Senate Passes Bill Establishing State Faith & Community Office

SB 820, sponsored by Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville), was passed by the full Senate on Thursday, April 24 (27-9) and is in messages to the House. 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. HB 293, sponsored by Representative Doug Bankson (R-Apopka) is on the House calendar, on 2nd reading.