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MIAMI-On Thursday, May 5th, 2011, the Florida State Senate PASSED ALL the remaining Christian Family Coalition bills for the 2011 Statewide Legislative Session!

"This is truly a historic time in the State of Florida, we are now leading the nation in restoring common-sense values to our culture. Without a doubt, this has been the very best statewide legislative session in the history of the Coalition", stated Anthony Verdugo, Founder and Executive Director, Christian Family Coalition.

1. Parental Rights Memorial (HM 557 & SM 954) - Florida became the fifth state and only the third this year, 2011, following Idaho and Montana, to pass a resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to propose to the states for ratification the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Florida Senate voted 38-0 in favor of SM 954 after the Florida House passed its companion (HM 557) by a voice vote. Florida’s resolution enjoyed a Republican majority in both houses, but was also bipartisan with 10 of 12 Senate Democrats voting in favor (1 was absent, and 1 did not vote). In all, Florida Democrats on record voted 17-3, or 85%, in favor of this memorial (resolution). Republican support was 98%. The House sponsor was Rep. Marti Coley and the Senate sponsor was Sen. Anitere Flores

2. Abortion/Public Funding (CS/HJR 1179/SJR 1538) - Proposes creation of s. 28, Art. I of State Constitution to prohibit public (taxpayer) funding of abortions. This proposed resolution (statewide constitutional amendment) will now be sent to Florida voters for approval on Tuesday, November 6th, 2012, during the U.S. Presidential elections. The Florida House passed this resolution by a 70% - 30% margin (79 in support, only 34 against). In the Florida Senate, the measure passed by a 69% - 31% margin (27 in support, only 12 against). The House sponsor was Rep. Dennis Baxley and the Senate sponsor was Sen. Anitere Flores


Sen. Anitere Flores	Rep. Dennis Baxley

3. Ultrasound Bill (CS/HB 1127/CS/SB 1744) - Requires that ultrasound be performed on woman obtaining abortion; requires that ultrasound be reviewed with patient before woman gives informed consent for abortion procedure; requires that woman certify in writing that she declined to review ultrasound & did so of her own free will & without undue influence. The Florida House passed this resolution by a 69% - 31% margin (81 in support, only 37 against). In the Florida Senate, the measure passed by a 61.5% - 38.5% margin (24 in support, only 15 against). The House sponsor was Rep. Liz Porter and the Senate sponsor was Sen. Ronda Storms


Rep. Liz Porter	Sen. Rhonda Storms

4. Parental Notice of Abortion (HB 1247/SB 1770) - Revises procedure for judicial waiver of notice; provides for minor to petition for hearing within specified time; provides that in hearing relating to waiving requirement for parental notice, court consider certain additional factors, including whether minor's decision to terminate her pregnancy was due to undue influence; provides procedure for appeal if judicial waiver of notice is not granted; requires that court order contain factual findings & legal conclusions; requires Supreme Court reports to Governor & Legislature to include additional information. The Florida House passed this resolution by a 70% - 30% margin (82 in support, only 35 against). In the Florida Senate, the measure passed by a 68% - 32% margin (26 in support, only 12 against). The House sponsor was Rep. Kelli Stargel and the Senate sponsor was Sen. Alan Hays


Rep. Kelli Stargel	Sen. Alan Hays

Sen. Rhonda Storms