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April 18, 2025
SB 820, sponsored by Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville), was approved 9-3 by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government on Tuesday, April 15. HB 293, sponsored by Representative Doug Bankson (R-Apopka), was advanced 15-5 on Thursday, April 17 by the State Affairs Committee.
The bill would create the Office of Faith and Community within the Executive Office of the Governor to connect government infrastructure and resources with faith-based and community-based organizations. The measure recognizes the significant role of faith and community networks in supporting vulnerable groups and promotes enhanced collaboration with governmental programs.
The new office would provide administrative support to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council, composed of 25 members that include representatives from various faith and community organizations, foundations, corporations, and municipalities. FCCB’s executive director, Michael Sheedy, is currently a member of the council.
SB 820 has one remaining committee of reference, Appropriations. HB 293 will go next to the full House.