Committee approves bill to allow voluntary faith‑based content in batterers intervention programs

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday reported HB491 favorably, a bill from Rep. Blanco that would allow batterers intervention programs to offer voluntary faith‑based content alongside the required cognitive behavioral therapy framework. The sponsor emphasized that participation would be entirely optional and tailored to individual needs.

Multiple faith‑based counselors and organizations testified in support. Douglas Jimenez, a minister who said he has counseled for 36 years, told the committee that matching counselors and counselees by shared beliefs can improve program engagement. Reverend Kevin Drinka said a Department of Children and Families administrative change in 2022 removed faith‑based VIP providers from the roster and that restoring choice would allow proven faith providers to reenter programming. Anthony Verdugo of the Christian Family Coalition of Florida described exclusion of faith providers as viewpoint discrimination and urged passage.

Committee members expressed a mix of views. Rep. Steele urged stronger language favoring faith‑based programming; Vice Chair Barnaby and others spoke in support. Rep. Joseph, while expressing personal support, cautioned against making faith‑based options exclusive and stressed the principles of religious freedom and separation of church and state.

After closing remarks from the sponsor, the committee voted to report HB491 favorably (21 yays, 0 nays). The bill’s proponents said it restores an option for participants and providers but does not mandate religious instruction.