Legislative Recap

Delivering for Florida's Families

Legislative Recap

HB 19, Individual Education Plans (2023)

Requires schools to discuss Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as a path for families to support their children with disabilities. This bill is especially close to Allison’s heart, as she personally navigated this process with her son Jeremy when he was approaching adulthood. For many families, programs like these are crucial to ensuring that their children receive the best possible education and support.

HB 619, State Estate Tax (2023)

Suspends the application of Chapter 198 as long as state death tax credits are not allowed under IRS code. This bill eliminates the unnecessary requirement to provide proof of no liability for a tax that is no longer collected, allowing courts to close probate cases more promptly and efficiently.

HB 795, Private Instructional Personnel (2023)

Removes the restriction of only allowing services to be delivered by registered behavior technicians (RBTs) employed by enrolled Medicaid providers, while maintaining the requirement that RBTs delivering services must be employed by a statutorily listed provider. This ensures that RBTs operate under appropriate supervision, preventing independent practice and ensuring quality care.

HB 813, Support for Dependent Adult Children (2023)

Requires that at least one year before a student with a disability reaches the age of majority (18), information and instruction must be provided to the student and their parent or guardian regarding the educational decisions that transfer to the student at 18. This bill helps prevent parents from entering into unnecessary guardianships by keeping them informed of the steps needed to stay involved in their child’s educational decisions.

HB 1531, Programs and Services for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities (2023)

This bill, sponsored by Rep. Tant, was integrated into HB 1517, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, sponsored by Rep. Plakon. It creates a transition success network to support young adults with developmental disabilities and their families during the transition from the K-12 school system. This network has already been established and has held numerous meetings to support students across Florida.

HB 73, Supported Decisionmaking Authority (2024)

Creates a new section in Florida’s power of attorney chapter, establishing supported decision-making agreements for individuals with developmental disabilities who have the capacity to do so, with an agent. This is considered one of the strongest supported decision-making laws in the country, offering a powerful alternative to guardianship.

HB 367, Household Moving Services (2024)

Ensures greater protections for consumers and codifies best practices for ethical moving brokers and moving companies. This legislation is planned to be a model for federal regulations in the moving industry.

Key Legislative Achievements After Election

Successfully passed bills to codify best practices for the transition of Leon County students aged 18-22.
Obtained funding from the legislature to support Independence Landing, a facility for mentally challenged adults in Southwood, which is now operational. (2023 and 2024)
Passed a bill in 2021 creating a specialty license plate for Florida’s state parks, helping to fund parks, restore sensitive habitats, and repair boardwalks and cabins.
Passed legislation in 2022 requiring schools to provide appropriate educational support for students with disabilities until age 9 (previously age 5).

2024 Legislative Session

HB 73, Supported Decisionmaking (SDM):
Passed as an alternative to guardianship, this is arguably the strongest SDM law in the country and has been a priority for Allison for several years.
SB 304, Household Moving Services:
Passed after a constituent, Gloria Pugh, reported the widespread scams occurring in the moving industry. This bill brings more regulation and consumer protection to the moving business.

Budget Wins

Secured approximately $7,500,000 in the budget this year.
Obtained $990,000 for Elder Care Services to upgrade their kitchen, ensuring they can continue serving meals even in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters.

District-Specific Funding

Over $15 million in funding for district-specific projects, including TSC, 4H, the Homeless Center, and Madison’s fire station (since 2020).
Secured $10 million in recurring funds for rural hospitals (2024 legislative session).
Over $11 million for community partnership schools.

Allison's Awards

Reclaim the Land Award of Excellence for Community Leadership
Tallahassee Community College Hall of Fame, 2018
Innovative Community Engagement Earned Legacy Award, 2018
Woman of the Year Deerfield Beach Democratic Club, 2013
Girl Scouts of America, Leon Woman of Distinction Youth & Social Services Award, 2011
Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Pace Setter Finalist, Distinguished Leadership Award, 2011
Children’s Home Society Child Advocate of the Year Central Division Award, 2010
2021 Public Service Award from Autism Speaks
2021 Legislator of the Year from the Florida State Parks Foundation
2021 Ban Assault Weapons Now Gun Safety Champion
Film Florida 2021 Legislative Star