Jan 30th Update From Rep. Ryan Chamberlin

WEEKLY UPDATE FROM REP. RYAN CHAMBERLIN

My fellow Floridians,

We had another productive week in Tallahassee! Last week, it was great to meet with constituents, stakeholders, and fellow elected officials to discuss how we can build a better future for Florida. As State Representative, I promise to put the good people of District 24 first, and I am committed to ensuring that your voice is heard. I truly appreciate your continued trust and support!

Thank you for reading this recap of some of the great things that happened in Tallahassee. I look forward to keeping you updated on my work in the Florida House.

Legislation Highlight: H.B. 1 – Social Media Use for Minors

I am proud to Co-Sponsor HB 1 – Social Media Use for Minors. On Wednesday, January 24th, HB 1, a bill by Representatives Sirois, McFarland, and Rayner, passed in the house with 106 yeas. The time is now for us to stop Big Tech and Social Media from targeting our children. They have been intentional and have chosen not to alter their methods. Enough is enough. The Florida House has now answered and will lead the nation in protecting the future generation. This bill will protect kids from the harmful impacts of social media by prohibiting minors from creating new accounts. This bill will also have social media platforms terminate accounts that are held by minors by using age verification methods. We are now looking forward for it to be passed by the Senate and ultimately implemented in our States Laws. Thank you to Representative Sirois and Representative McFarland for working so hard to ensure this bill is passed. HB 1 is going to accomplish so much by keeping our minors protected.

If you have any questions on this bill, please reach out to my office.

Monday, January 22

I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA) from Walton and Okaloosa counties to discuss priorities within education. Thank you for your mission to support and empower administrators in providing high-quality education to all students in Florida.

Tuesday morning, I attended the Ringing of the Bells to honor fallen firefighters. Thank you to all of our first responders for your daily sacrifice. Our hearts go out to the families of those who paid the ultimate price.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. James Henningsen, President of the College of Central Florida, and members of the Board of Trustees at the Capitol this week to discuss appropriations and ongoing projects at Central Florida.

It was a privilege to meet with Kevin Sheilley, CEO & President of Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, and his team to discuss community involvement and appropriation projects. It is always an honor to welcome fellow Marion County residents and public servants to my office in Tallahassee.

It was Space Day at the Capitol this week, and it was great to meet with many industry professionals. We discussed ongoing projects and legislative priorities that directly affect the space industry and ensure that Florida remains at the forefront of the nation’s space program.

Florida Space Day is a milestone event that presents an opportunity to educate and bring awareness to Florida legislators on the significance of the aerospace industry and its impact on Florida’s economy.

This week I had a productive meeting with Tri-Eagle Sales, the Anheuser-Busch beer distributor, to discuss the current bills that have a direct impact on their industry, as well as future legislation of importance.

I also met with Second Harvest of Central Florida, an organization that is dedicated to helping feed the hungry. They have been in Marion County for almost two years and are continuing to grow and be a resource for our community. I am grateful for their vision to inspire and engage our community to end hunger and help our neighbors thrive.

Wednesday, January 24

Wednesday morning, Representative Chuck Clemons invited Pastor Rocky McKinley to open Session in prayer. It was an honor to welcome Pastor McKinley, a personal friend, to the Capital City. I am grateful for his years of ministry and leadership in Florida.

On Wednesday morning, I had the privilege of meeting with the newly elected Mayor of Ocala, Ben Marciano, as well as the leadership of the City of Ocala on the House floor. They had a tour of the chamber and later discussed ongoing appropriations and legislative projects.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the leadership of Arnette House, which is based in Marion County, and we spent time discussing all of the phenomenal work their organization is doing. Arnette House’s mission is to provide safe and effective programs to strengthen youth and families. I am thankful for their dedicated professionals who focus on the family’s strengths while providing skills and knowledge to help improve life at home.

State Attorney Bill Gladson visited our office this week. We discussed ongoing projects and explored ways in which our office can support his team.

Leadership from the Marion County Public Library System visited our office this week while they were in Tallahassee. We had a very productive meeting discussing their legislative priorities and the resources their office provides. I am thankful for their dedication to providing the best possible library service to the community.

Wednesday afternoon I met with Board Members from the American Fire Sprinkler Association. AFSA educates and trains workers in the industry while promoting fire protection systems to save lives and property. It was great to learn more about their association, and we discussed future projects and apprenticeship programs to show that their industry is valuable in the workforce.

Following Session, my wife Jenny and I attended the Rural Counties Day Legislative Reception hosted by Representative Bobby Payne.

Week 3: Committee Meetings

We made a lot of progress during committee meetings last week. It is an honor to play such a significant role in the future of our state, and I look forward to seeing many of our bills succeed on the House floor in the upcoming weeks.

I met with the following committees during the week:

• Select Committee on Health Innovation
• Judiciary Committee
• Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee
• Civil Justice Subcommittee
• Education Quality Subcommittee
• State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee

During the Education Quality Subcommittee, I debated HB 931, sponsored by Representative McClain. HB 931 would authorize school districts and charter schools to adopt policies to allow volunteer school chaplains. I appreciate the hard work Representative McClain has put into HB 931 and I look forward to the progress this bill will make in the coming weeks.

I am working hard for you and your family in Tallahassee! Thank you for electing me to serve you. It is the highest honor to represent you in the Florida Legislature.

I look forward to keeping you updated on my work during the 2024 Legislative Session. As always, if I may be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office by clicking here.

Best regards,

Ryan Chamberlin
State Representative
District 24