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March 23, 2026
Hey Florida Rising Fam,
The 2026 legislative session just wrapped, and whew, there’s a LOT to unpack. From straight-up attacks on our communities to hard-fought wins that stopped some of the worst ideas in their tracks.
Lawmakers came for us this year. Hard.
❌ LOSS: The Voter Purge Bill (HB 991 / SB 1334) passed
Another attempt to kick eligible voters off the rolls and silence our communities. We managed to push the effective date back to January 1, 2027, so it won’t affect midterms, but then it will require voters to re-register with documents a lot of us don’t have. We’ve seen this playbook before and we’re not backing down.
❌ LOSS: The “Police State” Bills (HB 1471 / SB 1632 + HB 1473 / SB 1634) passed
Criminalizing dissent AND shielding it from public scrutiny? That’s dangerous. These bills expand state power while limiting transparency—never a good combo. It allows the Governor’s cabinet to meet in secret and designate an organization as a “domestic terrorist.” It’s a clear violation of 1st and 4th amendment rights, and will be challenged.
❌ LOSS: “Don’t Say Pride” (HB 1001 / SB 1334) passed
A direct attack on local governments trying to build inclusive communities. They want to erase equity—and we’re not letting them. While this bill had several carveouts to protect Black History Month and PULSE — by the end, it still prohibits DEI programs and trainings, and prohibits local governments from supporting or promoting celebrations of LGBTQIA+ identity.
❌ LOSS: The Pollute Our Cities Act (HB 1217) passed
This one is wild. It strips local governments of the ability to fight climate change; blocking net-zero policies, Paris Agreement alignment, and even penalties for pollution. Big corporations win, our communities lose.
❌ LOSS: PSC Reform (SB 126) died in committee
A missed opportunity to hold utility companies accountable and rein in rising costs. Instead, Floridians are still stuck footing the bill.
Now Let’s Talk About What WE Stopped Because Organizing WORKS .
🔥 WIN: Anti-Immigrant Crackdowns BLOCKED
HB 197 (E-Verify for ALL businesses) — DIED
HB 1307 / SB 1380 (Banking + remittance bans) — DIED
HB 1279 (International student restrictions) — DIED
These proposals would have devastated families, tanked our economy, and isolated Florida globally. Together, we shut them down.
🔥 WIN: Property Tax Attacks STOPPED (for now)
Multiple proposals to slash local budgets and undermine essential services FAILED to pass both chambers. That’s a huge win for schools, infrastructure, and local control.
And some movement worth watching…
⚖️ PROGRESS: Voting Rights Restoration
SB 132 — cleared all committees
SB 748 — passed the Senate
These bills didn’t fully cross the finish line, but this is BIG progress in a 7-year fight. Momentum is building to ensure returning citizens can actually exercise their right to vote.
📌 What's Up Next? Buckle Up
🚨 Special Session Incoming
Redistricting: April 20–24
Property Taxes: Another special session is expected
We already know what’s coming: power grabs and more attempts to rig the rules.
This session was a mix of harm and hope. Lawmakers pushed dangerous policies, but people power stopped some of the worst of it and moved us closer to real progress. We’re not done. Not even close.
Stay connected, stay informed, stay engaged…. AND stay tuned for next week’s Tea in Tally.
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🧡 Together, we can keep Florida’s future bright, sustainable, and resilient.
In Solidarity, [[link removed]]
Moné Holder
Chief Advocacy & Political Officer
Florida Rising
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10800 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33161
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Miami, FL 33161
United States