December 13, 2023 | by Calvin Lewis on Bay News 9
LAKELAND, Fla. — A new piece of legislation could see elected leaders removed from office for taking down Confederate monuments.
It’s through House Bill 395, which proposes state “protection of historical monuments and memorials” authorizing “all actions to protect and preserve all historical monuments and memorials from removal, damage or destruction.”
The bill would punish lawmakers and officials who voted to remove such items. They could also be fined with the costs of replacing or repairing any removed monuments.
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November 20, 2023 | by Owen Girard on Florida's Voice
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, and Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Clearwater, filed legislation Monday to prevent juveniles who are convicted of crimes as an adult from playing high school sports.
HB 545 and SB 530 bar high school students who are convicted or held responsible in an adult court for homicide, sexual battery, or lewd and lascivious offenses from participating in high school athletics.
DiCeglie explained in the press release that when tragedy strikes, “we as a community have the ability to provide support for the victims and their families.”
DiCeglie told Florida’s Voice about a situation in Pinellas County took place at one point where a student was killed in a boating accident.
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November 13, 2023 | by Owen Girard on Florida's Voice
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Lawmakers this week introduced legislation to create an online hub for pregnancy and parenting resources in the state of Florida.
Sen. Erin Grall, R-Fort Pierce, and Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole filed the legislation.
SB 436, and its House companion, HB 415, establish a platform for pregnant mothers and parents to access “vital information and support,” a press release said.
“We understand the critical need to support Florida’s pregnant women and families across the state, to ensure every child and family has an opportunity to thrive,” Grall said.
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November 7, 2023
“This bill further secures our elections by proactively banning foreign interference in our voting system supply chain, while also bolstering confidence in our tabulation procedures.”
– Representative Berny V. Jacques
“We will always fight to deliver on this most important issue for our voters and our elections process in general!”
– Representative Taylor Yarkosky
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 7th, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, FL – This morning, Representative Berny Jacques (R-Seminole) and Representative Taylor Yarkosky (R-Clermont) co-filed HB 359.
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October 30, 2023 | by Michael Costeines on Florida's Voice
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Members of both parties of the Florida Legislature Monday filed bills for the 2024 legislative session that would appoint courtroom advocates in criminal proceedings for cats and dogs.
“As an animal lover, I’m pleased to sponsor legislation that allows an advocate to participate in proceeding regarding animal neglect or abuse,” said Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, in a press release.
“These advocates will ensure an informed process and, especially in cases of hoarding, provide helpful resources for the judicial process.
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