Signed by Governor Rick Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to partner with a network of organizations that support and promote childbirth.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with the network to manage and deliver pregnancy support and wellness services (Sec. 1).

• Defines “Florida Pregnancy Care Network, Inc.” as a statewide not-for-profit alliance of pregnancy support organizations (Sec. 1).

• Defines “pregnancy support services” as services that promote and encourage childbirth (Sec. 1).

• Requires that the contract specify the obligations of the network, including requiring the network utilize certain management practices including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• Subcontract only with providers that exclusively promote childbirth;

• Spend at least 90 percent of contract funds on pregnancy support and wellness services;

• Ensure that informational materials are current and accurate; and

• Require background screening for staff and volunteers that provide direct services to minors, the elderly, and disabled individuals.

• Prohibits services provided under contract from containing religious content or being provided in a coercive manner (Sec. 1).

• Rep. Nicholas ‘Nick’ Xavier Duran is listed on our vote breakdown as not voting; he intended to vote “Nay.”

• Rep. David Richardson is listed on our vote breakdown as not voting; he intended to vote “Nay.”

Full Bill Text