Senate committee advances bill allowing voluntary faith‑based activities in batterers intervention programs

Senator Yarborough opened committee discussion on SB 624, saying the measure "authorizes batterers intervention programs…to offer supplemental faith based activities while explicitly prohibiting programs from requiring participant involvement" as a condition of enrollment.

Supporters told the committee the bill restores choices for participants. Aaron DiPietro of Florida Family Voice said the 2022 DCF directive that excluded faith‑based providers amounted to "clear religious discrimination" and argued the change "restores fairness and choice." Beth Gerhardt said faith‑based intervention programs "really are vital to our communities" and urged senators to "let us use every tool" to fight domestic violence.

John Labriola of the Christian Family Coalition also spoke in favor, saying faith‑based curricula are more effective at keeping families together. Multiple witnesses either spoke or waived in support and the sponsor closed by asking for favorable consideration.

The committee took a roll call after closing remarks and the clerk reported SB 624 "favorably". The bill now moves out of committee for subsequent floor or committee scheduling.

The committee record shows supportive testimony and unanimous committee action; no opponents spoke during committee testimony.

The next procedural step will be the bill's placement on future committee or Senate calendars for further consideration.