Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

>> The Committee on Children Families. An elder affairs will now come to order. Nikki, please call the Roll Chair Girl here. Vice Chair Garcia, you're Senator Harrell. You're Senator Rouson here. Senator Sri here. Senator Simon, a quorum is present. Thank you. If the audience members will please remember to silence all the devices. Also, anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete an appearance form and hand it to a member of the sergeants office. Should you select to waive your speaking time? Your position will be included in the committee meeting records. First, we'll take up Tab. 2 SB 590, on statute of limitations period for violations involving required reports concerning children by Senator Bradley. Senator Bradley, you're recognized to explain the bill. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Committee senators, the goal of this bill is to make sure that the people who are responsible for protecting our children actually protect our children. The crime of failure to report suspected child abuse is a third-degree felony, which is currently subject to a 3 year statute of limitations. Often when victims come forward later as an adult, those who failed them cannot be held accountable due to the statute of limitations. Senate Bill 590, would told the statute of limitations for failure to report for mandatory reporters until such time as the crime is made known to law enforcement and members. This bill is born out of discussions with my state attorney who in instances of suspected abuse, even known sexual abuse. Those mandatory reporters failed to report and the failure to report allowed the perpetrator to go on and victimized other children. So I would well, bill for any questions and there is an amendment, Madam Chair. >> We want to go ahead and go to the Amendment to amendment one bar code 8, 5, 3, 7, 7, 6, by Senator Bradley. Senator Bradley, you're recognized to explain amendment. >> Thank you. Madam Chair. This amendment provides that the exception to time limitations applies to any offence that is not otherwise barred from prosecution honor before the effective date of the bill and that the new statute limitations is applied retroactively for offenses that were committed before the effective date of the bill. If the statue of limitations had not run by July one 2026, effective date. Further questions on the amendment. >> No appearance cards on the amendment. Is there debate on the amendment seeing none seeing no objection. The amendment is adopted. Without objection. We're back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended? Are there any appearance forms on the bill? We have Barney Bishop, Florida, Smart Justice Alliance waving in support. We are back on the bill as amended. Is there debate on the bill as amended senator, if you're recognized? >> Thanks, Senator Bradley. I think it's a great bill. I just want to I was curious to know if we're if we implement this, you don't think that they'll be like kind of a run on over reporting are. Is that really the is that really the intent is just to get everybody to report like everything because we're in debate with Senator into it's okay to address that in her clothes. If that's OK, sorry, yes. Thank you. Okay. Is there any other debate on the bill seeing none. Senator Bradley, you're recognized to close on the bill as amended. Thank you, Madam Chair. And the intent of the bill is to make sure that Andy Reid mandatory reporting I see is it coming. >> In Ewing legal duty and ongoing duty that you had to make sure that your report and mandatory reporter reporting is set out in statute who is a mandatory reporter and and there is they are shielded from liability for that. We want those mandatory reporters to be to be presenting those concerns about potentially vulnerable children. It's not to the point of the bill is not to have mandatory reporters. There's a threshold for when there's a reasonable suspicion that child abuse is happening and this doesn't change that. They that does not change in standard of what needs to be reported. It just make sure that those mandatory reporters can't sit back and and just have the 3 years a lapse and face no responsibility because what we see in cases of institutional abuse, whether it be at a school or any other institution, the perpetrator goes on and victimizes for children. And I want that to be something that when that comes to light, that their tools for law enforcement to hold everyone accountable. >> With that I close and Senator Bradley, Nikki, please call the Roll on CS for SB 590. >> Senator Harrell. Yes, Senator Rouson you and we're sure E yet. Senator Simon. Yes. Vice chair Garcia. Yes. >> Chair Grall yes by your Vote. Cs for SB 590, is reported favorably. Thank the next. We're going to move to Tab 3 SB 778, on forensic services for certain defendants by Senator Simon. I mean, you are recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Sb 778, is a straightforward bill that improves both safety and efficiency in our state forensic system. It updates the definition of Perinton client so that and so that individuals with an intellectual disabilities or autism, whose crimes charge to criminal charges were dismissed because they were incompetent to proceed, can be housed in the same secure setting as other residents under chapter 9.16, right now, the agency for Persons with disabilities must maintain parallel staffing in space for for these individuals, even though they require the same level of secure forensic hair. This bill would this bill will allow APD to consolidate those services, reduce to put the public at of staffing needs and producing a positive fiscal impact for the state while maintaining appropriate protection for the vulnerable population and the public chair. That is the bill. Other questions on the bill seeing no other appearance forms. Barney Bishop, Florida, Smart Justice Alliance waving in support. No other appearance cards. Senators, we're in debate on the bill. Is there any debate on the bill seeing none. Senator Simon, you're recognized to close on the bill. I waive close. Thank you. Please call the Roll on SB 778. >> Senator Harrell. Yes. Senator rouson. Yes. Senator Sheree. Yes. Senator Simon. Yes. Vice chair Garcia. Yes. Chair Grall yes by your Vote. Sb 778, is reported favorably. Next. We'll move to Tab one SB 560, on child welfare by Senator Garcia. Senator Garcia, you're recognized to explain the bill. >> Thank you, chair. Good morning chair and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to present SB 560, it basically streams and streamlines the procedures to provide or continuous psychotropic medication prescription for a child in legal custody of the Department of Children and Families. Current law governing second traffic medications in residential treatment for children in DCF custody can be overly complex sometimes and to put the 2 creating delays in care and unnecessary administrative burdens SB 560, addresses these and efficiencies to ensure timely treatment and fear standards. Specifically 5.60, makes it easier to continue prescription for psychotropic medications for children under the care of DCF. It clarifies when a new medical report is needed in treats doctors in psychiatry, psychiatric nurses in the same practice as one prescribe or reducing unnecessary duplicate reports. The new medical report is needed only when there is a change in dosage type of medication, manner of administration or prescriber. The bill streamlines Sanders for licensing and experience of evaluators at residential treatment centers. There appear to group homes and hospitals. Evaluators must be site site psychiatrist or a psychologist license in Florida with at least 3 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of serious emotional disturbances in children and adolescents. The bill has language to allow a licensed clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist with comparable experience. But this language is removed and the upcoming amendment children in the care of DCF or in the continuing care of DCF. An extended foster care who are under 21 will no longer need repeated background checks. Cutting down on to play could tip screenings. Physicians prescribing psychotropic medications to Medicaid. Children must now provide the pharmacy with a copy of the parent or guardian's consent instead of in awe of assigned attestation simplifying the process and that is the bill chair and there is an amendment. >> Okay. Thank you, Senator. See, let's go to the amendment to take up Barcode 9, 6, 4, 0, 5, 0, by Senator Garcia. You're recognized to explain the amendment. >> Thank you, chair. The amendment does 2 things. First. The amendment removes the building was that allows a licensed clinical social worker. We're licensed marriage and family therapist to be a qualified evaluator and place children to residential treatment center and maintain the current experience requirements for qualified evaluators. Secondly, it changes part of the road to Independence program, specifically the post-secondary education services and support or PE S S. The goal of the PS has programs to support young adults who have lived in foster care to become self-sufficient by giving qualifying young adults monthly housing stipends while the a 10 post-secondary education. Currently the PE says program qualifies young adults ages 18 to 23 with access to the funds for a maximum of 5 years. The amendment extends the qualifying ages from 18 to 26 but stays at a maximum of 5 years. And that is the amendment other questions on the amendment. Thank you can question. Yes, Senator Harrell, you're recognized. >> Thank you very much. And I had that gotten in depth into the amendment, but from the description of it, and can you tell me what the this goal of this is? Because I'm very familiar with the extended programs that we have 3 children who are aging out. But, you know, just this is not a fiscal committee, but I I do see that there's going to be a fiscal to that as it goes, you know, and extends this large a significant amount of time you're recognized. >> Yes, we did. We do know that there was a fiscal there was going to be an even bigger fiscal. We sort of streamline the language down to specifically continue with making sure that they have an axe of a maximum of 5 years worth of that stipend, whether they want to stop. So let's say the the child is in the university and a child in college and he decides to stop for a given amount of time and then wants to start up again. We just want to make sure that if he turns 23 and he had stopped that he can start up again and continue to access the particular the particular access to the the stipend that would allow him to finish to finish school. We're currently working on the on the amount, but we have streamlined it. We had we did realize that in our original intentions, it was going to be a big amount of money. So we went ahead and we we streamlined and we'll we'll get back to you when when we have that amount. You're recognized. >> Thank you very much. I just wanted to it would like that information very significantly. I think it's it's going to have a significant fiscal, not that I don't want to pay for it. But would that come out of our the cbc's allocation with the state, then be responsible or is there federal dollars included in that? How does that work chair? I mean, you're recognized to be a blend. Guys are recognizable bank year. It'll be it'll be a combination of both. We'll get for the details when it comes forward. I'm sure in the fiscal committee. But, you know, in concept, I certainly support the the concept of making sure any child in the child welfare system has the ability to complete their education become productive citizens. But it's going to have a quite a fiscal and freight. But thank you very much. Any other questions on the amendment? >> Seeing none. I don't have any appearance forms on the amendment. Is there any debate on the amendment? Senator Garcia, you're recognized to close on your amendment. I waive close all in favor of the amendment say yea, yea, all opposed. Same time. The amendment is adopted. Now let's take up the amendment. Take up. You haven't another amendment on the amendment. Let's take up the amendment on bar code 7, 0, 1, 6, 9, 8, by Senator Garcia. Senator Garcia, you're recognized to explain the amendment. >> Thank you, chair. This will basically address some of the concerns that Senator Harrell has the amendment limits. The changes to the road 10 depending program to only post-secondary education services and support, not all after care services and that is the amendment to the amendment. >> Thank you, senators here. Are there any questions on the amendment to the amendment seeing none. There are no appearance forms on the amendment to the amendment. Is there any debate on the seeing? None seemed Senator Garcia, you're recognized to explain the amendment on the amendment. No, I did. It's hard to pay for. You're welcome to close on the amendment. Had been in part. >> That's okay, sir. Way cause. >> All in favor of the amendment to the amendment say he say yea, yea, all opposed. Same sign the amendment is adopt. The amendment to the amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended. Are there any questions on the bill as amended? There is one appearance form on the bill as amended Barney Bishop speaking for. >> Weaving in support. Okay. I guess he's waving in support. >> Is there any debate on the bill as amended senator, if you're recognized in debate? >> I just wanted to thank Senator Garcia for bringing this forward. I feel like this will really health in terms of the issue that we're facing right now with our mental health crisis and continuity of care, as well as making sure that prescribers have the authority and the ease of prescribing the medications that are needed for our children. And so I just thought it was very thoughtful of the very thoughtful approach to this. And I just wanted to say thank you any other debate. >> Seeing none. Senator Garcia, you're recognized to close on your bill as amended. Thank you. Chair SB 560, basically ensures that children in state custody receive appropriate well monitored care when prescribe. Psychotropic medications are at hand. It simplifies procedures, reduces redundancy and ultimately improves care for vulnerable children while maintaining strong safeguards. It also changes H qualifications for the P E S s programs. That's so important for me supporting some of our state's most vulnerable young adults, giving them the opportunity to be independent and grew out of their circumstances. And there isn't enough money in the world for that. By the way, Senator Harrell and I respectfully ask for your favorable support. Thank you. Senator Garcia McKee please Call the Roll on CS for SB 560. >> Senator Harrell. Yes, senator is on. Yes, senator Sri yet. Senator Simon, yes, vice chair Garcia, yes Chair Girl. >> And by your Vote CS for SB 560, is reported favorably. At this time. We're going to stand in a brief recess as we await Senator Yarborough to present his bill. The children and families will resume at this time. We will take up tab for SB 1010, on enforcement of protection for minors by Senator Yarborough. Senator Yarborough, you're recognized to explain the bill. Good morning. Thank you. Madam Chair Morning Committee members. Thank you, Madam Chair for adding this bill to your agenda. >> Members Senate Bill 1010, strengthens enforcement mechanisms pertaining to statutory prohibitions on sex reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors under Florida law and parental rights and health care decision making the bill amends our statutes to add a criminal penalties for health care practitioners who willfully or actively aid or abet a minor and attaining obtaining sex reassignment prescriptions and or procedures and also authorizes the AG to investigate alleged violations relating to sex reassignment for minors and commence a civil action for damages, injunctive relief and civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation for the benefit of the injured miner. We also make changes to our parental rights law Chapter 10, 14 and Ed similar provisions in that area, too. Madam Chair, that's the bill. >> And there is a one amendment if we could take up Amendment bar code 2, 3, 5, 9, 4, 0, by Senator Yarborough. Senator Burton, you're recognized to explain the amendment. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, related to chapter for 56. The amendment clarifies that both individuals and the attorney general versus just the attorney general. We have the ability to commence an action for violations of Section 4. 56.0. 52 1 clearing up ambiguity from the original file version of the bill and related to Chapter 10, 14. The Amendment synchronizes with the language in Chapter 4.56. to clear up ambiguity from the original version of the bill and that's the amendment. Other questions on the amendment. Senator Rouson, you're recognized. >> Thank you very much. Madam Chair. Can you define give an example of aiding and abetting a minor? You're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, your question, senator, just to make sure I understand it, right, ding, aiding and abetting a minor or do you mean aiding and abetting health care provider who may up to do something prohibited by law to minor? Just make sure. And you want to weigh. Thank you through the chair. If I make it Madam Chair to Senator Rouson the committee aiding or abetting senator could be defined as assisting, are encouraging someone in committing a crime or illegal act and that could apply again. Understanding your question to mean both that could apply in either of those circumstances. Additional questions. >> Yes, and your bill creates a new criminal penalties as well as civil cause of action. >> You're recognized. Thank you. Yes, sir. Any additional questions? Okay. They're appearance form on the Amendment. Vance Aaron's speaking against and we're going to have to would limit public testimony today to about 90 seconds per Speaker. Thank you recognized. Thank you, chair. Thank you. Members of the board of the committee. >> I'm here in opposition to this amendment looking over it and I it was a late amendment. So I just was just able to look over it yesterday evening. It does appear to have provisions that will actually extended the civil liabilities to adult care, which would greatly restrict care for adults in the past when Senate bill 254 past, it was said that it was just for transgender youth. However, most adults in our state last access to care was far-reaching beyond what the initial bill is about. This amendment seems to do the same with that, expanding it beyond just youth care, but also impacting adults impacting adult civil liberties, being able to access the care that I need. I came here to speak about bills that affect my community across the board, mostly environmental employment, small business representing Brevard County. Again, I'm here speaking out against culture wars that a majority of Americans don't want. So I do ask that you vote down and vote no against this amendment. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Any other appearance cards on the amendment seeing none. Is there debate on the amendment seeing none. Senator Yarborough, you're recognized to close on the amendment. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Just for clarification. And then the amendment. We so 2 parts, one just just to clear the record, make sure with them that that were just transparent with everything. We do have the reference in the first part of the amendment to Section 4. 56.0. 52 1 that only applies to those who are younger than 18 years of age. And the second part of the amendment makes clear it's on Page 3 of our amendment picking up from lines 40 all the way through. 59 references are made that it only is related to minors and that damages that can be recovered are accruing to the benefit of affected minors. So we make very clear that this is only with regard to those who are under 18 years of age with that and ask for your support. >> All in favor of the amendment say yea, yea, all opposed say nay. The amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended? Senator Harrell, you're recognized. Thank thank you very much. And if you would clarify for me, exactly. >> The impact of the bill on parental consent and it talks about parental consent. A different point. If a parent it goes to a physician and does want to have some medication given to their child with gender dysphoria would and does that change? What impact is this bill have on parental consent to do that? You're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, Senator Harrell. If you don't mind, you said that it speaks to it. Can you in all sincerity? Can you point made to that section of the bill? Because we're not. I ask that because we're not going back into the main elements that we passed in 2023 and Senate bill. 254, we made clear that bill that unless a young person was already receiving treatments up to I think was May 17th was the day the governor signed the bill. If it was anything prior to that, they could continue under rules adopted by the board of Medicine to continue to receive treatments and and go forward. But anything new after that date, which would bring us to now and anything in the future unless this changes the we don't allow for that. But if if you're seeing something different that I'm not saying we I don't believe we speak to that this bill in front of you today, though. >> You're recognized. Thank you very much match. Madam Chairman. I was when we had reading the analysis and talks about exceptions to parental consent, there's no impact. And it also talks about parental rights in Florida. So under the regional legislation passed in 2003, I know parental rights to allow a child to have any type of gender altering medications and this does not change that. >> Senator Evan, Madam Chair, thank you. This doesn't change any of those provisions that we passed in 2023, senator. >> Yes, quickness yes. In a quick question on the if the $100,000 fine for very for a physician, should they do this that would go directly to the child who was receiving the medication? Would that be correct? >> You're recognized. Thank you. Chair threw the chair. Yes, both circumstances both chapters that we touch it would accrue to the benefit of a minor. That's correct. You're recognized. And if a child was a, if a parent was, I was asking for that medication for their child and the child receive the medication and then the parent who had to permit that with then sue or who would sue in order for the child to get that money you're recognized. Thank you. So what we have in the what we just did in the amendment, Senator Harrell was the attorney general can commence investigations and alleged violations. But also there is an individual cause of action to and I I would be speaking out of turn, not being a lawyer, not understanding the fine workings in that part of the judicial process. I don't know if that would only be limited to immediate family member or it would have to be someone was standing on. The court would evaluate that. It could just be anybody coming and filing on behalf of that minor. But the AG can come and sit and then whoever is lawfully allowed. I was standing to bring a suit would be able to do so in the appropriate court of jurisdiction. >> Follow up on that. So you can't define who has standing. So if a cousin save money to sue, they could do so or the paradox where it would have given the permission that would be required if it were to happen, not withstanding the fact that that would be illegal at this point. But any other family member or if you could define further who has standing in that case to implement that to begin that suit. >> Thank you, Senator Breaux, thank you, chair. I I don't think it extends that far out. Senator, I'm happy to give an answer. And I believe they'll be a little guardian for the child if it was within that timeframe. So would have to be a legal guardian of the child, not and they enter. And of course the point. Thank you. Thank you, chair. Thank you, Senator. Any additional questions, Senator, sure, if you're recognized. >> And that just that's the question for clarification purposes. Does this bill extend to schools our teachers at all? I know you said health care providers, but I was thinking in terms of school nurses and maybe teachers who, you know, have like special classes, special ed classes, things like the number of directions. >> Thank you, chair. Thank you, Senator story for the question. We have the list of healthcare practitioners generally 100 page 2. The analysis staff is captured that there. And it does mention nurses, psychologist, clinical social social workers, counselors and some of those do intersect with our education system. So it is pretty broad in its application. And the bottom line is that there's not someone prescribing this or or offering this or doing that with minors. That doesn't distinguish that it has to be or does not have to be in a school setting. So it's it's not appropriate for them to be, you know, trying to do this or engage on doing anything like this with any minor. But it doesn't say just outside of a school setting or that it's OK or not inside. It's it's a broad application if that answers your question. >> Kind of I'm just what so what I'm trying to figure out is okay. If I have a I'm a teacher and I'm in school and the student comes to me and says, hey, you know that it re interested in this gender affirming reassignment surgery are interested in hormone replacement therapy. I'm kind of conflicted on having an issue and I have a discussion with that kid because they trust me and they want to talk to me and I've been under this particular law going to be liable if that child makes that decision because I've had that discussion with them as a confident, not that I'm a pro, you know, like I'm promoting it. But just as a discussion with that child because they're comfortable with me. >> Thank you, chair. Thank you. Senator evolved. Do my best answer the question. So what what we're now intersecting is is very much involved in our parental rights laws which we touch your with one provision of the bill. It is not it is not wrong or unlawful like in the case of the student to approach an adult. Certainly ask the question that kind of thing. But if it's anything related to the health well-being, the welfare, you know, anything like that, especially of a substantial nature, like the example that you've mentioned, then the school personnel have an obligation to make sure that parents are aware of that they are not allowed to provide any treatment, any procedures prescriptions in the case of the school nurse, like you mentioned, they would be running outside the lawn, be breaking the law if they were to do something like that related to what we're talking about here because we explicitly said with except with the exception like we talked about with Senator Harrell, if someone had already been, you know, for young person, a garden receiving that. But that's that's still something that they would have been receiving in a, you know, in a clinical setting or at the doctor's office or something like that, not in a school setting. So that adult, that teacher, that nurse, they would need to be very careful at what they would then be engaging with with that young person, I would say even conversational. But then they also have a duty to report to the parent, you know, those type of things if they're approached by the student about it. >> So then in this bill, and and I says that if this bill passes and then you go forward with, that is a possibility to put some kind of a stipulation or some kind of something in there to put people that are dealing with these children on a regular basis, these young people on a regular basis, because if I have a conversation, not necessarily thinking that any conversation that as a as a professional or a teacher that I have, it's going to be punishable by $100,000 penalty. If I'm having that conversation and confident with that kid, not to say that encouraging that. But there's a lot of times where kids are not comfortable, especially in these situations with going to their parent about this. And then they go to somebody that's outside the home and say he I'm having this issue or, you know, I want to change or I want I don't feel like I'm comfortable telling my parents this confide in that person and then they go and make their own decision. And I just don't want to have a situation where teachers been held liable in $100,000 fine because they knew about some of the parent didn't know. And then also just because the suicide rate is very high in this population of young kids where their gender conflicted and they are trying to seek out help and trying to express themselves and trying to, you know, they're trying to get help in trying to understand what's going on in their bodies. And they may go to somebody that's not really somebody qualified to prescribe it, but just somebody that they like talking to. And so I'm just worry that this is so broad be defined, that it is just grabbing a group of people where we're shutting off the possibility of these children having from confidence and having somebody to run to and it because it includes therapists. That was where where I kind of to pass that because you read some of your question. We're still in questions word. Yes. So the question is, is a possibility, Senator Yarborough for you to narrow? We do wind this and allow these children the opportunity to have the ability to have a confident that's not going to be penalised for being just that a confident. I don't want them that this person is not going to be encouraging this. But just if you could narrowly to find that in this Bill. >> Thank you know, thank you, Senator Sharif and thank you for explaining. And I know it's from a sincere place to and with regard to the individuals and and all of that. So thank you for that. I would sit 2 part answer but both permanent to your question. I don't know if this bill would be the appropriate vehicle for that. That said I'm happy to consider what you said. And we are at that intersection, especially as it touches into 10, 14 and and parental rights. I would say again, just because a student approaches, whether be the school nurse, a teacher, a principal, another trusted adult out there, even if it's outside the school setting. That's one thing. If it's talked about topic, Ali, mention verbally, something of that nature where school officials, a nurse, anyone else we need to be careful is that they're not, you know, certainly not prescribing but recommending that a student or young person or or whomever the minor might be engage in any activity or behavior that would run outside the law. Heavily contingent on what we passed a few years ago in Senate bill 254, where we said it's prohibited. That would be something for them to discuss with their parent or guardian. You know, something of that nature in schools now have an obligation to make sure parents are informed. We made that very clear. So long answer to your question. But I'm happy to consider and I look forward to some more dialogue with you. I don't make a promise that we would absolutely have that and in this bill. But I'm happy to talk with you more about and see if we can find some more common ground. >> Thank you. Miss a question for Senator Garcia. Thank you. Chair Chair. I move to vote on SB 1010, be taken at 11:25AM. seeing No Objection. Show that the vote on SB 1010, will be taken at 11:25AM. with that. Are there any more questions before we move to public comment? Okay. Then we will move to public appearance forms. We will. I thought we may have more time did, but so now we're probably going to be limited to 30 seconds per speaker. You would like to waive your time even though you have marked to speak, please just stand and wave when your name is called and state your position. First, we will hear from Christian Fedun power speaking against. You're recognized. Good morning. Would you repeat the time location for 30 seconds or 30 seconds? Good morning. I am here today to oppose this bill. It was not too long ago that I was a trans youth. I did not have medical care and I nearly became homeless. This bill targets doctors and professionals who seek to provide the best possible care for transgender youth. It also goes against and willfully ignores the medical professionals who stand in support of providing gender affirming care. Nearly every medical association worldwide supports providing care age appropriate care for transgender people. Thank you. Thank you for your concern. Thank you. Next we'll hear from Ryan O'Leary speaking against and Brandy Cook is on deck and I'm here to speak about my parental rights. I love my child. I love my child without condition. >> I'm tired of this government hunting them marginalized communities. That's all this bill does. Instead of practicing medicine and education, we need represents tips to practice representation. I'm also a member of the intersex community and transgender and intersex. People have always existence transgender and intersex. People will always exist long after fascism has lifted its boot off the face of regular. >> People. Thank you for being here today. Next. We'll hear Brandy Cook have waiving against next. Evan Graham waiving against Ryan Kennedy, Florida Citizens Alliance speaking for. >> You're recognized. Thank you, chair. Thank you. Committee members want to thank the Senate sponsor here, Senator Yarborough for bringing this bill forward. We were supporters of the bill a couple years ago and we feel like this is a necessary step and with the original intent of the bill as it was standing from a couple years ago to protect children and to make sure parents are in the know about what's going on with their child. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next I have Barbara Devane, Florida now waiving against Vance, Aaron's speaking against and on Deck. And Jonathan Weber. Welcome back. You're recognized. >> Thank you again. Once again, my name is Vann Terrines. I am speaking in opposition to this, the original bill and this where both introduced to supposedly protect children. But when you actually look at the results, 10 gender children who do actually have access to gender affirming care, the suicidality rate and even a thought to to this side are reduced by 70%. This state has become one of those that has been forcing children not to and has been an endangerment to children. So you're not protecting children by doing this. In fact, you're actually harming them. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you for being here. Next. We will hear from Jessica Wilson speaking against on deck. Andrea Jones. >> Thank you. It's already illegal for minors. What are we even doing here? I will say not all trans people experience gender dysphoria. Not all trans people have mental health struggles. My son, however experience both. He was diagnosed with suicidal ideation and gender dysphoria during his second inpatient mental health state. 13 years old. Upon discharge, I sought out licensed mental health counselor with gender specialization. We work together with my son's mental health team, his primary care doctor and his guidance counselors school to ensure my son had all the resources backed by proven psychological and medical science. Those necessary to thrive and thrive. He has, but make no mistake without these compassionate people to provide the services, my child would not have survived into adulthood. It's estimated that one-third of LGBTQ youth have parental acceptance. What happens to the other two-thirds of kids with their teachers or guidance counselors are so afraid of losing their jobs, that they can't be that one adult, that child. So it doesn't really needs next. We will hear from Andrea Jones on Deck Stratton College, Sir. >> You're recognized. Thank you. Thank you. Again, my name is Andrew Jones and I want to speak against this bill and I'm against for several reasons. But the main reason is because of the bigness, as it was pointed out before, it's hard to determine who will get fined, who will not. And and with anticipatory obedient, we will go farm be on with the bills actually trying to intent to to address. And this will not only give kids less chance to talk to to adult about situations, will also Texas it to the system, the education and the health care system that is already significantly taxed. So I just appreciate your time and I am against this Bill. I appreciate. Thank you. Next, we'll hear from Stratton Polyps are on that Jennifer Saul month. Good morning. You're recognized. >> Good morning. I want to thank Senator Sharif and Senator Harrell for scratching the surface of the broad implications of this bill. This shreds parents rights. You're hearing from parents today who have a right to get care and support and counseling for their children. This cuts off those safety nets does not give them any chance to get the help that they need. And we'll have the intended impact of chilling the professional community's willingness to serve these children in any way. We've seen that with other bills this legislature has passed in recent years. That's what's going to happen. If we pass this bill, I urge you to stop it here. Fix it, narrow it. Get clarity on who it's going to impact. Thank you. Thank you for being here. >> Next we'll hear from Jennifer Solomon on that. John Labriola. You're recognized. >> Good morning. My name is Jennifer SA and I'm a Florida parent, pediatric nurse and I work every day with families raising LGBTQ children in the state. Hear strongly to oppose SB 10 because 10, 10 because they deeply concerned about what this bill they need for families like mine. These bills are not protecting children and they are not supporting families and they're not making our community safer. But they are doing is weaponizing fear. And as the parent that is terrifying, parents like me are not asking for anything extraordinary. They're asking for children to be safe for professionals to be able to do their jobs and produce ishant about care and education to stay where they belong with families and qualified expert. Thank you for being here. Thank you. >> Next, John Labriola on Deck. Matthew Johnson, you're recognized. >> Good morning, senators. And my name is John Henry. Along with the Christian Family Coalition. We lobby very hard for the bill in 2023 that band of these transgender procedures and prescriptions on minors. So we strongly support this bill. I did want to just weeks since some of that is going to address a suicide issue studies that actually shown the opposite of what was mentioned here that actually to suicide go up after one of these procedures because children, they don't know what they wanted in early age and and they they regret it. And so there's to the suicide rate goes goes way up after these procedures. So we thank you for this bill and please vote up. Thank you for that. >> Being here next, we'll hear from Matthew Johnson. Then on deck is Robin Hauser. Well, as a parent of a transgender child, I want to speak to the practical consequences of this bill. I was like this don't just affect providers, the change families and doctors communicate. Parents like me are forced to second. Guess what we disclosed in state positions about what care we may or may not be seeking outside of Florida because we fear that honest medical information could expose ourselves or someone else to criminal or civil liability. That puts children at risk. Doctor who doesn't have a complete medical history cannot provide safe, effective care. I also mention that this bill directs the the fines collected to the injured child, which in most cases will not be possible because children that are receiving appropriate gender affirming care are rather treated and not harmed. Thank thank you. Thank you for being here. Next. We'll hear from Robin Houser and on deck is Juan Dominguez. >> I appreciate the ability to speak today. I'm here as a mother of a trans daughter and a pediatrician who's been practicing here in Florida for 20 years. I've been practicing medicine for 30 years. I feel as if this bill violates my parental rights at the mom of transgender youth so that my daughter can have comprehensive counseling and care, which is what we sought when she came to me and told me she wanted to be a girl. It definitely violates my ability to uphold my Hippocratic oath as a pediatrician. And it definitely violates patient confidentiality. If I'm required to report to apparent what a child tells me in confidence. >> Thank you for being here today. Thank U next. Juan Dominguez on Deck. Dr Luis a month toy. >> Your morning and thank you for your time. And the father of a 12 year-old transgender child. I knew nothing about a topic before my child is born. I can tell you that it's real. I have 2 children. One 31 is 12. My 13 year-old is normal. And then my 12 year-old is transgender and the difference what I saw Israel, I love my child and I'm having a tough time getting attention. Medical attention to my 12 year-old transgender child. I urge you guys to vote against us. Thank you for being here. Next. We'll hear from Doctor Louisa Montoya and on Deck. Kathleen Marie, good morning. You're recognized. >> I am that the police. Yeah. And I am the proud mother of 3 beautiful Keith we were from takes past couple years ago as we would become of so than hate crimes. I just worry that because I want my kids to be clear thing lacking culture because everything that is happening right now, I'm not able to light and how that could have K he was a school in a point that after working from school to school, you'll have to go one of my kids like him in a motorcycle accident. So you can you might know what we're going to rest the family. And yes on the asking I want to take a key to the duct. I want to keep the biggest part to prove he was. Thank you for being here. Next. We will hear from Kathleen Marie and on Deck is Steven Porter. >> Good morning. Kathleen Marie State education director up Citizens defending Freedom speaking in strong support of this bill because protections without enforcement don't protect anyone. Why Florida has already established safeguards for minor. It's has been 10, 10 ensures the safeguards are taken seriously by holding practitioners accountable. This bill is important because children are uniquely vulnerable. They rely on adults to act in their best interest. Sb 1010 closes the gap of accountability, clarity and real consequences. Citizens defending Freedom most strongly supports. >> Thank you. Thank you. Next we'll hear from David Porter with Jen Couch on Deck. You're recognized. Good morning. Thank you. Good morning. My name is David Porter. Opposing SB 1010 because I work with parents that LGBTQ youth every week in Orlando and my partner works at a primary care clinic. This will reduce access to health care. It will worsen outcomes for children. It will in worsen. The teacher shortage we already have in the state. It claims to support parental rights, but it does the opposite and limits their options for health care for their children. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Next. We'll hear from 10 couch on deck. Isabel Rodriguez, you're recognized. >> I'm Jenny from Miami. I'm here as a school teacher and I'm urging you to vote no to SB 1010. I can tell you that my colleagues and I have never had lower morale in my 15 years of teaching to to the laws that you have passed in the last few years. And this bill exacerbates that teachers are leaving. The state teachers are leaving the profession they love and you are making things more difficult for us. Please vote no on this bill because good teachers do not grow on trees. Thank you for being here. Next. We'll hear from Isabel Rodriguez with Melissa Franklin on Deck. >> And Madam Chair and Committee, my name is Isabella and I'm here speaking on behalf of Citizens Defending Freedom in support of SB 1010, in Miami. We have a doctor by the name of safety Gallagher who has publicly for to double mastectomies as the petite Hernandez. Patients were as young as 14 practice at this late in the Legislature by the end of 2 SB 254, on her social media paid to publicly shared post post-operative image shows a patient who underwent surgery. The surgery with visible self-harm cutting marks on her arm. They can be seen the image matters as we talk about suicide rates. It raises questions about whether he psychologically vulnerable patient could fully understand appointment at that time. Thank thank you for and why Accountability Matters. Thank you, Melissa Franklin and on Deck is Catherine Billing. Good morning. You're recognize to morning. Thank you for your time. >> As a parent of a transgender teen here in Leon County, Florida, I just would like to ask the question you continue to limit their access to care. What support are you providing them in place of the care you're taking away? You continue to strip my rights as a parent to do everything I can to keep my child of life. Why don't I get the same rights that you all have oppose this bill? Focus on the issues that are actually affecting our families and quit terrorizing. Thank you for being here. >> Next, we'll hear from Kathleen Catherine Galena on Deck Lisa Lloyd. Good morning. Good morning. You're recognized. I stand in opposition of Senate Bill 1010. >> This bill targets transgender youth by punishing the teachers and doctors who support in using very vague, as was pointed out early or standards and threats of lawsuits in the clinics in TN classrooms. So really, let's just be honest about what this bill does. It is not about protecting children is about targeting transgender youth youth by terrorizing the adults who support them. And let's be clear about the cost the Florida taxpayers are gonna pay for these last 8 investigation. Prosecution. Thank you for your comments. Thank you for being here today. Next we'll hear from Lisa Lloyd and on deck is Quinn D S India. Good morning. Thank you, chair. >> You're recognized when Diaz from a cloudy Florida Equality. Florida opposes this bill because it doesn't protect parents or children. No. It grant the attorney general sweeping new authority to investigate ensue public servants and are vague and undefined standards. Nurses, therapists, school counselors and even lab techs could face liability for providing routine legal care. This bill refrains parental rights as a tool to politicize punishment control. It penalizes every interaction with a child in need and will harm Florida families and force taxpayers to fund costly politically motivated investigations and litigation. We're too, but but no. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Next. We'll hear from Kurt Michelle Lee speaking for you're recognized. >> Thank you for having me here. Madam Chair, Caruso you. But I do no harm action. Systematic reviews have shown that there is low certainty evidence of benefit for these interventions and then even includes the reduction of suicidality and do no harm. We've analyzed the health insurance claims data to understand the scope of these harmful practices. And what we've seen as we've seen providers, use conventional medical medical diagnoses, code to hide these tragic procedures as Florida has wisely determining could have put into law. These procedures should not be occurring in children who are in the attorney general will help to promote the law and to make sure children are kept safe. >> Thank you for being here next. We'll hear from Christina Woodhouse and on deck is Aaron to pick up after we waive this wood has waves against Aaron Di Pietro Florida framework waive in support. Thank you, Nicole. Dylan, you're recognized. >> Thank you for hearing me from committee as a Florida parent asking you to oppose this bill which further targets transgender youth and intimidates those trying to support them. In addition to further intimidating healthcare practitioners, the vague language of this bill, Qatar to teachers and other trust that school staff, this will deepen the fear in the teaching community in less than their ability to act in the best interest of the students. Waste money on broad investigations, taking taxpayer dollars away from so many other desperately needed areas. This bill will not help protect children and families. It will increase the fear in the community unnecessarily pushing more educators and doctors out of the state. We already have a teacher, Stuart shortage in Florida, which is being discussed in earnest during this current that legislative session because there were some that short. It's please vote. No. Thank you for being here. >> Mary Coley or silly waiving against Aaliyah. Rogers waiving against Acca Haywood junior waiving against Don Diaz Johnston waiving against Con Jay Don waiving against Jack Forsyth, waiving against Arbor Myers waiving against big Alki waiving against but each waiving against no. Well, de la Cruz waiving against Angelique Godwin, waiving against Geoffrey Fix waiving against and Jonathan Webber waiving against that concludes public testimony. We are now in debate on the bill and have about 17 minutes until we have to take a vote. So members, anybody, Senator Harrell, you're recognized. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. And this is a very difficult subject for me. >> And I do have some issues with this bill. You know, first of all, I'm very concerned about the impact on our medical community on our psychiatry, sonder therapists and whether or not we're going to be able to continue the the problem we have with people not practicing in these this arena because of this bill is a significant issue here. I who has standing on, you know, I'm very concerned about that. Like who has standing in this bill and who can sue? We already have as a say, a real shortage of the therapist, the doctors, the psychiatrist in particular that are going to be impacted by this. I hope that working with you, Senator Yarborough. We can clarify this since I did not have the opportunity to speak to you about my concerns prior to the bill. I will vote reluctantly yes today, but I hope that we can work for their to clarify this and I have the impact and on our teachers as well to clarify a simple conversation coming to someone with a problem asking for help doesn't it does not moved to the level that you wind up liable for and by using a student. However, you advise that's to giving your own personal base of knowledge as a therapist that you are not liable for the action. You take the decisions. I'm a firm believer in parental decision-making. And I want to make sure that that the standing in court is only those that are limited to parents and not second cousins, twice removed and where this goes. So I will work with you as this bill moves forward, but I have a great deal of concern about it. And I although I vote for today, doesn't mean I will continue unless we can work together. And I look forward to working with you, but thank you, Senator Sharif, you're recognized in debate. >> Senator Yarborough, I just wanted to make a clarification. One of the individuals came up and said that I was not correct in terms of court in the suicide rate. So is that rate in this population of people in the Journal of Medicine for a job, it's been published over and over again and many series of articles that transgender affirming care does not in itself the increased suicide rates. It is actually the population of children that are conflicted in their gender, a farm shun that is increased as well as the lack of support. And what my point was is that I'm concerned that they don't have any support. Now they're afraid to come out to the parents and you saying you can't go to some money and talk about this is going to further intensify that issue and increase their ability their there intention of possibly committing suicide. And so I just would really like to continue working with you on this. And I like we talked about before I am in opposition to the bill today. And I'm hoping that you can narrowly define that definition for me so that I can get to a point where it actually a place to the people. I think you should apply to to those people that are doing something wrong. But in this situation. >> It's just too broad for me. Thank you, Senator Rouson, you're recognized in debate. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. This bill, it's cool or ensures patients were not left financially responsible. When medical providers use a different building code in order to get paid. I think this bill needs some fixing and some clarification. But Senator Harrell said I'm willing to vote yes today, but out, see this again in rule. You have another stop before rule and I'd like to see a debate. >> Senator Yarborough and just like to say, thank you for always taking on difficult topics. Sometimes our laws don't have adequate enforcement mechanisms and therefore they're ignored. And I think that this is something that we're on our way to that with the bill that you've proposed. And I look forward to continuing to work with you to get it right, so that we're not capturing too many people in in casual conversations, casual interactions with our children, but that we are really protecting parents rights and making it clear that when those are violated and the child is harmed, that there is a remedy that exists, that that's more clear under the law. So I appreciate everything you've done to get this in the position it is and look forward to continuing to work with you on it as well. And with that, you are recognized to close. >> Thank you, Madam Chair and for your comments. I appreciate you and your staff. Thank you for the help and getting this and her posture for today and for the continued conversation. And I would say to Senator Harrell Sharif in recent your concerns are so noted, look forward to continue dialogue like we talked about today, even one or 2 things that we they have not contemplated when we first filed the bill. So I appreciate that and the pledge to have that open door so we can keep talking about that more than a colleagues who would want to do the same thing. I think the main points have been made. Madam chair, the intent is to continue to protect the children of Florida and make sure that we hold bad actors accountable. And with that, I would ask for your favorable support. >> Thank you. Please call the Roll on Cs for SB 1010. Senator Harrell Senator Rouson on. Yeah. Sen Sheree. No. Senator Simon. Yes. Vice chair Garcia. Yes. Chair Grall yes by Your Vote Cs for SB 1010, will be reported favorably. I wish to record my vote on SB 560, in the affirmative. Does any other Senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today? You all work. Okay. Great. If there's there's no other business before the committee and therefore Senator Garcia moves. We adjourn without objection. Show the motion adopted and we are adjourned. Thank you