Senate committee backs optional faith-based supplements for batterers intervention programs

Senators on the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee reported favorably on SB 624 on a voice/roll call vote after debate and public testimony.

Sponsor Senator Jerry Yarbrough told the committee the bill permits batterers intervention programs (BIPs) to offer supplemental faith-based activities but makes participation optional, and that core program requirements would remain unchanged. "The activities that would be supplemental… would be supplemental to the core curriculum," Yarbrough said, adding that materials might include homework, journaling or support groups but would not be mandatory.

The bill drew several public witnesses who said faith-based providers can help reduce provider shortages and support rehabilitation. Beth Gearhart said certification materials would be submitted to Florida DCF for review. Minister Kevin Drinka described long experience providing faith-informed counseling and said the change restores choice for clients. "This bill would allow domestic violence perpetrators the option of seeking a BIP provider that aligns with their spiritual beliefs," Drinka said.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on several points. Senator Berman said a 2022 administrative rule change and subsequent litigation treated court-ordered BIP curricula as government speech, and warned the proposed change could blur the line between government and religion; Berman announced she would vote no unless concerns were resolved. Senator Polsky asked whether optional supplemental activities could extend program time or permit faith-based materials and whether oversight would be sufficient; Yarbrough responded that the statutory minimum (29 weeks and 24 sessions) remains and that the choice to engage would rest with participants.

The committee recorded a favorable report on SB 624, with the clerk announcing a tally of 7 yeas and 2 nays. The recorded nays included Senator Berman and Senator Polsky; the sponsor said the measure strikes a balance between offering choice and maintaining constitutional limits.

The committee action sends the bill to the next Senate stage; no implementation dates or amendments were recorded in committee.