Committee unanimously approves narrower ethics update to recognize foster families as relatives

Representative Lopez presented HB 603 to update Florida's ethics laws by recognizing foster family relationships in the definition of "relative" for disclosure purposes. "Foster relationships don't always end when the legal relationship ends," the sponsor said, asking the committee to support a change recommended by the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Carrie Stillman of the Florida Commission on Ethics appeared in support and said the change had been a commission recommendation for several years. "On behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics, we urge you to vote up on this very good bill," she told the committee.

The committee recorded a unanimous favorable report (18 yeas, 0 nays) on HB 603.

Next steps: HB 603 will move to the House floor; supporters said the change reduces disclosure burdens and recognizes long‑term family bonds formed through foster care.