News - May 2017 RSS Feed

After a three-day extension, the Regular Session of the Florida Legislature came to a close (sine die) at 8:52 p.m. on Monday, May 8. The motion to adjourn sine die, Latin for 'without day,' is the last action of a session of the Florida legislature.

Pregnancy Support Services - Catholic Days at the Capitol Issue: Despite a failure to pass a bill adding the Florida Pregnancy Care Network to statute, funding for this network of pregnancy help centers remains at its current level. $4 million is allocated in the budget to provide services such as counseling, referrals, material support, training, and pregnancy and childbirth education to pregnant mothers as they prepare to parent or place their babies for adoption. FCCB has been supportive of the program since its inception in 2005.

Bills that were passed by the Legislature will be presented to Governor Rick Scott for final action. From the date the governor receives a bill, he has 15 days to either sign, veto, or let the bill become law without his signature. Final votes are linked to House and Senate records. You can click on each vote to see how your legislators voted.

PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES Supported by FCCB - Catholic Days at the Capitol Issue SB 1130 (Bean) / HB 969 (Toledo) places the Florida Pregnancy Care Network in statute. HB 969 passed the House 79-38 but never received a vote by the full Senate. Note: FPCN continues to be funded at its current level ($4 million) in the 2017-2018 budget.

Gambling: House and Senate negotiators were unable to reach a compromise on gambling legislation or the renewal of the compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Expansion of casino gambling is opposed by FCCB.