Senator Perry (R- Gainesville) today announced that Governor Scott signed into law a bill earlier this week that expands Project Leo, a state-funded program that provides locating technology to aid search-and-rescue efforts for persons on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In 2016, the Florida Legislature created a pilot program known as Project Leo, which was named after 9-Year-old Leo Walker of Live Oak, FL who wandered away from home in 2014. Project Leo works to provide devices to aid search and rescue efforts for persons with special needs in the case of elopement.
“All too often we hear of tragic stories coming from our communities about persons who have gone missing,” Senator Perry said. “This legislation will provide a vital resource and peace of mind for so many families dealing with this issue.”
Senate Bill 1156 expands this voluntary program statewide for autistic children and others with a history of elopement. The program is administered through a partnership between the state university Center for Autism Related Diseases (CARD) program and local law enforcement.
“The signing of this legislation is a giant step forward in protecting some of Florida’s vulnerable citizens,” Senator Perry concluded. “I commend my colleagues in the House and the Senate for passing this common sense legislation, and working together to improve public safety for all Floridians.”
