Senate Committee Advances Bill to Establish Maternity Housing Program

On Tuesday, FCCB indicated support for SB 1442 (Grall) before the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services. SB 1442 would establish the Florida State Maternity Housing Grant Program within the Department of Children and Families. The program would provide housing for pregnant women and their families who have inadequate financial resources to meet residential costs. Stable housing has been identified as one of the most important predictors of health as housing instability diminishes overall well-being and reduces opportunities to receive health care. Access to prenatal care is especially crucial for the health of pregnant mothers and unborn infants. The committee unanimously voted to advance the bill, which must now be heard by one final committee before it can be taken up by the full Senate. The companion bill in the House, HB 1609 (Stevenson), has also passed its first two committees of reference with one remaining.