Not on Our Watch: What’s Moving in Tallahassee and How to Fight Back

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URGENT ACTION ALERT: Two Attacks on Florida Youth – SB 1288 & SB 676

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Two Attacks on Florida Youth – SB 1288 & SB 676

 

Senate Rules Committee Vote – Monday, April 21 at 2:00 PM

SB 1288 – Parental Rights

Sponsor: Sen. Erin Grall

What It Does:

• Eliminates exceptions that allowed minors to consent to health care (e.g., STI treatment and contraception).

• Requires parental consent for most surveys/questionnaires, potentially suppressing critical public health data.

• Prohibits use of biofeedback devices without parental permission.

Why It Matters:

SB 1288 puts vulnerable minors at risk—especially those who cannot safely involve their parents in sensitive health issues. It will lead to more untreated STIs, unintended pregnancies, and health disparities. It also undermines tools schools use to understand and support student well-being.

 

SB 676 – Minimum Wage Waivers

Sponsor: Sen. Jonathan Martin

What It Does:

• Allows employers to pay less than Florida’s minimum wage to youth (under 18) in work-based learning programs like internships or apprenticeships.

• Permits minors to waive their right to the state minimum wage, with parental approval.

Why It Matters:

This bill opens the door to legal child labor exploitation under the guise of “learning opportunities.” At a time when working families are already struggling, SB 676 creates a pathway for employers to undervalue and underpay Florida’s youngest workers.

 

TAKE ACTION NOW – BEFORE MONDAY'S VOTE

1. Contact Senate Rules Committee Members:

Urge them to VOTE NO on both SB 1288 and SB 676.

Emails and phone numbers listed below.

2. Customize & Send an Email (Examples Below)

3. Make a Phone Call – It Makes a Difference!

4. Share this alert with your network.

 

Sample Email

Subject: Vote NO on SB 1288 and SB 676

Dear Senator [Last Name],

I'm writing to urge you to vote NO on SB 1288 and SB 676. These bills are harmful to Florida’s youth. SB 1288 strips away young people's ability to access essential health care services confidentially. SB 676 opens the door to legal wage exploitation of minors.

Florida should be protecting its youth—not restricting their rights or making it easier for them to be taken advantage of. I respectfully urge you to reject these bills and stand up for the health, safety, and dignity of all young Floridians.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your City or County]

 

Sample Phone Call

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/County].

I’m calling to ask Senator [Last Name] to vote NO on SB 1288 and SB 676 in Monday’s Rules Committee meeting. These bills are harmful to young people’s health and labor rights. We should be protecting our youth—not taking their rights away.

Thank you.

 

Senate Rules Committee Contacts

Chair: Kathleen Passidomo – passidomo.kathleen@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5028

Shevrin Jones – jones.shevrin@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5035

Bryan Avila – avila.bryan@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5039

Lori Berman – berman.lori@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5031

Jim Boyd – boyd.jim@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5020

Jennifer Bradley – bradley.jennifer@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5005

Jason Brodeur – brodeur.jason@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5010

Danny Burgess – burgess.danny@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5020

Colleen Burton – burton.colleen@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5002

Tracie Davis – davis.tracie@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5006

Nick DiCeglie – diceglie.nick@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5022

Don Gaetz – gaetz.don@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5001

Ileana Garcia – garcia.ileana@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5036

Joe Gruters – gruters.joe@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5024

Gayle Harrell – harrell.gayle@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5033

Ed Hooper – hooper.ed@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5016

Blaise Ingoglia – ingoglia.blaise@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5021

Jonathan Martin – martin.jonathan@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5033

Rosalind Osgood – osgood.rosalind@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5033

Jason Pizzo – pizzo.jason@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5038

Ana Maria Rodriguez – rodriguez.anamaria@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5039

Darryl Rouson – rouson.darryl@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5019

Corey Simon – simon.corey@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5003

Jay Trumbull – trumbull.jay@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5002

Tom Wright – wright.tom@flsenate.gov – (850) 487-5014

Don't Miss My My Florida Legislative Deep Dive!

Democratic Women’s Information Network - DWIN announces its April General meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The General Membership meeting starts at 6:00 PM ET. Immediately following a short business meeting, Rachel Grage will provide a legislative update, "Democracy in Motion: Tracking Legislation and Taking Action in Florida."

Rachel currently serves as the legislative liaison for both the St. Johns County Democratic Women’s Club and the Jacksonville chapter of the National Organization for Women.

We look forward to seeing everyone online for the important legislative update.

See you there!!

Sign up here:

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/776132/

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