News - March 2025 RSS Feed

HB 1517, sponsored by Representative Sam Greco (R-Palm Coast), 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 children or medical providers offering lawful care. The bill was approved by the Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee on March 20 by a 13-3 vote.

A measure that would remove barriers preventing wrongfully incarcerated individuals from receiving compensation is close to final passage. Among the bill's provisions, it would: expand the filing window for compensation petitions from 90 days to two years following a conviction dismissal or acquittal; remove exclusions for exonerees who were previously convicted of certain felonies; and ensure wrongfully incarcerated persons receive monetary compensation, tuition waivers, and payment for fines and legal expenses, with a cap of $2 million.

HB 943, sponsored by Representative Vicky Lopez (R-Miami-Dade), aims to increase affordable housing across the state by requiring that county and municipal governments approve multi-family and mixed-use developments in residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed zones, so long as these developments set aside at least 40% of their housing units for affordable housing for at least 30 years. The bill also contains provisions that would make it easier for ministries of the Church to develop such housing.

Tallahassee, FL (March 25, 2025) – The Catholic bishops of Florida honored four awardees at the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol breakfast on Wednesday. This year’s award recipients were core partners working alongside the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops to defeat Amendment 4 in November 2024, which would have rolled back legal protections for the unborn in Florida.

This year's Catholic Days outreach to lawmakers centered on four distinct issues that are being considered during the legislative session, including opposition to assisted suicide and death penalty expansion, as well as support for improving prison infrastructure and a bill provision requiring instruction in human embryology.

The bishops honored four awardees at the breakfast on Wednesday. Paul Renner received the Defensor Dignitatis Award. Drs. Steven Christie, M.D. and Grazie Christie, M.D., were honored with the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. John Sowinski was presented with the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award.

During the 2025 Legislative Session, the FCCB's public policy priorities will guide the Conference's engagement. FCCB staff will continue to share the priorities with new and existing legislators and their aides.

Edward James is scheduled to be executed on March 20 for the 1993 murders of Betty Dick and her eight-year-old granddaughter, Toni Neuner. The FCCB recognizes the terrible pain and loss imposed by the actions of Mr. James. "We mourn the tragic deaths of Mrs. Dick and Toni and the suffering of their family members, and we pray for their comfort," wrote Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, in a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis.

For the 50th consecutive year, the Catholic bishops of Florida will celebrate the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit during the Florida legislative session. The Mass continues the long-standing tradition of calling on the Holy Spirit to provide divine inspiration and guidance for those serving in government and members of the legal profession. Mass participants are Catholic and non-Catholic and include members of Florida’s executive branch, legislators, judges, attorneys, state agency officials and community members.