Orlando State Rep. Daisy Morales Has Name on 8 of 40 Bills Passed by the Florida House

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – The Florida House held its session with state lawmakers debating and voting on nearly forty bills on the House floor Thursday.

Getting a bill passed by the Florida House of Representatives isn’t an every-session occurrence for a freshman state representative, especially a Democrat in a Republican-dominated House.

Out of the 40 bills, Orlando freshman lawmaker Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando)’s name appears as primary sponsor and cosponsor on eight bills passed by the Florid House.

Getting bipartisan support is a crucial step in moving legislation forward.

Rep. Daisy Morales’s Barber Services bill (House Bill 855), her very first bill, passed the Florida House with unanimous bipartisan support.

The bill authorizes barbers to shampoo, cut, or arrange hair in locations other than their registered barbershop without specified arrangements. It takes away unnecessary regulations on barbers, allowing them to continue earning revenue with the freedom to travel to their customers, consequently also allowing residents who are shut-in to receive that service.

HB 855 passed the Florida House with 115 yeas and 0 nays.

“I’m grateful and excited that this bill passed with such statewide bipartisan support. We’re one step closer to leveling the playing field for barbers to thrive in the COVID-19 pandemic, since cosmetologists are already providing mobile services for their clients,” said Representative Morales. “I will continue to champion growth for small businesses by eliminating unnecessary barriers.”

Rep. Morales won support from Representatives Robin Bartleman (D-Weston), Brad Drake (R-DeFuniak Springs), Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville), Allison Tant (D-Tallahassee), Susan Valdes (D-Tampa), who signed on as cosponsors.

Rep. Morales is ready for what’s next. “I look forward to the barber bill going through the Senate’s final process with Senator Linda Stewart and on to the governor’s desk.”