Hello Neighbors and Community Members, We have now completed 4 weeks of the Florida Legislative Session with 5 more weeks to go... Sine Die (the last day of session) is scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2023. Last week I was able to vote on several bills that will improve education for our students, including start times for middle and high school students, improving parental educational rights, and restrictions on social media. Education has been a priority for me as a mom and grandmother for decades, and will remain a priority throughout my time in office. You can always count on me to make sure our students are receiving the best education we can possible give them. For more information on bills and other information regarding Florida House, District #37, please read below. And, if you have time this week, I would love for you to tune in and watch us at work in the Florida House! You can view the schedule HERE. 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. Sincerely,
Rep. Susan Plasencia
Promise Made, Promises Kept - Rep. Susan Plasencia
FL Internet & Television Interview w/ Brad Swanson
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 has passed both the full House and Senate and has been signed by the Governor.
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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.
HB265 has passed the full House and is waiting for a vote from the Senate.
2023 Florida House Bills
More of My Sponsored Bills
House Bill 95, which provides rights of law enforcement & correctional officers relating to Brady Giglio lists. HB95 is another promise made, promise kept by providing due process to law enforcement.
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
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.
HB95 and HB287 have passed all committees and are waiting to be voted on by the full House.
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 Votes This Week
House Bill 733 - This bill revises school hours for middle and high school students. Schools must begin no earlier than 8:00AM and no earlier than 8:30AM for high schools. Districts have at least 3 years to implement this change and will be provided funding and flexibility through other bills which have already passed the legislature. I voted in favor.
House Bill 1069 - This bill is an expansion of parental rights in education. I voted in favor.
House Bill 379 - This bill names school a place of learning, not a place to check social media or make a post. I voted in favor.
House Bill 7039 - This bill improves learning for our youngest Floridians. As our youngest Floridians start school, they must learn to read - so they can use reading to learn. Nearly half of our third graders cannot read on grade level. We must commit to a future in which every child masters the reading, math, and general knowledge needed to reach their potential. This bill also expands the New Worlds Scholarship Account, which provides $500.00 to an education savings account for families that qualify. I voted in favor.
For an in-depth look at these bills, please click on the bill link.