SB 698 (Book) seeks to limit the harm done in the current practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by providing a framework to discipline physicians who commit egregious acts. While the Church prohibits the practice of IVF, the FCCB sees value in the intent of the proposal. FCCB is pursuing amendments to better reflect the dignity of human embryos created in this process.
House and Senate committees approved bills that would accelerate growth of the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program, which provides scholarships for nearly 18,000 students from low-income families to attend non-public schools this year. In addition to boosting the formula that increases the number of students allowed to participate in the program each year, the bills remove the requirement to attend public school the year prior to participation for students in grades 1 and 2. They also allow students to take up to two Florida Virtual School courses per school year without reducing their basic FES scholarship amounts
On February 27, the House Commerce Committee passed (15-8) HB 1265 (Byrd). The bill was amended to require that all public and private employers use either the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system or the documents required by Form I-9 to determine work eligibility for all new employees. Businesses that choose not to use E-Verify will be precluded from certain state incentives.