Florida legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Florida H491: Faith-based Content in Batterers' Intervention Programs
Status: Chaptered, May 12, 2026
Specifies that batterers' intervention programs may include faith-based activities, but may not require participation in such activities.
What the bill says
An act relating to faith-based content in batterers' intervention programs; amending s. 741.325, F.S.; specifying that batterers' intervention programs may include faith-based activities, but may not require participation in such activities; providing an effective date.
From the enrolled text, March 6, 2026:
An act relating to faith-based content in batterers' intervention programs; amending s. 741.325, F.S.; specifying that batterers' intervention programs may include faith-based activities, but may not require participation in such activities; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Paragraph (f) is added to subsection (1) of section 741.325, Florida Statutes, to read: 741.325 Requirements for batterers' intervention programs.-- (1) A batterers' intervention program must meet the following requirements: (f) A program may offer supplemental faith-based activities to participants; however, participation in such activities may not be required as part of the program. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026. words underlined are additions. hb491 -00-er
Sponsors
- Blanco, Omar (R, HD-115) · primary sponsor
- Johnson, Chad (R, HD-022) · primary sponsor
- Johnson (R, 22) · primary sponsor
- Bankson (R, 39)
- Bankson, Doug (R, HD-039)
- Webster Barnaby (R, HD-027)
- Barnaby, Webster (R, HD-029)
- Chamberlin, Ryan (R, HD-024)
- Cobb, Nan (R, HD-026)
- Kimberly Daniels (D, HD-014)
- Daniels, Kimberly (D, HD-014)
- López, Johanna (D, HD-043)
Latest actions
- : Chapter No. 2026-71
- : Approved by Governor
- : Signed by Officers and presented to Governor
- : Ordered enrolled
- : In Messages
- : Passed; YEAS 33 NAYS 1 -SJ 673
- : Read 3rd time -SJ 673
- : Read 2nd time -SJ 673
- : Substituted for SB 624 -SJ 673
- : Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
Votes
- Senate: H 491 Filed (March 6, 2026): 33 yea, 1 nay, passed
- House: H 491 Filed (March 3, 2026): 107 yea, 2 nay, passed
- House: Health & Human Services Committee (February 3, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House: Health & Human Services Committee (February 3, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House: Judiciary Committee (January 22, 2026): 21 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House: Judiciary Committee (January 22, 2026): 21 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Rules
Common questions
- What is H491?
- H491 is a bill in the Florida Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Faith-based Content in Batterers' Intervention Programs.
- What does H491 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to faith-based content in batterers' intervention programs; amending s. 741.325, F.S.; specifying that batterers' intervention programs may include faith-based activities, but may not require participation in such activities; providing an effective date.
- What is the status of H491?
- Chaptered as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Chapter No. 2026-71 (May 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored H491?
- Blanco, Omar (R, HD-115), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H491?
- On the Florida Legislature website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/491
Source: official Florida record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.