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On Tuesday, Tammy Fecci, associate for life and dignity, spoke on SB 1436 (Burton) before the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee. “At its core, SB 1436 would allow consumer finance loan companies to charge higher interest rates at the expense of struggling and already economically challenged Florida families and individuals.”

This week Tammy Fecci, associate for life and dignity, indicated in committee that the FCCB is seeking an amendment on SB 1436 (Burton) and HB 1347 (Brackett) that would make new rate caps on consumer finance loans "all-inclusive" of  interest, fees, other charges, and ancillary products made in connection with the consumer's transaction.

Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life, testified in opposition to HB 1267 (Fernandez-Barquin) before the House Commerce Committee. HB 1267 and SB 580 (Gruters) would create an increase of interest rates between 6% and 18% on what are already high-cost installment loans for consumers who are often in acute financial distress.

HB 741 (McClure) which would disincentivize renewable energy development through changes in reimbursement rates and additional fees, continues to advance in the legislature. 

On April 6, HB 1475 (Tuck) passed its final committee, Education & Employment (15-6), and has been placed on the House Special Order Calendar for April 13. The measure protects the rights of female athletes and promotes equality in women's sports by recognizing key biological differences between men and women and requiring separate sex-specific athletic teams. Laws and policies that affirm gender identities not aligned with biological sex often overlook the potential for serious, and often irreversible, physical harm to gender dysphoric individuals, especially minors. In a letter to Rep. Tuck, the FCCB outlined its support for HB 1475. The Senate companion, SB 2012 (Stargel), includes an exception for "persons who transition from male to female" if they meet certain conditions, such as specified testosterone levels. SB 2012 has been passed by its first two committees of reference and is now in the Senate Rules Committee.

HB 895 (Stevenson) passed the House Commerce Committee unanimously on March 29. FCCB supports this measure that gives vulnerable consumers an opportunity to access capital with less risk of exploitation. The bill ensures that borrowers are not penalized for prepayment of loans and that installment loans can be paid in installments. The term "installment loan" would presume multiple payments; however, installment lenders in Florida can require one lump sum payment which often results in borrowers having to re-borrow the same principal amount for additional interest and fees, leading to a cycle of debt. A lender that is licensed under the installment loan chapter, rather than the title loan chapter, can repossess the family vehicle on which the borrower depends to travel to work, making it even more difficult to repay the loan. SB 1478 (Gibson) waits to be heard by its second committee of reference, Commerce and Tourism.

Child Abuse Prevention Month leads us to a heightened awareness and serves as a solemn reminder of the need to be vigilant about providing a safe environment within the Church and our communities. We are all part of a larger culture of protection and healing within the Church, and each one of us can play an important role in strengthening this culture. We can better prevent abuse by eliminating situations that create the potential for abuse and by knowing how to recognize the signs of abuse. Noticing these warning signs, taking them seriously, and immediately reporting them are key to preventing abuse.

On March 25, the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee passed a proposal (9-5) to redirect two-thirds of documentary stamp taxes designated for the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund to address sea-level rise and upgrade sewage treatment. HB 5401 also prohibits the sweeping of the remaining funds into general revenue. FCCB supports protecting affordable housing dollars from being swept, as well as resiliency and infrastructure improvements. However, the new formula would appropriate less money to affordable housing than has been appropriated with previous sweeps. Decent, safe, and affordable housing is a human right. Tens of thousands of Floridians were homeless and over 1 million Floridians spent more than 50% of their income for housing before the pandemic. With the loss of jobs and reduction in income that so many Floridians have experienced in the last year, this is not the time to significantly decrease affordable housing dollars. FCCB supports full funding of the affordable housing trust fund, which was passed by the House last session and what Governor DeSantis has proposed every session during his term.