations carrying out executions are China, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

On November 6, a number of workers came to the Capitol to advocate for legislation providing protections for Florida workers at high risk for heat illness. SB 882 (Torres, Jr.) and HB 513 (Smith (C)) would require outdoor laborers to have free access to cool water, shade, and short breaks during periods of intense heat. The bills include required worker and supervisor training on how to identify symptoms of heat stress and how to administer first aid to affected workers on the job. FCCB supports this measure that promotes and protects the dignity and health of workers.

As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square -- and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at individuals. When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must bear witness to a better way. 

On October 22, HB 265 (Grall) passed the House Health & Human Services Committee (12-6). The bill will be heard by the full House during the 2020 Legislative Session that begins in January. HB 265 and its Senate companion, SB 404 (Stargel), require parents to provide written consent before a minor receives an abortion.

On October 23, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida granted a stay of execution until December 30, 2019 to allow Mr. Dailey's newly appointed federal counsel time to present his substantial claims of innocence. Dailey was scheduled to be executed on November 7. 

Five death row exonerees made a trip to the Capitol to deliver a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The letter from Witness to Innocence, an organization of exonerated survivors of death row, urges a halt to the execution of James Dailey. The exonerees, along with many others, believe Dailey to be innocent of the murder for which he was convicted and received a death sentence.

November is Florida Adoption Month, a time to celebrate adoption finalizations, express thanks to the parents, staff and stakeholders who work throughout the year to find permanent families for children in need, and bring attention to the children who are still searching for their forever family.

TALLAHASSEE, FL (October 29, 2019) – Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) is pleased to announce that Ken Kniepmann has joined the staff as associate for health. Kniepmann will serve the bishops and Catholic health ministry leaders in the state as a professional resource person on matters related to health care. He will advocate on behalf of the Church and Catholic health care ministry on legislative, regulatory and other public policy proposals with particular attention to ethical and moral issues.

TALLAHASSEE, FL (October 21, 2019) – The eight Catholic bishops of Florida have written to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to stay the execution of James Dailey. Dailey, who was sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, has a strong case for innocence.