Last night, Governor DeSantis closed out the 2020 Legislative Session by signing 94 pieces of legislation, including four key bills sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book (D-Plantation) reforming the child welfare system, preventing predatory physicians from practicing after being charged with crimes against kids, ushering forth bicycle and pedestrian safety, and ensuring sex abuse survivors are met with trauma-informed responses.
On DeSantis’s Signature of SB 96/Child Welfare, Book says:
“No system is perfect, but when it comes to child safety, perfection is exactly what we should strive for – because giving up on keeping children safe is simply unacceptable. This comprehensive, bipartisan effort to reform Florida’s child welfare system is a step in the right direction and will help ensure Florida’s most vulnerable.”
On DeSantis’s Signature of SB 1934/Discipline for Predatory Physicians, Inspired by South Florida Pediatrician Dr. Michael Mizrachy, Book says:
“When doctors are charged with sex crimes against kids, they should not be able to use their positions of power and trust to continue to access potential victims. This law will keep kids safe by immediately suspending the licenses of predatory physicians, pending the legal conclusion of the cases against them.
I was horrified when my own children’s pediatrician was charged with sex crimes against kids, and even more so when he attempted to continue to see children via telemedicine. This is not about simple allegations of inappropriate behavior; a physician must be arrested and charged – meaning there is at least enough evidence to warrant serious concerns – for a licensure suspension.”
On DeSantis’s Signature of SB 950/Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Book says:
“Florida has led the nation in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities for far too long. The signing of this bill into law will help save lives and make our roadways safer.”
On DeSantis’s Signature of HB 1189/Victims of Sexual Offenses, Book says:
“Every 73 seconds, a man, woman, or child becomes a victim of sexual assault here in the United States – yet sexual assault is the number one under-reported violent crime. This legislation ensures that when survivors find the courage to report, disclosures are met with trauma-informed responses to help facilitate healing and bring forth justice.”
