Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee
Key Moments
Gayle Harrell — Referenced as having asked about managing entities earlier in the hearing.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Called during the roll call vote on CS for SB 1600 and voted yes.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Voted yes on CS for SB 556.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Voted yes on CS for SB 794.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Senator Rouson is recognized during the committee discussion and is praised for his leadership and influence, with the speaker noting that his work has shaped much of the peer-support specialist collaboration presented to the committee. Later in the meeting segment, he is also called during the confirmation roll call and responds affirmatively.
Barbara Sharief — Called during the roll call vote on CS for SB 1600.
Barbara Sharief — Voted yes on CS for SB 556.
Barbara Sharief — Voted yes on CS for SB 794.
Barbara Sharief — Senator Sharief thanks Secretary Hatch and raises concerns about delays and brokenness in the DCF system.
Barbara Sharief — Barbara Sharief asked to be recorded as voting on the bills before the committee, specifically requesting to be shown as voting in the affirmative on Bill 1600, tab 1.
Corey Simon — Called during the roll call vote on CS for SB 1600 and voted yes.
Corey Simon — Recognized by the chair to ask a question.
Corey Simon — Asks Joshua about the sports he participates in at Special Olympics.
Corey Simon — Spoke in strong support of the bill and referenced his long affiliation with Special Olympics.
Corey Simon — Continued his remarks in support of the bill, comparing Special Olympics participation and band/orchestra participation to PE requirements.
Corey Simon — Listed during the roll call on CS for SB 556.
Corey Simon — Listed during the roll call on CS for SB 794.
Corey Simon — During the confirmation vote roll call, Senator Corey Simon was called and then moved that the committee adjourn.
Ileana Garcia — Called during the roll call vote on CS for SB 1600 and voted yes as Vice Chair.
Ileana Garcia — Mentioned as the sponsor of the bill being debated.
Ileana Garcia — Closed on the bill and emphasized the value of recognizing Special Olympics participation for graduation credit.
Ileana Garcia — Closed on CS for SB 556 and then introduced the next bill.
Ileana Garcia — Voted yes on CS for SB 556.
Ileana Garcia — Explained SB 794 and described its background screening and support coordination provisions.
Ileana Garcia — Continued explaining SB 794 and noted he is carrying the bill with Representative Allison Tant.
Ileana Garcia — Explained the amendment and responded to committee procedure on it.
Ileana Garcia — Closed on the bill after the amendment was adopted.
Ileana Garcia — Voted yes on CS for SB 794.
Ileana Garcia — Greeted in Hatch's opening remarks.
Ileana Garcia — Senator Ileana Garcia moved to recommend confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families and then voted yes on the confirmation roll call.
Joshua Godfrey — Joshua Godfrey is introduced in connection with the bill and identified as a Special Olympics Florida athlete present with Damien McNeil. The discussion notes that he has participated in Special Olympics since age 17 and highlights the sports he plays, including soccer, basketball, bowling, golf, and pickleball.
Damien McNeil — Damien McNeil, representing Special Olympics Florida, testifies in support of the bill and explains that it would provide families with greater flexibility and earlier access to Special Olympics programming, benefiting athletes and their families.
Joy Ann Reese — Joy Ann Reese testifies in support of the bill, introducing herself as a mother of three, including two sons with autism, and describing her experience as a Special Olympics coach. She explains that she had to request that her younger son's Special Olympics participation count toward his graduation requirements, and concludes by urging support for the bill on behalf of the autism and disability community.
One Core Voice, Brevard — Waved in support of the bill.
Liz Delagall, The Foundation for Florida's Future — Waved in support of the bill.
Sherry Willock — Described as a close friend and supporter of Special Olympics work.
Representative Allison Tant — Named as the House companion sponsor; Senator Jones said she has personal experience with disability issues through her child.
Melissa Mazeda — Waved in support of the bill as amended.
Sean Morrill — Waved in support of the bill as amended.
Kayla Farrell — Waved in support of the bill as amended.
Jorge Font — Waved in support of the bill as amended.
Danny Klein — Waved in support of the bill as amended.
Amanda Hayes — Waved in support of the bill as amended.
Secretary Hatch — Called forward and sworn in to provide testimony before the committee.
Secretary Hatch — Secretary Hatch closes her opening remarks and then responds to follow-up questions by thanking the senator for the conversations, reaffirming a commitment to preserve childhoods, reduce trauma, and improve services. She is also asked to commit to providing parents with written information about rights and resources, and she explains that the department is working with parent organizations and people with lived experience to improve materials and engagement.
Taylor Hatch — Taylor Hatch introduced herself to the committee and delivered a continuous opening statement. She spoke about her identity as a daughter, wife, mother, and leader committed to honoring God and serving others, then described her nearly eight years of service at the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, using that background to frame her leadership approach.
Taylor Hatch — The committee discussed Taylor Hatch’s nomination to serve as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, recommended her confirmation, and then confirmed her favorably.
Natalie Kelly — Named as waving in support before public testimony begins.
Christy Lee — Christy Lee is introduced as the next speaker and then begins her testimony by introducing herself and explaining that she worked in Florida's foster care system for 19 years.
Victoria Zep — Victoria Zep is mentioned during public comment as waving in support, including support for One Hope United and Children's Home Network.