The last 10 days have been a roller coaster of emotions… When the Athlete Safety bill was heading into the third week without getting on the committee agenda, I sent out the call for help and you quickly responded! Within 24 hours, the Athlete Safety Bill was placed (by itself) on a special calendar for the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee last week…

And they voted unanimously in favor!

But we still had to get through another committee.

The beginning of this week, I was notified that the Bill was scheduled in the Senate Rules Committee – the final Senate Committee to vote – for Wednesday morning. In order to be at the meeting, I drove to Tallahassee Tuesday and stayed at a hotel overnight.

The next morning I made my way to the Capitol and the Senate building, where the meeting was scheduled. The room was packed, with standing room only, as they got started on the many Bills they were hearing that day. It took a couple of hours, but they finally reached the Athlete Safety Bill.

Senator Perry, who sponsored the Senate Bill, introduced the Athlete Safety Bill to the Committee, then they directed their attention to an Amendment, which was voted on favorably.

THEY RENAMED IT THE ZACHARY MARTIN ACT IN HONOR OF MY SON!

I can't even say how touching it was for this Mama's heart! They also unanimously voted in favor to advance the Zachary Martin Act to the full Senate for a vote! This is the last step before the Governor signs it into law.

Senator Benacquisto, the committee chair, said, "You mentioned your son's nickname, 'Big Zach', and now his name is on this bill. Forevermore, he will be the protector of all other student athletes who are playing sports across the state of Florida.” I cried.

I hope her words become prophecy.

Now is the time to begin sending Governor DeSantis emails of support for the Zachary Martin Act (HB7011/SB1696) as well. The Governor's office email is Ron.DeSantis@myflorida.com or if you would rather call, the phone number is (850) 488-7146. We are seeing firsthand how the voice of the people can be heard to benefit our families! 

Thank you for partnering with us to protect our kids!

To stay up-to-the-minute on progress and developments, please follow us on Twitter: @zachmfoundation FB: @zachmartinfoundation                  IG: @zachmartinmemorialfoundation Website: www.BEHIP.life

P.S. Please keep sharing this petition! Legislators know about the Bill well before they vote on it because of this petition. Every single voice is important! We are copying the Senators and now the Governor too, so they receive updates on the number of signatures.

We are also updating a form letter and the emails of the Senate members and their staff on our website for you to continue sending direct correspondence to them of your support. https://BEHIP.life/important-updates