Politics

Human trafficking education bill ready for House floor

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2025

The House Education & Employment Committee has unanimously passed a measure to implement training for public school educators and other school personnel on human trafficking and the signs associated with it.

The legislation is now ready for the House floor.

Orlando Republican Rep. Erika Booth and Stuart Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf presented the bill (HB 1237). They explained that it would put in place mandatory education on human trafficking for all public school personnel, including teachers, custodians and cafeteria workers.

“This bill seeks to ensure that public school employees are adequately trained to identify potential victims of human trafficking in the school environment and respond in an appropriate manner,” Booth said. “Currently, schools are required to provide instruction regarding human trafficking to students grade K through 12, however there’s no mandatory training for school personnel.”

Booth said the measure will help to keep Florida’s children safe.

“This bill requires annual training to be provided to teachers, other administrative personnel, school nurses, doctors and other adults in the public school setting,” Booth said. “Equipping school personnel to identify, report and respond to human trafficking will help protect our children and foster a safer school environment.”

The committee adopted an amendment that was previously suggested by Orlando Democratic Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, which specifically adds education on human trafficking for staff of public charter schools.

During the bill’s passage through the House Education Administration Subcommittee, Lauren Evans and Tazara Fields, law students at Florida State University and part of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Law Project, showed support for the legislation and detailed the reality of human trafficking on children in Florida.

“In Florida, we face the hard reality that our state is the third-largest hub for human trafficking in the country,” Evans said. “Each year, an estimated 300,000 children in our country are at risk of sexual exploitation. And globally, this number rises to 3.3 million children. Vulnerability is the No. 1 risk factor for trafficked children. In Florida, over 737,000 children live in poverty, and 95,000 were homeless in 2023.”

Evans explained that the July 2024 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) report on the commercial sexual exploitation of minors found that 82% of minors who were verified as victims of commercial sexual exploitation were enrolled in the Florida K through 12 public school in the year following the verification of their abuse.

“This bill would be a natural extension of current legislation and allow us to fill a gap in the law,” Evans said. “Currently, there’s no mandatory training for public school employees for human trafficking, despite us requiring the same training for health care workers, hospitality workers, and even the students themselves.”

Evans added that despite state efforts to educate students on human trafficking, Florida lags behind in educating school employees on the same issue. She said that by mandating yearly training for public school employees, it could potentially save children from the lifelong trauma of being trafficked.

“Florida already leads the nation in educating our students, so it’s time to extend that responsibility to our educators,” Evans said.

Fort Myers Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin has filed a bill (SB 1804) that would impose stricter penalties for crimes involving sex trafficking, especially those that involve children or individuals with mental incapacities. The bill will be heard before the Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee this Tuesday.

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Politics

Tracie Davis pulls breast cancer screening bill amid issues

Published

10 minutes ago

April 28, 2025

May Greene

The Senate staff analysis reported some issues with the bill language.

With a Senate staff warning of problems with the bill, Sen. Tracie Davis pulled her Medicaid mammogram and breast cancer screening measure from the Senate floor.

SB 1578 was scheduled for a vote after clearing three committee stops with three unanimous votes. But Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, said she would temporarily postpone the bill. And despite the term of art, Davis said the bill will not return this Session.

“I would just like to thank the members of this chamber and the Chairs that heard this bill, but today I will be TP’ing it so I can work on this just a little bit more over the Summer,” Davis said.

If passed, her bill would have required the Agency for Health Care Administration to cover mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screenings in Medicaid starting at the minimum age of 25 for women. Current law permits a “baseline mammogram” once a year for women who are at least 35 years old but under 40 years old.

The Senate staff analysis reported some issues with the bill language, pointing out that it “limits the coverage to one mammogram and one supplemental breast cancer screening per year if certain conditions are met, whereas current Medicaid recipients receive any medically necessary mammograms or supplemental breast cancer screenings.”

The staff analysis said those younger than 25 could no longer get coverage for the exams, although the bill would expand coverage for those between 25 and 39.

The staff analysis also pointed out that Davis’ bill doesn’t fit the American College of Radiology standards. Doctors recommend women to start getting their mammograms at age 40, not 25. Women at higher risk are often urged to start annual breast screenings at age 30, the staff analysis said.

Breast cancer, the second-most common form of cancer for women, affects 1 in 8 women.

“The bill will have an indeterminate, negative fiscal impact on state expenditures related to state employee insurance,” the Senate staff analysis said. “The bill will have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact on private sector individuals and insurers.”

Davis’ Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday evening.

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Last Call for 4.28.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Published

40 minutes ago

April 28, 2025

May Greene

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

Days after becoming Senate Democratic Leader, Lori Berman made her first remarks following an abrupt leadership change in the caucus.

She sounded a call for continued bipartisanship and a focus on government fundamentals in the waning days of the Legislative Session.

“Floridians are watching,” the Delray Beach Democrat said. “They are watching this chamber, and not for theatrics or sound bites, but for leadership — leadership that puts people first, leadership that rises above the noise and moves us forward to a shared vision for Florida’s future.”

Berman won election as Senate Democratic Leader on Thursday, within an hour of former Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo’s abrupt resignation from his caucus post on the floor as he announced he would change his voter registration to “no party affiliation.” Pizzo, in a headline-making soundbite, declared the Democratic Party in Florida “dead,” but Berman countered the assertion.

“I take issue with what was said last week,” Berman said. “We are alive and kicking, passing good bills, fighting bad policy and getting appropriations for projects that impact our districts. We may not hold the majority, but we have something just as powerful: a vision rooted in fairness, in justice, in equality and in care.”

Berman made no other allusion to Pizzo, but spoke positively of Republican Senate President Ben Albritton’s leadership in the chamber.

“This Session has shown us what’s possible when we choose progress over partisanship,” Berman said.

“For the first time in a long time, thanks to President Albritton, we have witnessed a Session largely free from the divisive, headline-grabbing legislation that too often derailed genuine progress. Instead, we focused on the issues that mattered most to Floridians, protecting the environment, investing in education, prioritizing working families and improving access to health care.”

Read more on Florida Politics.

Evening Reads

—”‘I run the country and the world’” via Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer of The Atlantic

—”Why Donald Trump’s economic disruption will be hard to reverse” via Patricia Cohen of The New York Times

—”Even a sizable chunk of Republicans say Trump is going too far” via Aaron Blake of The Washington Post

—“Trump’s tariffs hurt the working class. Why are some unions on board?” via Abdallah Fayyad of Vox

—”The MAGA lobbyists upending Washington with McDonald’s and bear hunting” via Maggie Severns and Kristina Peterson of The Wall Street Journal

—“Conclave to elect next Pope will start May 7” via Elena Giordano of POLITICO

—”Lawyers for deported U.S. citizen kids say moms were ‘coerced’ into taking them” via Lorena O’Neil of Rolling Stone

—“‘There is no party’: Senate Leader Jason Pizzo explains his surprise exit from the Democratic Party” via Carlton Gillespie of WLRN

—”‘Alive and kicking’: Lori Berman, in new role as Democratic Leader, counters talk that caucus is ‘dead’” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—”No one seems to understand why American men are falling behind. A somewhat harrowing weekend revealed all to me.” via Nathaniel Moore of SLATE

Quote of the Day

“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean the government has to solve your problem.”

— Republican Sen. Jay Collins, defending his bill to teach K-12 students about disabilities.

Put it on the Tab

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

A record-long red snapper recreational fishing season on Florida’s Gulf Coast is just around the corner, so start stocking up on Sancerre, Grillo, Vignoles and other top-tier pairings for your catch.

We’re not sure what “medications” Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest heckler is prescribed, but a couple of Painkillers might help the Governor forget about the whole ordeal.

Now-NPA Sen. Jason Pizzo served FDP Chair Nikki Fried a Counter Punch in a scathing exit interview following his resignation as Senate Democratic Leader.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

Heat trying to stay alive in playoffs

The Miami Heat try to keep their season alive when they play game four of the first round Eastern Conference playoffs against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers tonight (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT).

Miami suffered the franchise’s worst playoff loss in history on Saturday, falling 124-87 to fall behind three games to none in the best-of-seven series. Before Saturday’s loss, the Heat’s worst playoff defeat had been a 36-point loss to San Antonio in the 2013 NBA Finals. The Heat went on to win the NBA title that year. This year’s version has much more work to do.

History is against Miami. No team in NBA history has won a series after losing the first three games.

In the series, Tyler Herro has led Miami, averaging 22.3 points per game, with Bam Adebayo (19.0 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game) and Davion Mitchell (17.3 points per game) contributing on the offensive end. Only one other player has averaged double figures. Andrew Wiggins, acquired from Golden State in the Jimmy Butler trade, averages 11.3 points per contest in the series.

Cleveland has played as it did during the regular season, when it was the surprise top team in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers’ backcourt has led the way with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland both averaging 24 points per game, leading seven Cleveland players to average more than 10 points per contest.

___

Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.

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Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy

Published

1 hour ago

April 28, 2025

May Greene

Welcome back to Diagnosis, a vertical that focuses on the crossroads of health care policy and politics.

___

— Eyeball Wars —

A bill that would expand optometrists’ scope of practice has cleared the full House despite objections from ophthalmologists.

Sponsored by Rep. Alex Rizo, HB 449 is this year’s entry in the long-running “Eyeball Wars.” Optometrists have long sought the authority to provide more advanced care, such as laser surgery. Ophthalmologists strongly oppose any expansion of their scope of practice.

Both professions require extensive post-baccalaureate education, though of the two, only ophthalmologists attend medical school — a distinction ophthalmologists say makes them uniquely qualified to perform the procedures covered under Rizo’s bill.

The Florida House passes bill expanding optometrist scope to boost rural care; faces opposition in the Senate.

However, bill supporters say the number of ophthalmologists is too few to serve Florida’s population, especially in rural areas.

In each of the bill’s Committee stops, Rizo pointed to American Medical Association data recommending one ophthalmologist per 4,000 residents in a given region. There are approximately 1,700 ophthalmologists in Florida, which would be adequate for a state of 7 million residents, not Florida’s 23.5 million and growing.

The argument carried the bill through the House floor, where it passed on an 88-24 vote.

“Twenty-six of Florida’s 67 counties are without a single ophthalmologist, leaving countless residents stranded without critical eye care,” Rizo said in a press release. “Our world-class optometry schools equip professionals with advanced skills they can use in 30 other states, yet Florida holds them back. This bill is a game-changer, unleashing the expertise of our optometrists to deliver life-changing care to rural and underserved communities. Access to vision care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity, and we’re fighting to make it a reality for every Floridian.”

The bill’s chance of becoming law is slim, however, as no companion measure — nor a broader bill with similar provisions — exists in the Senate.

Per Senate rules, no bill may be considered by the full chamber unless it or a companion bill has been approved by at least one Senate committee. Exceptions to the rule can only be made by unanimous consent.

— Maternity honors —

Four First Coast Baptist Medical Center facilities have been honored for their commitment to maternity care.

The Joint Commission Maternal Levels of Care Verification was bestowed upon Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Clay, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center South. The distinction is given to medical facilities that match the right care for their patients and feature unique newborn and maternal health needs.

“This designation demonstrates that we are committed to ensuring every mother and baby receives care tailored to their unique needs, from routine deliveries to complex cases,” said Kathryn Villano, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialist with Regional Obstetric Consultants, who practices at Baptist Health. “For our community, it means knowing that exceptional, evidence-based care is available close to home, improving outcomes for families and strengthening overall maternal health.”

*Kathryn Villano praises Baptist Health’s maternity award, highlighting tailored care improving local family outcomes.*

The verification process involves an on-site review from the Commission’s personnel to verify maternity care at each health care facility. The people conducting the reviews include obstetric providers, nurses, midwives or clinicians.

“This approach ensures every mom has access to care that is right for her and baby,” said Tammy Daniel, executive vice president and Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health. “If a pregnancy is low-risk, moms can deliver close to home with the support they need. But if complications arise, we have a seamless process to connect them with advanced care. It’s all about keeping moms and babies safe while making the best use of health system resources.”

— Roster —

Jennifer Crabtree has been appointed senior vice president of Tampa General and president of the Tampa Medical & Research District, effective Oct. 1, 2025.

In her new role, Crabtree will lead the strategic direction and development of the TMRD, a growing hub of world-class clinical care, academics, research and biotechnology anchored by one of the country’s leading academic health systems — Tampa General, in collaboration with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

*Jennifer Crabtree appointed TGH SVP & President of Tampa Medical & Research District, effective 2025. Image via TGH.*

“Jennifer has been an exceptional leader and an invaluable strategic partner in the growth and development of the Tampa Medical & Research District since its inception,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “I could not think of a better person more equipped to lead the strategic direction and development of the District moving forward. I am confident that her skill set and passion for this work will meaningfully drive our vision for the District and unlock the true potential of our partnerships.”

TMRD is part of a capital commitment from Tampa General to create an ecosystem that attracts highly respected clinicians, scientists, educators and investors. TGH says TMRD will increase “access to esteemed experts, unparalleled research, unique educational opportunities and revolutionary health care services throughout the region.”

According to a third-party study conducted by The Washington Economics Group, the District, upon completion, is projected to create and support nearly 58,000 jobs and generate an $8.3 billion economic impact.

In her capacity as president of the TMRD, Crabtree will oversee the ongoing work of the TMRD Advisory Committee, which was established last year to guide the strategy, continued development and expansion of the District.

— ICYMI —

“Ron and Casey DeSantis blame ‘political agendas’ for Hope Florida ‘misunderstanding’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis are countering questions about Hope Florida finances in a familiar area of the state. Appearing at St. Augustine’s Anchor Faith Church, the First Couple told a crowd in what once was his congressional district not to believe what they’ve heard about Hope Florida. Roughly an hour after a House Subcommittee’s probe into the program was frustrated by not getting voluntary witnesses to show up, the Governor addressed critics of the Hope Florida Foundation. DeSantis said a letter from the Agency for Health Care Administration’s lawyer, which said the unorthodox fund transfer was legal, “totally debunks the bogus media narratives that were out there” about the money being diverted from the program’s core function of helping people emerge from what the Governor and First Lady call “the culture of dependency.”

*Ron and Casey DeSantis defend Hope Florida finances, blaming political agendas for recent program scrutiny.*

“Lawmakers end Hope Florida charity probe without hearing from key players” via Lawrence Mower and Alexandria Glorioso of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau — A Florida House probe into Gov. DeSantis’ Hope Florida Foundation is halting without key testimony, despite the lead investigator accusing State Attorney General Uthmeier and the charity’s lawyer of criminal conspiracy and fraud. Andrade alleged Uthmeier and Jeff Aaron funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement through the foundation and two nonprofits into a political committee Uthmeier controlled, primarily to fight marijuana legalization. With the Legislative Session ending, Andrade said prosecution falls to federal authorities. Uthmeier, Aaron, and the heads of the nonprofits receiving grants refused to give final testimony, citing legal issues. Uthmeier and Aaron deny wrongdoing and threatened lawsuits against Andrade, who stands by his claims and vows policy action next Session.

“Nonprofit leader said she was wrongly pressured to testify in Hope Florida scandal” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The head of a nonprofit that received a grant from the Hope Florida Foundation says she was pressured to testify to lawmakers. Amy Ronshausen, Executive Director of Save Our Society From Drugs, sent a letter to Speaker Daniel Perez, saying that House Health Care Budget Subcommittee Chair Alex Andrade brought up pending funding requests when she was pushed to testify. She also said the Pensacola Republican wasn’t honest about how the information gleaned would be used. Her letter discusses a telephone conversation she had with Andrade and lobbyist RJ Myers. Andrade disputed the description of events. “Nothing she said in that letter happened,” he told Florida Politics.

“Don Gaetz: Senate won’t confirm two of Ron DeSantis’ top health care secretaries” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — The Florida Senate confirmation prospects for two top DeSantis agency heads, Shevaun Harris at AHCA and Taylor Hatch at DCF, look grim this Session, entangled in the swirling controversy around First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida initiative. Sen. Gaetz, chairing the crucial Ethics and Elections Committee, which vets appointees, signals that time has run out. But time isn’t the only obstacle. Gaetz expresses serious reservations, particularly about Harris. “I’d have a hard time voting for Secretary Harris unless she came clean and had a very different story than what she’s telling the House,” he stated, referencing ongoing scrutiny over the Hope Florida Foundation. He confirmed that he had “serious questions for both of them.”

“House passes mental health and substance abuse bill” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — In a unanimous vote Thursday, the Florida House passed a measure to enhance substance abuse and mental health care services in the state. Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman presented the bill (HB 1091) and explained that the legislation would improve access, update procedures for involuntary services and refine the training and qualifications of mental health professionals. “We have identified the need to update the processes and regulations around the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the medication-assisted needs assessment and our forensic evaluators,” Gonzalez Pittman said. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) would oversee 988 crisis lifeline centers, which were established by the federal government in 2022, to ensure they meet accreditation standards. DCF would further adopt rules to deliver the service and implement statewide interoperability with the 911 system.

— Rules —

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding payment methodology for services in facilities that are neither publicly owned nor publicly operated (59G-6.045) takes effect April 30. More here.

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding reimbursement methodology for services provided by medical school faculty (59G-6.005) takes effect April 30. More here.

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding developmental disabilities individual budgeting waiver services provider rate table (59G-13.081) takes effect April 30. More here.

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding developmental disabilities individual budgeting waiver services (59G-13.070) takes effect April 30. More here.