HB 949 extends protections to family members of murder victims in Florida
Crime victims across the state – part of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice – applauded Senator Shevrin Jones (D- Miami Gardens) and Representative Kevin Chambliss (D- Homestead) for filing SB 1306 and HB 949, which would extend job protections for family members who lose loved ones to violence. These proposals would extend three days of unpaid leave that currently covers domestic violence victims to a victim who has lost a family member to violence and needs to make funeral arrangements, seek new housing to escape a perpetrator, or meet with law enforcement officials who are investigating the homicide.
Senator Shevrin Jones said, “Nothing can shake a family to its core more than losing a loved one to violence. But no individual should have to choose between their job and burying a family member. This legislation will help support survivors and will lead to stronger and safer communities for all.”
Aswad Thomas, Managing Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice said “Crime victims who have lost a loved one to violent crime need employment protections to ensure their well-being. Time to bury or mourn the loss of a loved one in the wake of a crime is essential to healing and recovery. We thank Senator Jones for listening to crime victims and ensuring that victims won’t have to choose between feeding their family and burying a loved one.”
Representative Kevin Chambliss said, “With communities across the state experiencing violence and loss, there is simply no reason to deny families of victims three days off from work to bury their loved ones with dignity and respect. While there isn’t one single solution that can make us safer, helping survivors and families recover is part of how we can all heal and improve safety in Florida.”
Emory Johnson, of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, a national organization of crime victims with over 6000 members throughout Florida, said, “As crime victims, we support bills like HB 949 which provide important protections to crime victims to ensure that we get the time we need to bury our loved ones. When survivors like us feel supported, communities are strengthened and we help put an end to cycles of trauma.”
ABOUT HB 949 and SB 1306:
HB 949 and SB 1306 will extend 3 days employment leave for victims who have lost family members to crime. Currently this protection exists only for victims of domestic violence.
Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ) is a national organization that aims to win new safety priorities in states across the country. ASJ partners with leaders and advocates to advance state reform through networking, coalition building, research, education and advocacy. For more information, visit: www.allianceforsafetyandjustice.org.
Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) is a flagship project of the Alliance for Safety and Justice. CSSJ also brings together diverse crime victims to advance policies that help communities most harmed by crime and violence. For more information, visit: www.cssj.org.
