Dolphin Democrats Legislative Committee Update – February 21, 2022
The Republicans are forgoing sleep to ensure that their top priorities continue to deeply hurt our community.
On 2/17, HB 5 (15-week Abortion Restriction) passed 78-39 in the Florida House at 12:02 a.m., closing out a House session that began the previous day on Feb. 16. Its Senate companion, SB 146, still awaits action in the second of just two committees (Health Policy), Appropriations.
SB 1834 (“Don’t Say Gay or Trans Bill”) now waits for its second committee passing, as its House companion, HB 1557, was, on 2/17, ruled favorable in its second committee; the Bill is now referred to the House calendar.
HB 7 (Stop W.O.K.E. Act) had its first reading on 2/14/22 and is now added to a second reading calendar; its Senate companion, SB 148, still waits for its second committee.
SB 524, the Governor’s effort to extend voter suppression beyond last year’s SB 90, is in the second of just two committees. Its companion, HB 7061, had its first reading on 2/7 and is now in its ONLY committee, Appropriations.
The preemption bills are moving quickly through the full Senate: SB 280 (companion to HB 403) has passed two of three committees; SB 620 (companion to HB 569) has also passed two of three committees.
Just like the Republicans, we must not sleep: Democracy never sleeps; and we must continue to fight for it because it is our rights, our dreams, and our lives that are on the line.
“Democracy Is Not a State. It Is an Act.” – Congressman John Lewis
Please join us in the act of saving our democracy!