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Outlook for Florida's 2025 Legislative Session

Jim DeBeaugrine • March 3, 2025

Reasserting Legislative Power

The Florida Legislature appears ready to reassert its role as a co-equal branch of government after several years of aligning closely with Governor DeSantis' agenda. This change is expected to bring a renewed emphasis on legislative priorities and a more balanced interaction between the executive and legislative branches. Over the past six years, the Governor's office has had significant influence over the state's legislative agenda. However, there are signs of a shift as the Legislature aims to reclaim its authority and shape policy more assertively.

Tightening Budget Outlook
As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Florida's budget outlook is tightening. The Long-Range Financial Outlook, recently adopted by the Legislature, signals potential deficits by fiscal year 2026-27 if spending reductions or revenue enhancements are not implemented. With revenue enhancements unlikely, lawmakers will likely focus on reducing recurring expenditures. This fiscal constraint will require careful consideration of budget allocations and may impact various state-funded programs and services.

Focus on Developmental Disabilities
One key area expected to receive significant attention is services for individuals with developmental disabilities (I/DD). Speaker Danny Perez, who has a family member with I/DD, has expressed a strong interest in improving and expanding access to services for this population. His personal connection to the issue is likely to drive legislative efforts to address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities more comprehensively.

Expansion of Managed Care Pilot Project
The expansion of the managed care pilot project, currently ongoing in the Miami-Dade/Monroe region and in Hillsborough and surrounding counties, is also poised for consideration. This project aims to enhance the delivery of care and services to individuals with developmental disabilities through a managed care approach.

iConnect System
Another important issue is the iConnect system, a data management platform for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The system faced significant delays during implementation and has caused widespread dissatisfaction among service providers required to use it. Last session, the Legislature suspended mandatory use of the system until July 1, 2025, and required an independent evaluation, which was delivered earlier this week. Options being considered include rebidding the system, repealing mandatory use by external entities (service providers), and developing an interface to allow providers to submit data from their own systems without manual dual data entry into iConnect.

Serving Individuals on the Waiting List
Funding for the waiting list of individuals seeking services for developmental disabilities is also expected to be a critical topic. With over 21,000 individuals currently waiting for access to essential services, legislators will likely prioritize finding solutions to reduce the backlog and ensure timely support for those in need. Use of the managed care pilot program mentioned above will likely be seriously considered to serve these individuals. 

Key Legislative Bills
Several notable bills have already been filed for the upcoming session, signaling a proactive approach to addressing various issues related to individuals with disabilties.

APD Expansion
Among them, SB 1050/HB 1103 stands out as a comprehensive measure aimed at dramatically expanding the scope of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). This bill proposes designating the APD as the single state agency for persons with disabilities in Florida, consolidating all state programs that serve individuals with disabilities under the agency's jurisdiction.

Redesignation of Chapter 393
The bill also seeks to redesignate chapter 393 as a generic disability chapter, moving away from its current focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities. This change would dilute the focus on individuals with I/DD by encompassing a much broader, diverse population.

Adult Pathways Waiver
Additionally, the bill aims to codify the Adult Pathways Waiver, which would specifically address the needs of young adults it I/DD transitioning from the school system. This waiver would have a per-person spending limit, ensuring targeted support during this critical transition period.

Statewide Family Care Council
The creation of a Statewide Family Care Council is another key component of the bill. This codifies and effectively reinstates the statewide council which was dismantled under previous agency leadership.

Considerations
While the proposed redesignation of chapter 393 to a generic disability chapter aims to consolidate all services to individuals with disabilities under a single roof, it would remove the current focus of the agency on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This will dilute the attention currently focused on their issues. We are hearing serious concerns about this dilution from stakeholders and predict that there will be significant opposition to this portion of the bill. Stakeholders argue that the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities require specialized attention and resources, which might be compromised under the broader mandate. This potential shift in focus could impact the quality and specificity of services provided to this vulnerable population.

Other Legislative Initiatives
Beyond the comprehensive measures in SB 1050/HB 1103, other bills aim to enhance services for children with autism and improve housing options for people with disabilities. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to addressing the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities across the state.

Defining Direct Support Professional in Law
SB 1736/HB 1567 would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin provided that certain training and other protocols have been established and followed. Perhaps more importantly, it adds a definition of direct support professional to Chapter 393. Having a formal definition of the term is important as advocates work to establish caregiving as a recognized profession and develop strategies to improve the size and quality of the workforce.

Improving Autism Services
Bills focused on improving services for children with autism may include provisions for early intervention, education, and support programs. These measures aim to provide comprehensive care and resources to help children with autism reach their full potential.

Housing Improvements
Housing for people with disabilities is another critical area of focus. Legislative efforts may seek to increase the availability of accessible housing options, ensure compliance with disability standards, and provide support for independent living.

Tracking Legislative Developments
As the 2025 legislative session unfolds, stakeholders and advocates will closely monitor the progress of these bills and other related initiatives. The outcomes of these legislative efforts will have a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, shaping the future of support and services in Florida.

Conclusion
The outlook for Florida's 2025 legislative session suggests a period of renewed legislative activity and focus on critical issues. With a tightening budget and a growing emphasis on support for individuals with developmental disabilities, lawmakers face the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to provide essential services. The upcoming session promises to be a pivotal time for shaping policies that will affect the state's most vulnerable populations and ensure a more inclusive and supportive environment for all Floridians.

Stay Informed
Please see the bill tracking list. We will be tracking these bills with emphasis on bills that appear to be moving and have a chance at passage. For interested self-advocates, family members and other stakeholders, I suggest you consider listening in on the "Let’s Talk" series presented by Family Café each Friday at 4 p.m. EDT during session. During these sessions, various experts will bring listeners up to speed on what is happening in the Legislature and explain how the laws being considered will affect you or your loved one.   

Jim's Blog

Jim DeBeaugrine • March 3, 2025

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