Urge Florida Legislature to oppose Senate Bill 1134 on DEI measures

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__ A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO OPPOSE SENATE BILL 1134 AND HOUSE BILL 1001 RELATING TO OVERBROAD ANTI-DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI) MEASURES THAT INFRINGE ON LOCAL HOME RULE AUTHORITY AND FREE EXPRESSION AND; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Pinecrest (the “Village”) is committed to safeguarding the foundational principles of the United States of America in free expression, democratic self-governance, and the ability of local governments to serve their communities in a manner reflective of local needs and values; and WHEREAS, American and Floridian constitutional tradition recognizes that robust public discourse, cultural expression, and the decentralized authority of local governments are essential to the functioning of a vibrant democracy; and WHEREAS, Florida Senate Bill 1134 and House Bill 1001 (the “Bills”) set forth an expansive and unduly sweeping definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”), framing DEI to encompass a broad array of “training, programming, or activities” tied in any way to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation — an overbroad construction that, by its own terms, captures far more than formal DEI programs and risks encompassing even routine or innocuous cultural, linguistic, or community-oriented activities; and WHEREAS, by way of example, the broad statutory definition of DEI in the Bills, when read together with its associated prohibitions, is so expansive that the provision could be construed to encompass even commonplace cultural and historical activities in South Florida communities like Pinecrest, such as celebrations of Cuban exile and diaspora communities;, musical performances and art exhibitions; cultural, film, or food festivals; Page 2 of 3 community programs commemorating the Holocaust or the struggle against slavery or segregation; or even women’s health initiatives; and WHEREAS, the Bill’s ambiguity could even prohibit the provision of Spanish or Creole translations of critical public communications that are necessary for Floridians, visitors, and tourists; and WHEREAS, the Bills’ vague and overly broad prohibitions related to DEI could expose local government officials to removal from Office and expose municipalities to lawsuits by allowing private individuals to bring civil actions for alleged violations, a provision that silences diverse opinions, chills protected speech, and deters local government officials from engaging in ordinary policymaking or public communication; and WHEREAS, the Bill’s restriction on municipal decision-making and harsh punishments for officials represent a significant diminution of the local control that underscored the founding of Pinecrest and its governance for three decades; and WHEREAS, the Village Council hereby opposes the Bill as currently drafted and urges the State Legislature to oppose the Bill; and WHEREAS, the Village Council finds it to be in the best interest of the public, health, safety, and welfare of the citizens to adopt this Resolution amending the Village’s Code.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF PINECREST, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference. Section 2. Urging. The Village Council hereby opposes the Bill as currently drafted for being overly broad and infringing on free expression and local home rule authority and urges the Florida Legislature to oppose the Bill. Page 3 of 3 Section 3. Transmittal. The Village Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Miami Dade County State Legislative Delegation and the Miami-Dade County League of Cities. Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of March, 2026. Joseph M. Corradino, Mayor ATTEST: Priscilla Torres, MMC Village Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: Mitchell Bierman Village Attorney Motion by: Second by: Vote: