Fifth Week of the Florida Legislative Session 

The Regular Session of the Florida Legislature is scheduled to run for sixty days, from Tuesday, March 4 -Friday, May 2, 2025. Florida Catholic Advocacy Network subscribers will receive end-of-week summaries for the 9-week session. All summaries are also available on the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) website. 

Legislation Applying the Death Penalty to Trafficking of Children Advances in Both Chambers

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. 

Joe Harmon, FCCB's policy coordinator, was present to testify in opposition at both committee hearings. "We commend efforts by law enforcement to combat the scourge of human trafficking, especially the trafficking of children," said Harmon. Yet, he urged "that death is not a good tool of justice in our society." In Florida, the practice of the death penalty has involved the state in erroneous convictions and botched executions, and it costs the state far more than the alternative of life imprisonment.

SB 1804 was approved by a 7-1 vote, and HB 1283 passed by a 9-3 vote. The bills will advance to their next committee of reference.

House Passes Bill Expanding Application of the Death Penalty for Victims of Public Gatherings

On April 3, the House passed HB 693, sponsored by Rep. Mike Redondo (R-Miami), by a vote of 96-10. 

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.

People who commit terrible and tragic crimes deserve to be punished. However, the alternative of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is a severe punishment, which also protects the public. All human life is sacred. The dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of grave evil.

Companion SB 984, sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Miami), has two more committee stops before it can be taken up by the full Senate.

House Committee Approves Bill Requiring Instruction in Embryology 

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. 

Michael Barrett, associate director for public policy and in-house counsel, was present to testify and share FCCB's support for the bill. "Providing additional exposure to this scientific information will enhance students' understanding of human biology, and foster a deep appreciation and sense of wonder for the beauty, complexity, and inherent dignity of human life," said Barrett.

Barrett also spoke in favor of a background screening provision contained in this larger education bill.

The bill heads to its last committee, House Education & Employment. 

Measure Protecting Immigrants from Fraud Advances

SB 846, sponsored by Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), and HB 915, sponsored by Rep. Johanna López (D-Orlando), would address notary public fraud, particularly focusing on immigration matters and the misuse of professional titles by notaries. Some immigrants have become victims of fraud by those who have misrepresented themselves as immigration attorneys or consultants, often paying them large sums of money.

The measure would prohibit a notary public from using specified terms, such as “notario público,” or any designation or title, in any language, which conveys or implies that he or she possesses professional legal skills in immigration law. The bill would create a civil cause of action for aggrieved parties to seek damages and legal fees.

SB 846 unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 1 and is now in Rules, its final committee of reference. HB 915 unanimously passed the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee on April 3. FCCB staff indicated support in both committee meetings.

Senate Committee Approves Bill Permitting Civil Action Following Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child

SB 1284, sponsored by Senator Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce), was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 1. The bill would allow parents of an unborn child to recover damages for mental pain and suffering due to the wrongful death of the child. The bill prohibits wrongful death actions against the mother of the unborn child or medical providers offering lawful care. FCCB staff indicated support for the bill, which was approved by a 6-4 vote. 

The companion bill, HB 1517, sponsored by Representative Sam Greco (R-Palm Coast), is on the House calendar on second reading. 

Bills Seeks to Enhance Government Partnerships with Faith and Community Networks

SB 820, sponsored by Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville), would create the Office of Faith and Community within the Executive Office of the Governor to connect government infrastructure and resources with faith-based and community-based organizations. The measure recognizes the significant role of faith and community networks in supporting vulnerable groups and promotes enhanced collaboration with governmental programs.

The new office would provide administrative support to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council, composed of 25 members that include representatives from various faith and community organizations, foundations, corporations, and municipalities. FCCB’s executive director, Michael Sheedy, is currently a member of the council.

SB 820 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee by a vote of (6-1) on April 1. Staff indicated support for the bill during the meeting. The House companion, HB 293 by Rep. Doug Bankson (R-Apopka), is now in the Health & Human Services Committee.

Action Alert: Urge Governor DeSantis to Spare the Life of Michael Tanzi

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has pleaded with Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay the execution of Michael Tanzi and commute his sentence to life without parole. Tanzi is scheduled to be executed on April 8 for the murder of Janet Acosta in 2000.

In a letter to DeSantis from Executive Director Michael Sheedy, the bishops affirm the duty of the state to protect the lives and safety of its citizens and to impose appropriate punishment for crimes. They also recognize the governor’s responsibility in ensuring this duty is carried out, yet urge justice without vengeance. “We appeal to you that it is possible both to achieve the purposes of punishment and to exercise mercy.”

Tanzi was the victim of childhood neglect and trauma. Consequently, his life was severely disordered. He now credits prison with saving his life and takes full responsibility for his actions. “While these factors do not change the terrible nature of his crimes or the need for his removal from society, they urge upon those governing on behalf of the people of Florida a spirit of mercy,” wrote Sheedy.

The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred. Even people who have committed terrible acts and caused great harm possess a human dignity instilled by God, our Creator. The death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person and perpetuates the cycle of violence that is prevalent in our culture. Given our modern penal system, executions are unnecessary. Life-long incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that ensures societal safety, allows the guilty the possibility of redemption, and offers closure for victims of crime and their families.

Please take the following two actions in support of human life and dignity:

1. PRAY: 

We mourn the devastating loss of Ms. Acosta, and pray for the comfort of her family and friends. Pray for all victims of violent crimes, for an end to the use of the death penalty, and for our society to recognize that more violence will not solve the problem of violence. Please also pray for Michael Tanzi, for all on death row, and for Governor DeSantis as he considers the decision to proceed with the execution. 

2. CONTACT GOVERNOR DESANTIS:

Please send a message to Governor DeSantis, urging him to stay the execution of Michael Tanzi and commute his sentence to life without parole.