Politics
OPINION: Reps. Brown, Morales Top Orange County Democratic House Lawmakers in Passing State Laws
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As the 2022 November midterm election draws closer, political ads have gotten increasingly nastier–especially in the state house elections in Orange County–from Republican candidates claiming their Democrat opponents got no bills passed or signed into law (namely Senator Jason Brodeur in his attack on State Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil in the Senate District 10 race). As such, we’re looking at the Democratic state lawmakers who represent Orange County and how many bills they sponsored (in their own name) out of the 14 bills issued to them that were signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions.
Orange County’s Top Two Democratic State Lawmakers
Reps. Kamia Brown and Daisy Morales introduced the most bills (which include companion and appropriations bills) that got signed into law out of the seven Democratic state lawmakers representing Orange County.
Florida State Representative Kamia Brown: 7 Bills
Democratic Minority Leader pro tempore (2020-2022)
State Rep. Kamia Brown speaks on the Florida House floor. Photo: Florida House of Representatives.
Florida State Representative Daisy Morales: 5 Bills
Democratic Freshman Lawmaker (2020-2022)
State Rep. Daisy Morales holds up the signed House Resolution 8069, recognizing April 2, 2022 as Puerto Rican Heritage Day across the state of Florida, on the Florida House floor. Photo: State Rep. Daisy Morales (via Facebook).
A Lawmaker’s Job
For anyone who may not know, in addition to balancing the state budget, getting bills signed into law is the literal job of a state representative and state senator, which is why they’re typically called “lawmakers.” The same is true at the federal level–U.S. representatives (or Congressmen and Congresswomen) and U.S. senators are responsible for balancing the federal budget and getting bills signed into law.
That said, it’s a pretty tough sell to ask voters to re-elect you if you’re an incumbent representative or senator with no bills sponsored in your name getting signed into law.
The Legislative Process in a Nutshell
Granted, the process is long, difficult and a bill is at the mercy of many people. It has to pass subcommittees, committees, then make it to the House or Senate floor for a vote and must pass there before having its companion bill approved in the other chamber (House or Senate, depending on which chamber passes the bill first).
While passing both chambers is exciting because it means the bill is headed to the governor’s or president’s desk for signature, it’s not a law until it gets signed. And there are plenty of bills that never make it that far.
This is why not having any bills signed into law for a particular legislative session (or worse, for an incumbent candidate’s entire legislative career) proves detrimental. It means the candidate only accomplished half of the job.
The Orange County Democratic State Reps’ Record
Here’s how the state representatives in the Orange County Democratic State Legislative Delegation measure up.
Chair – Representative Joy Goff-Marcil (District 30)
Total number of bills signed into law in her name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 1
2022 Bills:
2021 Bills:
| HB 553 | Postsecondary Fee Waivers | Died in Post-Secondary Education & Lifelong Learning Subcommittee | |
| HB 555 | Storage of Firearms by Licensed Importers, Manufacturers, and Dealers | Died in Regulatory Reform Subcommittee | |
| HB 641 | Charter and Private Schools | Died in Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee | |
| HB 1105 | Energy Security and Disaster Resilience Pilot Program | Died in Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee | |
| HB 1225 | Implementation of the Recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force | Died in Environment, Agriculture & Flooding Subcommittee | |
| HB 1339 | Broadband Internet Service | Died in Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/HB 1239 (Ch. 2021-24) | |
| HB 1481 | Vacation Rentals | Died in Regulatory Reform Subcommittee | |
| HB 2451 | Maitland Art Center Structural Rehabilitation | Died in Appropriations Committee |
Vice Chair – Representative Travaris L. McCurdy (District 46)
Total number of bills signed into law in his name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 4
2022 Bills:
| HB 61 | Transportation Facility Designations | Died in Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee | |
| HB 109 | Prohibiting Deception in Interrogations of Minors | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee | |
| HB 367 | Juneteenth Day | Died in Government Operations Subcommittee | |
| CS/HB 369 | Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate Cards | Died in Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee | |
| CS/HB 371 | Fees/Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate Cards | Died in Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee | |
| HB 919 | Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program | Died in PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee | |
| HB 1587 | Residential Tenancies | Died in Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee | |
| HB 3457 | Florida Children’s Initiative Recidivism Reduction and Prevention | Died in Appropriations Committee | |
| HB 6079 | Eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance | Died in Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee | |
| HB 9459 | Dre’s Haven – Supportive Independent Living | Died in Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee |
2021 Bills:
Secretary – Representative Anna V. Eskamani (District 47)
Total number of bills signed into law in her name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 2
2022 Bills:
2021 Bills:
Representative Geraldine F. Thompson (District 44)
Total number of bills signed into law in her name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 2
2022 Bills:
2021 Bills:
| 2021 | HB 103 | Elections | Died in Public Integrity & Elections Committee |
| 2021 | HB 105 | Required Instruction in the History of the Holocaust and of African Americans | Died in Secondary Education & Career Development Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 107 | Discrimination in Labor and Employment | Died in Regulatory Reform Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 161 | Judicial Nominating Commissions | Died in Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 277 | Statewide Police Misconduct Registry | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 377 | Youth in Solitary Confinement | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 443 | Eligibility for Medical Assistance and Related Services | Died in Finance & Facilities Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 533 | Divine Nine Specialty License Plates | Died in Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/SB 676 (Ch. 2021-177) |
| 2021 | HB 2579 | Town of Windermere Pedestrian Trail Phase 1 | Died in Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 2581 | Town of Windermere Pedestrian/Multi-Modal Bridge Project | Died in Appropriations Committee |
| 2021 | HB 2691 | Windermere Water Master Plan Central Phase (Lake Butler Waterway and N of 6th Ave) | Died in Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 2693 | Windermere Water Master Plan South Phase (South of 6th Ave) | Died in Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 2695 | Windermere Water Master Plan North Phase | Died in Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 3101 | Oakland South Lake Apopka Initiative | See SB 2500 (line item 1607A) |
| 2021 | HB 3103 | D.U.S.T – Developing Urban Sophisticated Technocrats | Vetoed by Governor; See SB 2500 (line item 110) |
| 2021 | HB 3231 | Sankofa Black Cultural Tourism Enhancement | Died in Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 6081 | Collective Bargaining for Instructional Personnel | Died in Government Operations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HR 8047 | George H. Starke, Jr. | Adopted by Publication; companion bill(s) passed, see SR 2036 (Adopted) |
Representative Kamia L. Brown (District 45)
Total number of bills signed into law in her name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 7
2022 Bills:
2021 Bills:
| 2021 | HB 179 | Prohibited Discrimination Based on Hairstyle | Died in Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 181 | 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots | Died in Post-Secondary Education & Lifelong Learning Subcommittee |
| 2021 | CS/HB 183 | Office of Minority Health and Health Equity | Chapter No. 2021-117 |
| 2021 | HB 645 | Postpartum Medicaid Coverage | Died in Finance & Facilities Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see SB 2518 (Ch. 2021-41) |
| 2021 | HB 743 | Insurance Coverage for Breast Cancer Tests and Procedures | Died in Finance & Facilities Subcommittee |
| 2021 | CS/HB 1381 | Maternal Health Outcomes | Chapter No. 2021-238 |
| 2021 | HB 1383 | Maternal Health Care Services | Died in Professions & Public Health Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 1381 (Ch. 2021-238) |
| 2021 | HB 3859 | Florida State University – Florida Health Equity Research Institute | Died in Appropriations Committee |
| 2021 | HB 3861 | Central Florida Family Health Center COVID-19 Infusion Center | Vetoed by Governor; See SB 2500 (line item 444) |
| 2021 | HB 3863 | Special Hearts Farm | Died in Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 3865 | Tech Sassy Girlz | Vetoed by Governor; See SB 2500 (line item 110) |
| 2021 | HB 3867 | Apopka Fire Station 6 | See SB 2500 (line item 2377A) |
| 2021 | HB 3869 | Adult Mobile Response (MRT) for the Central Region | Withdrawn prior to introduction |
| 2021 | HB 4087 | Re-Establishment of the Florida Center for Nursing | See SB 2500 (line item 444) |
| 2021 | HR 8057 | Black Maternal Health Awareness Week | Adopted by Publication |
Representative Daisy Morales (District 48)
Total number of bills signed into law in her name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 5
2022 Bills:
2021 Bills:
| 2021 | HB 269 | Definition of Developmental Disability | Died in Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 517 | School Meals | Died in Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 855 | Barber Services | Chapter No. 2021-218 |
| 2021 | HB 857 | Commercial Telephone Solicitation | Died in Regulatory Reform Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 1120 (Ch. 2021-185) |
| 2021 | HB 887 | Lactation Spaces in Courthouses | Died in Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 1271 | Claims for Medical Negligence | Died in Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee |
| 2021 | CS/CS/HB 1347 | Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans | 04/30/21 S Died in Appropriations |
| 2021 | HB 2051 | English as a Second Language through Arts Integration | Died in Appropriations Committee |
| 2021 | HB 2561 | Capital & Procurement Access for Minority Owned Businesses | Died in Appropriations Committee |
| 2021 | HB 2773 | Smiling at Life | Died in Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 2775 | Access Community Awareness Center | Died in Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 2855 | Gateway Orlando Economic Prosperity Initiative | Vetoed by Governor; See SB 2500 (line item 2245A) |
| 2021 | HB 3197 | Dreams in Action for Young Adults: Value Leadership to Build Successful Stories | Died in PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 3199 | Grow It Forward Urban-Farm Network Strategic Planning | Vetoed by Governor; See SB 2500 (line item 1502) |
| 2021 | HB 3525 | Magic of Orange County Conservation and STEM Environmental Outdoor Learning for K-12 and Beyond | Died in Appropriations Committee |
| 2021 | HR 8053 | World Vitiligo Day | Adopted by Publication; companion bill(s) passed, see SR 2058 (Adopted) |
Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith (District 49)
Total number of bills signed into law in her name during the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions: 2
2022 Bills:
| 2022 | HB 199 | Assault Weapons and Large-capacity Magazines | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee |
| 2022 | HB 205 | Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee |
| 2022 | HB 439 | Small Business Saturday Sales Tax Holiday | Died in Ways & Means Committee |
| 2022 | HB 675 | Medicaid Buy-in Program | Died in Finance & Facilities Subcommittee |
| 2022 | HB 1237 | Nursing Home Accountability | Died in Finance & Facilities Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see HB 539 (Ch. 2022-49) |
| 2022 | HB 1471 | Availability of Marijuana for Adult Use | Died in Professions & Public Health Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see HB 5003 (Ch. 2022-157) |
| 2022 | HB 1473 | Fees/Cannabis Expunction | Died in Professions & Public Health Subcommittee |
| 2022 | HB 1569 | Social Services Estimating Conference | Died in Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2022 | HB 6047 | Wage and Employment Benefits Requirements | Died in Regulatory Reform Subcommittee |
2021 Bills:
| 2021 | HB 343 | Availability of Marijuana for Adult Use | Died in Professions & Public Health Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 345 | Fees/Cannabis Expunction | Died in Professions & Public Health Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 653 | Assault Weapons and Large-capacity Magazines | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HM 825 | Conviction and Disqualification of President Trump | Died in Public Integrity & Elections Committee |
| 2021 | HB 1415 | Driver Licenses and Identification Cards | Died in Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 1435 | Utility Customer Assistance Funds | Died in Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 1469 | Florida Commercial Rent Stabilization Fund | Died in Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 1471 | Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses | Died in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HB 6031 | Wage and Employment Benefits Requirements | Died in Regulatory Reform Subcommittee |
| 2021 | HR 8071 | Posttraumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day/Month | Died, reference deferred |
| 2021 | HR 8089 | Jared Moskowitz | Adopted by Publication; companion bill(s) passed, see SR 2042 (Adopted) |
As for Senator Jason Brodeur’s recent attack ad claiming that State Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil didn’t pass any laws, that’s not entirely true. For the 2022 Legislative Session, yes, she didn’t get any bills passed, but she did get one passed in 2021, which is part of her term. One is still more than zero.
All in all, Democrats have an uphill climb to pass bills and get them signed into law, as they have over the last two decades as the minority party in the state legislature. It takes far more effort for them to persuade their Republican colleagues to pass bills out of committee to even make it to a floor vote. Most bills are dead on arrival and never get heard in any committee. Even for the bills that pass the legislature, it takes a miracle for Governor DeSantis, who naturally prioritizes his own party’s legislation, to sign a Democrat lawmaker’s bill into law. That’s why Reps. Brown’s and Morales’ numbers above are so significant. It’s a tough feat to pass laws as a Democrat state representative, and especially as a freshman. Results like those are a testament to a lawmaker’s grit, resilience, and adaptability.
After this year’s midterm election, the Democrats will have an even tougher fight, given the GOP’s aggressive push to gain more seats after this year’s redistricting, and with the Democrats prioritizing abortion rights as their primary campaign message compared to the GOP’s focus on the economy–which is what most voters are concerned with right now–the Dems will have to claw their way through over the next two to four years to get anything done.
Watch this space.
__________________________________________________
Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – A political showdown is unfolding in Florida Senate District 15, as former State Senator Randolph Bracy and his sister, State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, both officially enter the race to replace the late Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away unexpectedly on February 13 due to complications from knee replacement surgery.
A Vacancy That Sparks a Family Feud: Bracy vs Bracy
The loss of Senator Thompson left a crucial legislative seat open during the 2025 session, prompting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to soon order a Special Election to fill the vacancy. The race is already shaping up to be a contentious battle between two high-profile political figures—who also happen to be siblings.
Representative LaVon Bracy Davis formally announced her candidacy on Friday morning, surrounded by state and local leaders, family, and members of Geraldine Thompson’s family, signaling strong political support.
“This is about the people,” Bracy Davis declared. “I’m not running against anyone—I’m running for the people of Senate District 15.”
Her brother, Randolph Bracy, wasted no time responding. Just one day after Thompson’s passing, he took to social media, posting:
“The answer is yes, I will be seeking election for District 15.”
Bracy’s decision follows his 2024 campaign against Thompson, in which he controversially accused her of not living in the district. During that race, Bracy Davis notably backed Thompson over her brother, a move that now adds another layer of complexity to the sibling rivalry.
Randolph Bracy Calls Out His Sister’s Candidacy
Bracy was blunt in his reaction to his sister’s announcement, expressing disappointment and disbelief over her decision to run against him.
“This is a sad day for the Bracy name. My sister choosing to run against me dishonors our father’s legacy in every way possible,” he stated. “I will not disparage our father, who believed in this family, by debating my sister in any format. People know my record, and I will continue to walk and live in the light, putting the PEOPLE over POWER.”
Bracy Davis emphasized her legislative experience and commitment to addressing critical issues in her campaign launch.
“My experience as a state representative has shown me the importance of fighting for the needs of our community,” she said. “I am ready to serve the people of District 15 and committed to bringing the same passion and dedication I’ve had throughout my career to the Florida State Senate, addressing critical issues like affordable housing, education, and economic development.”
With the Bracy siblings heading toward an intense political showdown, the District 15 Special Election promises to be one of Florida’s most closely watched races.
What’s Next for the Bracys?
- Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to announce a Special Election date soon.
- Campaigns are ramping up, with both candidates expected to hold events, debates, and public forums.
- Political tensions rise as voters will have to choose between two well-known family members with opposing perspectives.
________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News2FloridaNationalNews.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – A bill designed to reduce housing application costs for Florida renters has advanced in the Florida Legislature.
House Bill 43 (HB 43), sponsored by Representative Jervonte Edmonds (D-West Palm Beach), passed its first committee, the Civil Justice and Claims Committee, marking a significant step toward financial relief for renters.
The bill would allow landlords to accept reusable tenant screening reports, enabling renters to submit the same credit report for up to 30 days instead of paying for multiple credit checks with each housing application. This change also aims to reduce the number of hard credit pulls, helping to protect renters’ credit scores while saving money.
“I’ve heard too many stories of hardworking Floridians struggling just to apply for housing,” said Representative Edmonds. “This bill is about making the process fairer, easier, and more affordable for those trying to secure a home.”
Following its success in the first committee, HB 43 now moves to the next legislative step. Representative Edmonds emphasized his commitment to pursuing solutions that improve the quality of life for Florida families.
____________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Forida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Politics
Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill Seeks Political Comeback with Reelection Bid
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who is facing criminal charges but has not been convicted, announced Wednesday that she will run for reelection to reclaim her District 5 seat.
Hill’s Legacy in District 5
First elected in 2013, Hill has focused on job creation, education opportunities, business development, and affordable housing for her district, according to the City of Orlando.
Despite her legal troubles, Hill maintains that her leadership has brought transformative change to the community.
Announcing her candidacy on social media, she stated, “After much reflection, prayer, and supplication in response to the enthusiastic requests of many community members, I’ve decided on this day, the beginning of Lent, to submit my paperwork to officially run for reelection as the commissioner of District 5 to continue serving my beloved community.”
Legal Battle and Criminal Allegations
Hill is accused of financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, allegedly misusing more than $100,000 of her money and fraudulently securing a $428,000 mortgage in the elderly woman’s name for a home in Orlando. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Hill in March 2024.
While she has not been convicted of any crime, her trial, originally set for January 27, 2025, was postponed after her attorney requested additional time for depositions. A pre-trial hearing is now scheduled for April 29.
Suspension and Special Election
Following her arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from office, triggering a special election for her seat. In June 2024, Shaniqua Rose defeated former state representative Travaris McCurdy in a runoff election and was sworn into office on June 23, 2024.
Hill’s extensive arrest history didn’t matter to District 5 voters, who repeatedly elected and reelected her to office.
Rose confirmed that she will seek reelection, stating, “I filed to run for reelection in July 2024. Our community deserves a leader who will continue to fight for honesty, integrity, and real change. I will continue to listen, take action, and put the people of District 5 first.”
A High-Stakes Race for District 5
Hill’s decision to run again has sparked intense debate among residents and sets up a heated election battle in District 5. With legal proceedings still unfolding and the campaign season in full swing, District 5 voters will ultimately decide whether Hill deserves another term or if leadership should remain with Rose, District 5 Interim Commissioner.
Business16 hours agoMonica Hoyos Joins Florida National News as Managing Editor
Sports2 days agoSalsa Icon Marc Anthony Attends 2025 Miami Open with Wife Nadia Ferreira
Politics3 days agoBracy Siblings Face Off in Heated Battle for Florida Senate District 15 Seat
US NATIONAL NEWS18 hours agoMia Love, First Black Republican Woman in Congress, Passes Away at 49
Sports2 days agoOrlando City’s Offense Explodes in Historic 4-1 Victory Over D.C. United
