Hello Neighbors and Community Members, Week 2 of the Florida Legislative Session is complete. Wow, what a busy week! I have so much to share with you this week including; my interview with Brad Swanson with the Florida Internet & Television (find out a fun fact about me that we may have in common), the passage of Florida House Bill 1, and more. We continue to work to make Florida a great state. When we know better, we do better. Our world continues to change with new technologies, new science, new data, and more, and it is important for us to consistently evaluate each issue that arises. The bill process allows us to evaluate these issues every year and that is what we are doing on a daily basis in Tallahassee. As you've heard me say before, as a mother and as a grandmother, education has always been and continues to be a priority for me. It was so great to watch House Bill 1 pass the full Florida House this week (you can read and watch the details below) and know because you trusted me to represent you, I was able to be a small part in a big change to our education system. I want to be sure you are updated weekly on the work we are doing in Tallahassee. Below you will find information on bills I am sponsoring and co-sponsoring, my votes from committee meetings and the house floor, photos of my week, local information for Florida House, District #37, and more. If you have questions regarding any bills or information, please do contact my office. We love hearing from you! Remember - at any time during committee meetings or when the legislature is in session you can to tune in and watch us live at work. Visit the Florida House website HERE for the schedule. If I can be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact my office at 407-205-2831 or e-mail me at susan@susanplasencia.com. -Rep. Susan Plasencia
Florida Internet & Television Interview with CEO Brad Swanson.
Promises Made Promises Kept - Rep. Susan Plasencia
FL House Bill 1,which revises provisions relating to the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, part-time enrollment in public schools, transportation of students, graduation requirements, Commissioner of Education duties, and educator certifications.
HB1 is a priority bill that I am the prime sponsor of, with Representative Tuck. HB1 has now passed the full Florida House and is waiting on the Senate to pass HB1. The Senate version of HB1 is Senate Bill 202. You can follow SB202 through the Senate HERE. (the exact same bill must pass both the full House and the full Senate before it can go to the Governor for him to sign into law).
To watch the third reading and full passage of HB1 you can click HERE (starts at 11:47:00).
You can find my testimonies on the bill thus far in the links below:
Thursday, February 23, 2023 (PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee) - listen HERE (skip to 1:33:00).
Tuesday, January 26, 2023 (Choice and Innovation Subcommittee) - listen HERE(skip to 2:06:01).
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FL House Bill 95, which provides rights of law enforcement & correctional officers relating to Brady Giglio lists.
HB 95 is another promise make, promise kept by providing due process to law enforcement.
Presenting HB 265 & HB 287 in the Education Quality Subcommittee.
2023 Florida House Bills
My Sponsored Bills
I will continue to keep you updated on the bills I am sponsoring as they move through the legislature, however if you would like more information please click on the links below.
House Bill 265, which eliminates restrictions on students' ability to take the GED test if they pass the practice test. As an extension of my promise to expand school choice, I am fighting to give more educational options and accessibility to parents and students.
HB 265 passed out of its first committee (the Education Quality Subcommittee) this week. You can watch my presentation HERE (skip to 24:37:00).
House Bill 287, which requires the teaching of Asian American and Pacific Islander history in our statewide curriculum rules. History teachers are already required to provide three weeks of instruction for Jewish, African American, Hispanic, and Women's history. This bill would ensure the contributions and history of Asian Americans are included in those requirements.
HB 287 passed out of its first committee (the Education Quality Subcommittee) this week. You can watch my presentation HERE (skip to 27:27:00).
House Bill 681, which exempts charges for investigation and personal background check services, security guards and patrol services, and armored car services from sales and use tax. This is a part of my promise to cut taxes wherever I can. This bill was brought to my attention by one of our neighbors here in House District #37
House Bill 885, which helps municipalities be more efficient with their tax dollars.
My Co-Sponsored Bills
House Bill 305, which prohibits DOH from requiring enrollment in state's immunization registry or otherwise requiring persons to submit to immunization tracking; prohibits business & governmental entities from requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination to gain access to, entry upon, or service from such entities; revises purposes of Florida Civil Rights Action of 1992 to include discrimination protection for vaccination or immunity status.
My Committee Votes This Week
House Bill 201 - I voted in favor of requiring the Department of Children and Families initiate transfer evaluation to determine if defendant adjudicated incompetent to proceed meets criteria for involuntary civil commitment if it determines that defendant will not or is unlikely to gain competence.
House Bill 875 - I voted in favor of Guardian ad Litem providing additional support for dependent children if court makes certain determinations.
House Bill 1119 - I voted in favor of respecting the DNR of a person who is at end of life and incapacitated.
House Bill 1155 - I voted in favor to assist military families who move to Florida with child care.
My Floor Votes This Week
House Bill 477 - I voted in favor of term limits for District School Board Members.
House Bill 837 - I voted in favor of civil remedies to help lower the cost of insurance across the board.
House Bill 225 - I voted in favor of the approval of athletic associations to make revisions to their requirements to allow more schools and students to participate.
More HD #37 visitors to the Capitol this week and a couple of my colleagues.