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On April 10, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice approved SB 984, sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Miami), by a 6-2 vote. In Florida, when a person is found guilty of a capital crime, in order to recommend a sentence of death, the jury must unanimously find at least two “aggravating factors,” which are listed in the Florida Statutes. This proposed legislation would add a new aggravating factor for capital felonies when the victim was gathered with one or more people for a school activity, religious activity, or public government meeting.

This week marks the 2025 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, an annual commemoration recognizing the widespread need for victim-centered responses to harm, crime, and violence. Catholic Mobilizing Network has gathered resources to help us find solidarity with victims and survivors of crime, as well as choose life over death and healing over revenge.

On April 1, SB 1804, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), was heard in the Criminal Justice Committee. Later that day, companion HB 1283, sponsored by Representative Berny Jacques (R-Clear Water), was before the Justice Budget Subcommittee. These bills would make sex trafficking of children under 12 or persons who are mentally incapacitated a capital felony, which could result in a death sentence.

HB 1255, sponsored by Representative Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce), was approved by the PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee (12-1) on April 2. A provision of the bill would require health education in grades 6-12 to address human embryologic and fetal development. The curriculum must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing the development of the heart and other organs and movement of the limbs and head. It also must include a high-quality video showing and describing the process of fertilization and various stages of human development inside the uterus.

Having recently celebrated the Eucharistic Pilgrimage: The Gift of Sacred Mystery at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, Bishop Noonan invited his brother bishops across the state to share their wisdom for the people about the Eucharist, the Gift of Sacred Mystery. The Florida bishops had gathered at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Plenary Assembly at the Omni Championsgate June 14-16.  

“This legislation is a transformational opportunity to make it clear that the money follows the child, and parents have a right to guide their child’s education as they see fit,” said Senator Corey Simon at the bill signing. “We recognize that parents are a child’s first and best teachers."

After passing the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 12-7 vote earlier in the week, SB 300 (Grall) was introduced on second reading in the Senate. Bill sponsor, Senator Erin Grall, answered numerous questions about the bill from members, and it was rolled to third reading. 

Michael Barrett, associate for education, testified in support of HB 1421 (Fine) before the House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday. "We deeply sympathize with anyone who experiences gender dysphoria and recognize that it can be intensely difficult," said Barrett. "Therefore, it is important to recognize that so-called gender-affirming protocols lack long-term evidence of their efficacy and result in irreversible physical damage to the patient."