Let’s start with some good news. Daryl Campbell, winner of the special universal primary January 11 to fill the vacancy for House District 94, was sworn in this week and assigned his committees. He also cast his first vote, in the State Affairs Committee—“Nay” on HB 7 (the Governor’s “Stop WOKE Act”). Send him congratulations and thanks for his vote. [email protected]. 850-717-5094.
To watch. The federal trial involving challenges to parts of SB 90 passed during 2021 began January 31, presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker. The more than two dozen plaintiffs allege restrictions on voter registration and voting by mail that particularly make electoral participation more difficult for Black and Hispanic citizens.
The signature Republican bills continued to move through committees. HB 5/SB146 (abortion restrictions). HB 5: Passed 2nd subcommittee (Health Care Appropriations)—thank Rep. Marie Woodson (HD 101) for her “Nay” vote. Now in its final committee (Health & Human Services; contact Rep. Felicia Robinson–HD 102) SB 146 passed its first of just two committees Feb. 2. Thank Senators Lauren Book and Shevrin Jones for their “Nay” votes. Contacts: Woodson ([email protected]); Book ([email protected]; Jones ([email protected]). Thumbs down: Broward/M-Dade Republican Tom Fabricio was approved as co-sponsor of HB 5.
HB 569 (“implicit preemption” – business damages caused by local government; guts local government) passed Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. “Nay” vote thank you to Reps Robin Bartleman ([email protected]) ; Dan Daley ([email protected]); Felicia Robinson ([email protected]); Marie Woodson (above).
HB 7 (“Stop WOKE Act”) passed. “Nay” thanks to Bartleman, Campbell, Woodson.
SB 1834 (“Don’t Say Gay”—Parental Rights in Education) was placed on the agenda in its first of three Senate committees, Education, for February 8. Broward Senators: Jones (see above) and Polsky ([email protected])
Anthony Ginsberg & Matthew Eaton
Co-Chairs
Dolphin Democrats – Legislative Committee