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Attorney General Ashley Moody promptly appealed that ruling.  With her appeal, the injunction is stayed and the law goes into effect while the challenge works its way through the judicial system.  We are pleased that the law is in effect.

During the 2022 Florida Legislative Session, legislators passed and Governor DeSantis signed into law a ban on abortion after 15 weeks gestation. In response, several pro-abortion organizations recently sued the state of Florida challenging the constitutionality of the new law. On June 30, a circuit judge said he would enter a temporary injunction preventing the law from going into effect on or shortly after the law’s effective date of July 1. An appeal of the injunction by the State is expected.

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In response, the bishops of Florida issued the following statement:

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 5 that limits abortions in Florida to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The new law also includes provisions to improve infant health and analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality. In support of the governor’s action, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement:

The bishops of Florida are elated to see the ruling by Judge Angela Dempsey of the Second Judicial Circuit Court upholding a 2015 state law that gives women 24 hours to reflect on information provided by physicians before proceeding with abortions

At the end of each week of the 60-day session, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) provided a summary of activity on priority bills and other items of interest at the Capitol.

On March 9, a bill providing for immigration enforcement within the state of Florida achieved final passage by the Florida Legislature. In response, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement:

The bishops of Florida commend Florida's legislature for passing HB 5 that limits when abortions can be legally obtained in Florida to 15 weeks of pregnancy. This pro-life measure also includes provisions to improve infant health and analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality. 

The bill unnecessarily expands the public records exemption shielding entities and people involved in distributing, manufacturing and supplying drugs used in lethal injections. In carrying out a death sentence, this could allow the state to utilize drugs from manufacturers that expressly prohibit their use in executions without the manufacturer's knowledge. 

The legislation will head next to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis to await his signature.  SB 254 seeks to prevent bias against religious institutions. The bill text provides that no emergency order may "expressly prohibit a religious institution from regular religious services or activities" and allows an exemption that permits an emergency order only if it  applies to all affected institutions equally.

The bill would streamline the state government background screening system, benefiting numerous organizations and industries throughout Florida, including Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools, while keeping children and vulnerable adults safe. 

These FCCB opposed bills would prohibit commercial airlines and busing companies from transporting unaccompanied migrant children into Florida if they want to enter contracts with the state or local governments.

The bill would disincentivize renewable energy development through changes in reimbursement rates and additional fees. The FCCB opposed the bill, and staff shared their concerns with legislators while the bill was in committee. The bill does not fairly balance support for the growing solar industry and utility infrastructure costs.

TALLAHASSEE – The bishops of Florida commend Florida’s legislature for passing HB 5 that limits when abortions can be legally obtained in Florida to 15 weeks of pregnancy. This pro-life measure also includes provisions to improve infant health and analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality.

An amendment filed by Senator Jason Pizzo would have funded an HLARC (Hormonal Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive) Program. Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns & respect life, testified in opposition to the amendment on behalf of the FCCB. HLARCs have detrimental effects on a woman's health and have abortifacient effects as they prevent embryos from implanting in the womb.

The bill unnecessarily expands the public records exemption shielding entities and people involved in distributing, manufacturing and supplying drugs used in lethal injections. In carrying out a death sentence, this could allow the state to utilize drugs from manufacturers that expressly prohibit their use in executions without the manufacturer's knowledge.

HB 741 (McClure) which would disincentivize renewable energy development through changes in reimbursement rates and additional fees, continues to advance in the legislature. 

HB 1505 (Trabulsy) and SB 1830 (Brodeur) would streamline the state government background screening system. These bills will benefit numerous organizations and industries throughout Florida, including Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools, while keeping children and vulnerable adults safe. 

FCCB opposes HB 1355 (Snyder) and SB 1808 (Bean) that would prohibit commercial airlines and busing companies from transporting unaccompanied migrant children into Florida.

After nearly six hours of debate, the Florida House passed HB 5 (Grall) shortly after midnight on February 17. House members went back and forth sharing opposing perspectives and often emotional stories of how abortion has impacted their lives. The bill, which would prohibit abortion after 15-weeks of pregnancy, was passed with a 78-39 vote largely along party lines.