2024 Legislative Slate
As of March 8, 2024
At Safe Schools, our mission is to foster an inclusive, supportive, and affirming environment for all students, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community. The legislative landscape in Florida poses significant challenges and opportunities for our youth. A series of bills recently introduced in the state legislature have the potential to profoundly impact LGBTQ+ youth, especially transgender students. These bills touch on various aspects of life, from education and healthcare to workplace protections and public visibility. Understanding and addressing the implications of these legislative measures is crucial in safeguarding the mental health and well-being of our LGBTQ+ students.
HB 1639: The Trans Erasure Bill
HB 1639 poses a significant threat to the rights and dignity of transgender youth in Florida, aiming to exclude them from public life by denying their legal existence and creating barriers to accessing essential healthcare. This bill could severely impact the mental health of transgender students by fostering an environment of exclusion and discrimination. A similar bill, HB 1233, did not move forward, highlighting the contentious nature of this legislation.
Outcome – Stopped: HB 1233 never received a committee hearing. While HB 1639 passed the House with bipartisan opposition, it was not taken up by the Senate.
HB 599/SB 1382: The “Don’t Say Gay or Trans at Work” Bill
This bill is an alarming escalation of censorship, targeting transgender workers and imposing extreme anti-LGBTQ ideology in workplaces. It could severely restrict the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in professional environments, thereby affecting their mental health and job security.
Outcome – Stopped: HB 599/SB 1382 never received a committee hearing.
HB 433/SB 1492: The Preemption of Employment Protections Bill
This bill threatens existing and future local employment nondiscrimination protections, potentially rolling back years of progress. It could create a hostile work environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly affecting the mental health of transgender employees.
Outcome – Neutralized: The harmful provisions were removed before the final bill was adopted.
HB 901/SB 1120: The Pride Flag Ban Bill
By banning Pride Flags on public buildings, this bill attacks the visibility of LGBTQ+ communities and their allies. Such measures could marginalize LGBTQ+ youth, negatively impacting their sense of belonging and mental health.
Outcome – Stopped: HB 901 passed its first committee in the House, but SB 1120 did not advance in the Senate.
HB 833/SB 1708: The Policing Safe Space Stickers Bill
This bill would prohibit local law enforcement from displaying “safe space” stickers, signaling support for the LGBTQ+ community. Removing these symbols could increase feelings of vulnerability and isolation among LGBTQ+ youth.
Outcome – Stopped: HB 833 passed its first committee in the House, but SB 1708 did not advance in the Senate.
SB 160: Repeal the Marriage Ban
This bill aims to repeal Florida’s outdated and unconstitutional ban on recognizing same-sex marriage. Legal recognition of same-sex marriages is crucial for the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, providing them with societal validation and protection.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
Youth and Education
HB 1355/SB 1414: The Freedom to Learn Act
This bill seeks to undo recent harms inflicted on LGBTQ+ students by safeguarding academic freedom and ensuring inclusive education. It would protect LGBTQ+ youth by allowing age-appropriate discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation and ensuring schools do not forcibly out students.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 1135/SB 1238: The “Criminalizing Sex Ed” Bill
This bill could severely restrict access to vital sexual education for LGBTQ+ youth, using broad language that conflates sex education with grooming. Such restrictions could lead to increased rates of STDs and unintended pregnancies, along with mental health issues due to lack of information and support.
Outcome – Stopped: HB 1135 was amended to address concerns, but did not advance to a full House vote; SB 1238 failed in committee.
HB 1027/SB 1728: The Single-Sex Student Organizations Bill
This bill allows discriminatory practices within student organizations, potentially denying transgender students membership or leadership roles. This exclusion can harm the mental health and social development of transgender youth.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 1425/SB 1352: The Juvenile Justice Package
This bill risks inferior treatment for transgender youth in the juvenile justice system, denying them access to gender-affirming services and facilities. Such policies could exacerbate mental health issues and lead to worse outcomes for these vulnerable youth.
Outcome – Neutralized: Amendments and assurances were made to prevent negative impacts on transgender youth.
HB 1291/SB 1372: The “Stop WOKE Teacher Training” Bill
This bill extends restrictions on discussions about racism, sexism, and oppression to teacher training, further censoring important topics. Limiting these discussions can hinder the creation of inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students.
Outcome – Passed: Despite strong opposition, this bill passed and was sent to the Governor.
SB 454: The “Online Social Media for Minors” Bill
This bill targets social media platforms with high penalties for failing to restrict minors’ access to certain content. Vague terms in the bill have been used to target LGBTQ+ content, potentially reducing access to supportive online communities for LGBTQ+ youth.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 1663/SB 1722: The “Child Protective Investigations” Bill
This bill codifies the state’s stance on treating children according to their sex assigned at birth, without addressing affirming care for transgender children. Given the Legislature’s history, this bill deserves close scrutiny for its potential impacts on LGBTQ+ youth.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill never received a committee hearing.
Health & Reproductive Freedom
HB 1283/SB 1404: The Health Care Freedom Act
This bill aims to restore fundamental rights to make personal healthcare decisions, including gender-affirming care and abortion access. Removing barriers to such care is vital for the mental health and well-being of transgender youth.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 159/SB 1320: The PrEP & PEP Access Bill
Facilitating access to HIV prevention medications is crucial for the health of LGBTQ+ individuals. This bill promotes personal responsibility and public health, potentially reducing HIV transmission rates among LGBTQ+ youth.
Outcome – Passed: This bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support.
HB 1519: The Total Abortion Ban
This extreme bill would ban almost all abortions, removing exceptions for rape, incest, and human trafficking. Such restrictions can have severe implications for LGBTQ+ individuals’ reproductive rights and overall mental health.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 111/SB34: The Abortion Penalty Exemption
This bill seeks to ensure that penalties for performing or participating in an abortion do not apply to the pregnant individual. Protecting reproductive rights is essential for the autonomy and mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
Criminal Justice & Protecting Democracy
HB 757/SB 1780, SB 1086: The Defamation Censorship Bills
These bills threaten free speech by making it easier to sue for defamation, particularly targeting claims of sexism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. This could have a chilling effect on advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Outcome – Stopped: The bills did not advance beyond committee stages.
SB 134: The Hate Crimes Law Expansion
Expanding hate crimes laws to include gender identity is crucial for protecting transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, who face disproportionate violence.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 137/SB 156: The Elimination of the Gay and Trans Panic Legal Defense
Banning this defense would prevent assailants from escaping liability by claiming fear of the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This protection is essential for the justice and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
SB 1752: The End Vote By Mail Bill
This bill would severely limit vote-by-mail, affecting many Floridians’ ability to vote. Ensuring accessible voting is crucial for the democratic participation of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 335: Requiring 2/3rds Passage for Ballot Initiatives
This bill would make it harder for citizens to pass ballot initiatives, limiting public control over important issues. Direct democracy is vital for advancing LGBTQ+ rights and protections.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill did not advance beyond committee stages.
Gun Violence Prevention
SB 176: Safe Storage Legislation
Requiring safe storage of firearms can prevent unauthorized access and reduce tragedies involving gun violence, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 279/SB 150: Bans on Military-style Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines
Banning these weapons is crucial for public safety, as they have been used in mass shootings targeting LGBTQ+ spaces, such as the Pulse nightclub massacre.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 17: The Expiration of the Mandatory Waiting Period for Firearms Purchases
Reducing the waiting period for firearm purchases increases the risk of impulsive violence, which can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill did not advance beyond committee stages.
SB 1124: The Mandatory Waiting Period for Handgun Purchases Bill
Eliminating the waiting period for long guns, including AR-15s, could lead to more rapid access to firearms, increasing the risk of violence against marginalized communities.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
HB 1223: The Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer Bill
Lowering the age to purchase long guns to 18 could increase access to dangerous firearms among young individuals, potentially escalating violence in communities.
Outcome – Stopped: This bill did not advance beyond committee stages.
HB 1619: The Open Carry Bill
Allowing open carry and lifting firearm bans in sensitive locations could create an intimidating environment, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who already face disproportionate violence.
Outcome: This bill never received a committee hearing.
The potential impact of these bills on LGBTQ+ youth cannot be overstated. Restrictive legislation can lead to increased marginalization, mental health struggles, and a heightened sense of vulnerability among young people who are already at risk. Conversely, supportive bills can promote inclusivity, affirm identity, and ensure all students feel valued and protected. At Safe Schools, we remain committed to advocating for policies that uphold the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring that every student can thrive in a safe and supportive educational environment. By staying informed and engaged, we can work together to create a future where all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can succeed and feel safe.
