This year’s legislative session was a busy one for Florida lawmakers, with more than 300 bills passed. Many have already kicked in, but about 200 will take effect this Saturday, July 1st. And several were sponsored by our locally elected lawmakers.
Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, co-sponsored HB 3, which prohibits financial institutions from considering environmental, social or governance factors when making investment decisions. Black also co-sponsored HB 543, which will allow gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without a license, and HB 1521, which prohibits using a restroom or changing facility in a state-owned building that doesn’t match your gender assigned at birth.
Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, introduced SB 240, which gives tax breaks to businesses that employ apprentices.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, introduced SB 262, which creates a “Florida Digital Bill of Rights” and restricts the data that companies can collect about online users.
Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, co-sponsored HB 389, which allows school districts to provide free menstrual hygiene products to students.
Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, co-sponsored SB 902, which places additional safety requirements on amusement ride operators.
Rep. Kimberly Daniels, D-Jacksonville, co-sponsored HB 931, which prohibits colleges and universities from requiring “political loyalty” tests for students or employees.
And Rep. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville, co-sponsored HB 1069, which expands the law that restricts teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity, barring such instruction through 8th grade (though the state Board of Education has already extended the prohibition through 12th grade).