Hello Neighbors and Community Members, This week was the start of the 60 Day Florida Legislative Session and my very first Legislative Session. As I participated in several of the traditions of the first week of session I was reminded how honored I am to be part of this process. I am grateful to each of you for trusting me and supporting me as your representative, so once again, THANK YOU!! 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 me at 407-205-2831 or susan@susanplasencia.com.
-Susan Plasencia
Promises Made Promises Kept
Toll Relief
Commuters who use SunPass saved over $37 million in the first month of the new toll relief program. Commuters with 35 or more toll transaction/month can save up to 50% per month during the year long toll relief program. A credit will be posted to their SunPass Account.
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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 passed all 4 committees and is ready for a full vote from the Florida House.
You can find my testimonies on the bill thus far in the links below:
Thursday, February 24, 2023 (PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee) - listen HERE (skip to 1:33) or read it HERE.
Tuesday, January 26, 2023 (Choice and Innovation Subcommittee) - listen HERE(skip to 2:06:01) or read it HERE.
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​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.
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.
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.
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 109 - I voted in favor to ensure that Florida Tax payers have priority over visitors when it comes to reserving the parks.
House Bill 97 - I voted in favor to take into consideration domestic violence when judges are determining parental responsibility.
House Bill 655 - I voted in favor of suicide prevention.
House Bill 517 - I voted in favor to ensure that our Combat Medics have a smoother transition into the nursing field.