Ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session, State Representative Ashley V. Gantt (D-Miami) has filed seven bills addressing key issues such as mental health support for first responders, business incentives for veterans, and the establishment of a Black history museum in Florida.
Among her legislative priorities is HB 1167, which aims to improve mental health services for firefighters and first responders. The bill seeks to make the Behavioral Health Analysis Program a permanent fixture in every fire station across Florida and would eliminate copays for mental health services.
“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day. We must ensure they have access to the mental health resources they need,” Rep. Gantt stated.
She is also pushing for HB 821, a bill designed to support veterans and military spouses. The proposed legislation would waive state-level business formation fees and grant a five-year corporate tax exemption for businesses owned by veterans and their spouses in Florida.
Other bills introduced by Rep. Gantt include:
- HB 819 – Expands financial support for temporary guardians under Florida’s Relative Caregiver Program.
- HB 349 – Establishes nurse staffing requirements to ensure proper patient care.
- HB 347 – Creates a specialty Miami-Dade College license plate.
- HB 1305 – Updates probate laws to recognize out-of-state and international heirs.
- HB 1243 – Designates Opa-Locka as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History, with at least two exhibits within its first year.
Rep. Gantt emphasized that her focus remains on tangible solutions rather than political distractions.
“My bills are focused on everyday Floridians,” she said. “I do not have the time, and my community does not have the luxury, for me to be focused on culture war politics. People need our help, and they’ve entrusted us to introduce, advocate for, and pass policies that improve their quality of life.”
The 2025 Legislative Session begins next month, where Rep. Gantt will push for these measures to be passed into law.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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