The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) applauds today’s approval of HB 1 by Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill’s expansion of school choice and the creation of Education Savings Accounts will empower all parents to choose the educational environment and services that best meet the needs of their children.
HB 7 (Persons-Mulicka) passed its first stop in the House on Thursday when the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee found it favorable on a 13-5 vote. Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, sent a letter in support of the bill, and Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life, testified on behalf of the FCCB.
On Monday, FCCB's Mike Barrett, associate for education, testified in support of SB 246 before the Senate Committee on Health Policy. "Everyone needs access to healthcare," said Barrett. "This bill extends coverage to a vulnerable population and is a positive step in providing all Floridians with access to the healthcare they need."
HB 555 (Jacques) and SB 450 (Ingoglia) would repeal current law that requires a jury to be unanimous in recommending a death sentence. The measure instead requires that a recommendation by only 8 of 12 jurors is necessary for a sentence of death to be imposed.
HB 1 (Tuck) and SB 202 (Simon) will expand state scholarship programs so that education savings accounts (ESAs) are available to all students eligible to attend a public school in Florida, including homeschool students.