Volume 13 | May 12, 2023
Florida State House District 4
2023 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
Friends, it was a long eight weeks, but I am excited to share what we have accomplished. The Florida Legislature successfully passed a host of consequential legislation, and with the help of House and Senate leadership and other members, eight bills that I sponsored passed through both Chambers and sent to Governor DeSantis's desk for his signature. If signed into law, this legislation will:

  • Afford stronger penalties for assault/battery against defense attorneys in court.
  • Allow service members to retain their security deposit when breaking a lease to transfer to waitlisted government quarters.
  • Create a program that provides dental care to veterans who aren't otherwise eligible through insurance or the VA.
  • Create a pathway for a provisional childcare license for individuals who are licensed in other states.
  • Revise standards of operation and eligibility for problem-solving courts (drug court, mental health court, etc).

Additionally, 22 appropriations projects that I filed were included in the budget that was passed off the House Floor and now await the Governor's approval or veto. These projects could bring over $21.5 million to District 4 and Okaloosa County. Once the 2023-2024 budget is final, we will share more details and what it means!

Thank you for your unwavering support. I truly could not do this job without the good people of House District 4 and Okaloosa County standing in support behind me.
Appropriations Projects

House District 4 was allotted more than $19 million for the current fiscal year. This year, we received over 40 project requests for funding. 22 projects were approved by the Legislature that, if approved by the Governor, will bring more than $21.5 million to Okaloosa County.

Should each project remain in the final budget, the $21.5 million will be divided among local projects in the following areas:

  • Agriculture & Natural Resources - $2,941,500
  • Healthcare - $3,400,000
  • Higher Education - $2,340,000
  • Infrastructure & Tourism - $7,035,974
  • Justice - $3,500,000
  • PreK-12 - $307,200
  • State Admin. & Technology - $1,310,000

No matter the final outcome, this could not have been possible without the help of many House and Senate members, as well as Committee staff.
In Case You Missed It

Several of my bills generated interest throughout the state this session:
  • January 26th - "House Panel Advances Bill Protecting Service Members' Rental Rights" - Florida Politics - HERE
  • April 5th - "Senate, House Ready Votes on Steeper Punishment for Attacking Defense Lawyers, Public Defenders" - Florida Politics - HERE
  • April 6th - "Senate Bill Adding Greater Protections for Defense Counsels Ready for the Floor" - Florida Bar News - HERE
  • April 13th - "Legislature Passes Bill Raising Penalties for Attacking Defense Attorneys, Public Defenders" - Florida Politics - HERE
  • April 14th - "Maney's Bills to Protect Defense Attorneys Awaits Governor DeSantis' Signature" - Midbay News - HERE
Thank You
None of the 2023 Legislative Session's great work could have been achieved without the support of countless individuals and organizations. Candice Brower, District 1 Regional Counsel, Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, was instrumental in bringing HB 71 to life. Colonel David Deitch, Staff Judge Advocate, played a similar role with HB 73, with help from the Florida Realtors. The Florida Dental Association and the Florida Veterans Foundation were tremendous help getting HB 635 through, as well as the Office of the State Courts Administrator with HB 1227. The Florida Tax Collectors Association, the Department of Children & Families, the Department of Elder Affairs, and Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles all provided critical support.

This group of legislators in the Florida House most certainly complete the adage "teamwork makes the dream work!" House Leadership, Committee leadership and staff, and the Northwest Florida Delegation provided invaluable, steadfast support throughout the entire process.

Knowing that I have the full weight of District 4 and Okaloosa County behind me is a blessing that I do not take for granted. I am proud to serve you in our State House and look forward to continuing the fight to make Florida the best, and most free, state in the nation.
Governor DeSantis' Framework for Freedom Budget
The Governor's Framework for Freedom Budget will include:

  • $17.7 billion for educational priorities
  • $2.8 billion to address health care priorities
  • $6.7 billion towards the justice system
  • $20.9 billion for infrastructure projects including roads and internet infrastructure
  • $3.4 billion will go to support Florida's natural resources including land acquisition and restoration

See Speaker Renner's press release HERE.
Click the graphic for a look at some of the significant investments included in this year's budget.
Session Highlights
The Maneys giving a recognition from the House Floor of their family members visiting in the West Gallery.
Rep. Maney and two of his grandchildren: Hayley Anne & Steele
Niceville City Councilwoman Cathy Alley & the Maneys
I was honored to have my good friend, Reverend Mike Hesse, deliver the opening invocation for session on April 28th.

Click HERE to watch Reverend Hesse's invocation (00:15-02:06) and HERE to see my Facebook post.
Speaking on behalf of my fellow House members, we were delighted to have Parker Destin, and representatives from the FWC and the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council, here to cook us some delicious lionfish and alligator.

Click HERE to see my Facebook post.
The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton Counties & Rep. Maney.
Florida Professional Firefighters presents Rep. Maney with a team jersey! 
TV's hit show JAG's leading actress Ms. Catherine Bell & Rep. Maney.
This portrait, drawn by former 8th grade student at Ruckel Middle School Malia Rowland, was on display at the Capitol for the duration of the Legislative Session.
First Judicial Circuit State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden & Rep. Maney
Representative Dan Daley and Representative Wyman Duggan, Co-Chairs of the Irish-American Caucus, alongside Senator Mark Daly, former Cathaoirleach of the Irish Senate, and Sarah Kavanagh, the Consul General of Ireland in Miami.
A thoughtful thank-you note after Rep. Maney's meeting with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
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"Thank you for allowing me to represent you. It is truly an honor to serve you and the State of Florida." - Representative Patt Maney