Proposed legislation that aims to help survivors of domestic violence in the Sunshine State is headed to Governor Ron DeSantis after passing both the House and the Senate.
Senate Bill 682 and House Bill 277 support survivors of domestic violence in Florida by enhancing penalties for repeat offenders and increasing funds for victims who must relocate after leaving an abusive relationship. The bill also allows for a wider range of evidence to be considered by judges who grant injunctions for protection, including histories of animal abuse.
In Pinellas and Pasco counties, the bill will create a pilot program to electronically monitor felony domestic violence offenders as well as those who violate injunctions.
And for Florida’s military families, the legislation will improve communication between civilian law enforcement and military personnel so that acts of violence committed off base are reported back and those committed on base can more easily result in protections in civil court.
The reforms, first introduced in the House by Rep. Debra Tendrich, D–Lake Worth, passed that chamber last week, with every present member signing on as co-sponsor in a show of unity.
On Monday, the Senate followed suit when it unanimously voted in favor to adopt the House’s bill. Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, sponsored the Senate version. She praised Tendrich before the vote on the Senate Floor.
“I just want to say thank you for the privilege of sponsoring this legislation with you,” Calatayud said. “Thank you for taking your story and and protecting other people from these experiences.”
In a statement, Tendrich, who is a survivor of domestic violence herself, said centering the voices of people with lived experience is important in creating policy.
“I brought this bill forward because of my own survivor story, but it was the voices of victims and survivors from across Florida that gave this legislation its power, clarity, and direction,” Tendrich wrote.
Next, the bill will be sent to the governor’s office where it will either be vetoed or signed into law.