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Troubling Trend: Florida House Democrats’ Field Hearing Continues to Reveal Detrimental Impact of Harmful Policies on Floridians

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CONTACT

Joey Arellano

Acting Communications Director

House Democratic Office

[email protected]

(850) 717-4943 

Troubling Trend: Florida House Democrats’ Field Hearing Continues to Reveal Detrimental Impact of Harmful Policies on Floridians

ORLANDO, Fla. – Yesterday, Florida House Democrats hosted the second “Freedom to Be Heard” summer field hearing in the Central Florida region. This hearing provided yet another opportunity for legislators to hear directly from Floridians in a different part of the state who were shut out from the legislative process and were unable to voice their concerns during the 2024 Legislative Session. During the hearing, Floridians discussed how Republican efforts to prioritize culture wars hurt minority communities while distracting lawmakers from addressing critical issues impacting Florida’s families, including the skyrocketing housing and property insurance costs.

This official Caucus hearing followed a similar format to legislative committee meetings. It was presided by Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) and was joined by Democratic Central Florida region Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) who coordinated the Central Florida hearing, as well as Representatives Johanna López (D-Orlando), Tom Keen (D-Orlando), LaVon Bracy Davis (D-Ocoee), and Rita Harris (D-Orlando). Central Florida region community members, including teachers, students, young Floridians, parents, activists, faith leaders, and business leaders all shared their personal stories and concerns.

Those who were unable to attend the live hearing can replay it via The Florida Channel at: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/7-23-24-house-democratic-caucus-summer-field-hearing/.

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Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on Becoming the Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2024

Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on Becoming the Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President

“When I announced my campaign for President, I said I intended to go out and earn this nomination. Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top. I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon.

“I am grateful to President Biden and everyone in the Democratic Party who has already put their faith in me, and I look forward to taking our case directly to the American people.

“This election will present a clear choice between two different visions. Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights. I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.

“Over the next few months, I will be traveling across the country talking to Americans about everything that is on the line. I fully intend to unite our party, unite our nation, and defeat Donald Trump in November.”

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Paid for by Harris for President

President Biden Announces Major New Actions to Lower Housing Costs by Limiting Rent Increases and Building More Homes

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2024
FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Major New Actions to Lower Housing Costs by Limiting Rent Increases and Building More Homes

President Biden calls on corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5% and takes action to make more public land available for housing

President Biden is taking action to make renting more affordable for millions of Americans. Today, President Biden is announcing new actions to lower housing costs, including:

  • Calling on Congress to pass legislation giving corporate landlords a choice to either cap rent increases on existing units at 5% or risk losing current valuable federal tax breaks;
  • Repurposing public land sustainably to enable as many as 15,000 additional affordable housing units to be built in Nevada; and
  • Rehabilitating distressed housing, building more affordable housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods, including in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The President called on Congress to make the American Dream a reality for more families by passing the Biden-Harris Housing Plan, which would build 2 million homes, and provide $10,000 in mortgage relief to unlock homeownership for millions of Americans. Already, more units are under construction than at any time in over 50 years, and the rate of new housing starts is up 17 percent compared to the last Administration.

The Biden-Harris Administration is using all available tools to lower housing costs, including limiting rent increases on rentals built with federal tax credits; supporting local communities that are building more housing; standing up to price-fixing by corporate landlords setting high rents for tens of millions of apartments; and cutting energy costs by making housing more efficient and climate resilient.

Republicans in Congress have blocked the President’s housing agenda. Congressional Republicans have tried to cut rental assistance and programs that build more homes and lower mortgage costs. And Senate Republicans are currently blocking a bill that passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support that would help build 200,000 affordable homes. In addition, the previous administration secured a special tax subsidy for corporate landlords. While Republicans side with corporate landlords that are raising rents, President Biden is cracking down on price gouging and building more homes to lower rents and put homeownership in reach for working families.

Cracking Down on Corporate Landlords and Lowering Rents

Some corporate landlords have taken advantage of the shortage of available units by raising rents by more than increases in their own costs—resulting in huge profits at a time when millions of Americans are struggling to cover rent each month. And recent analysis showed that the six largest publicly-traded apartment companies reported large profits earlier this year, and many of these same landlords are named in pending litigation for their alleged use of proprietary algorithms to raise rents on tenants.

President Biden is calling on Congress to pass legislation presenting corporate landlords with a basic choice: either cap rent increases on existing units to no more than 5% or lose valuable federal tax breaks. Under President Biden’s plan, corporate landlords, beginning this year and for the next two years, would only be able to take advantage of faster depreciation write-offs available to owners of rental housing if they keep annual rent increases to no more than 5% each year. This would apply to landlords with over 50 units in their portfolio, covering more than 20 million units across the country. It would include an exception for new construction and substantial renovation or rehabilitation. The policy is a bridge to rents stabilizing as President Biden’s plan to build more takes hold. The President believes that this combination of anti-gouging policies and historic levels of support to build more affordable housing effectively balances the needs of tenants without limiting incentives for more supply. The Administration looks forward to working with Congress to ensure renters are protected and corporate landlords comply with the intent of this proposal.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is announcing new actions to protect renters in multifamily properties financed by loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These protections apply to future loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who have financed an average of 1.2 million multifamily rental units over the past three years. The protections include:

  • Requiring 30-day notice before rent increases;
  • Requiring 30-day notice on lease expiration; and
  • Providing a 5-day grace period before imposing late fees on rental payments.

Repurposing Public Land to Build More Affordable Housing

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions to repurpose federal land to build tens of thousands of affordable homes. The Federal Government is the largest landholder in the country, and state and local governments, as well as entities like transit agencies, school districts, public utilities, and faith-based institutions, own considerable amounts of land that are underutilized and may be used in ways that better reflect local priorities and housing needs.

The President is calling on all federal agencies to assess surplus federal land that can be repurposed to build more affordable housing across the country. The White House will work with federal agencies with land disposition authorities, as well as agencies that provide financing tools for housing and needed infrastructure—with a goal of quickly building more housing that is affordable for working families and climate resilient, which will bring down energy costs, while protecting local lands and waters.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing new actions to create thousands of affordable housing units on BLM land in Nevada. BLM is opening a public comment period on a sale of 20 acres of public land to Clark County, Nevada for below market value at just $100 per acre—the largest-ever sale for affordable housing under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act program, which the county estimates will enable the development of nearly 150 affordable homes for households making less than 80% of area median income. BLM will also soon announce the proposed below-market sale of an additional 18 acres to the City of Henderson, which the City estimates will provide nearly 300 affordable housing units for rent. These actions are the first affordable housing sales conducted under a memorandum of understanding between BLM and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) earlier in this Administration that improves the sale process and lowers the cost for affordable housing parcels.

BLM is considering an additional 562.5 acres of public lands that have been identified by local governments in Southern Nevada and that are appropriate for affordable housing in the Las Vegas Valley—supporting the building of up to 15,000 or more additional affordable rental and homeownership units for Nevadans. BLM will also work with local governments as they come forward with housing-related requests for the roughly 26,000 acres in Las Vegas Valley that remain under BLM control and are eligible for disposition under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act program.

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is announcing plans to lease Forest Service land to build workforce housing—the first-ever such projects in the nation. USFS is planning to lease strategically positioned sites for workforce housing developments in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Ketchum, Idaho, to create new affordable housing. USFS is actively exploring additional federal land that can be leveraged to support workforce housing, including in high-cost areas across the country.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will pilot the repurposing of certain surplus properties for housing. USPS owns more than 8,500 facilities nationwide, including some that are not needed for postal operations in areas that face a shortage of affordable housing.

HUD, Health and Human Services (HHS), and General Services Administration (GSA) plan to release a final rule to make it easier for public and nonprofit developers to use federal buildings and land to house the homeless. The Title V program, authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, allows federal agencies to use unutilized, underutilized, excess, or surplus federal properties at no cost to develop housing for people experiencing homelessness. The new rule would make it easier for developers to navigate the process, potentially resulting in thousands of additional housing units to address homelessness and affordability challenges.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) published interim guidance to permit transit agencies to use their property to support transit-oriented development. This will make it easier to build affordable housing near transit.

Call to action for state and local governments to build more affordable housing on public lands. The White House is also calling on state, local, tribal, and territorial entities, as well as transit agencies, public utilities, school districts, and other quasi-governmental agencies, and encouraging faith-based, community, and other non-profit institutions to consider whether land they hold might be suitable for the development of affordable housing. Based on new analysis, the Center for Geospatial Solutions at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy estimates the development potential of underutilized state and local government land located near transit at approximately 1.9 million units nationwide. HUD and DOT both offer technical assistance that can help governments identify and repurpose land they own for housing, and HUD published a best practices guide that includes examples and strategies governments can deploy to repurpose their land for housing.

Investing $325 Million in Housing and Community Development

HUD is announcing $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods grants to build new deeply-affordable homes, spur economic development, and revitalize neighborhoods in communities across the country. The awards will build over 6,500 units of new housing, support small businesses, build childcare centers and new parks, and will be used to leverage more than $2.65 billion in additional public and private investments in these neighborhoods. These awards reflect deep engagement and input from the community, including residents, local leaders, and other stakeholders, such as public housing authorities, cities, schools, law enforcement, business owners, nonprofits, and private developers that have come together to create and implement plans to preserve and expand housing, build neighborhood resources and amenities, and invest in the people who live in these communities.

For example, the $50 million grant awarded today to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and the City of Las Vegas will restore 235 existing affordable housing units for extremely low-income renters and build 400 new units of housing. They will invest in an early learning center and provide support for small businesses. In addition, these funds will leverage an additional $212 million in public and private resources in this community, that will activate indoor and outdoor community spaces, and provide supportive services to residents.

Other recipients of these grants include Syracuse, NY; Chattanooga, TN; Huntsville, AL; Miami, FL; Houston, TX; Trenton, NJ; Phoenix, AZ; Shreveport, LA; Cleveland, OH; Baton Rouge, LA; Camden, NJ; Winston-Salem, NC; Lewiston, ME; and Norfolk, VA.

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. South Prong, a nearly 2,400-acre working timber and hunting property in Baker County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $4,999,000.

“We’re thrilled to welcome South Prong to the growing community of generational farmers in Florida dedicated to the productivity and sustainability of our agricultural landscape through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Protecting our rural lands through rural land easements enhances food security, keeps these properties in the local tax system, and ensures property owners comply with state conservation standards for land and natural resources.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

South Prong

South Prong is a working forest and hunting property situated at the headwaters of the South Prong of the St. Marys River. The property includes 1,427 acres of uplands, of which 1,355 acres represent actively managed timber and 72 acres of other agriculture. Pine species on the property include slash, loblolly, and longleaf; stands range from semi-natural flatwoods to pine plantation, with a diversity of age classes. More than 970 acres of wetlands are considered as natural area, although 113 acres of wet flatwoods are used in active forestry. The remaining 860 acres represent mixed pine-hardwood bottomland and cypress swamp (bottomland forest, hydric hammock, baygall, floodplain/basin swamp). In addition to forestry, the property supports income-producing managed hunts and agritourism. The property also is open to various youth and educational groups.

About the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson helped to secure from the Florida Legislature $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and another $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of conservation easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Commissioner Simpson recently recognized the families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at an event in Lake Placid, Florida, and celebrated the program’s 100,000th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson championed the successful passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state of Florida to better protect and connect Florida’s natural areas and wildlife habitats and to preserve working agricultural lands from future development. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson also secured $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Representative Dotie Joseph Joins Legislators from Around the Country to Examine Sustainable Aquaculture and Supporting Small Seafood Businesses  

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July 11, 2024

 

CONTACT:

Djenane Gourgue

Office of Representative Dotie Joseph

[email protected]

 

Representative Dotie Joseph Joins Legislators from Around the Country to Examine Sustainable Aquaculture and Supporting Small Seafood Businesses  

 

MIAMI – House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Dotie Joseph (D-Miami) will join a delegation of 25 state legislators, Tribal leaders, fishermen, and international advocates in Seattle, Washington this weekend for a hands-on workshop on the principles and policies of sustainable aquaculture and working waterfronts. The meeting is hosted by State Innovation Exchange (SiX), a nonpartisan organization and strategy center that supports state legislators in advancing bold public policy solutions, and Don’t Cage Our Oceans (DCO2), a national coalition and nonprofit focused on preventing the expansion of industrial aquaculture and supporting local fishing communities.

“Florida is the only continental state largely surrounded by large bodies of water and has extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts. Florida’s ‘salt life’ culture and overall economy largely depends on the health of our ocean ecosystem,” said Representative Joseph. “I look forward to joining experts and other legislators from around the country to learn about best practices to support sustainable aquaculture, independent fisheries, and working waterfronts that benefit Florida’s economy without harming workers, small business owners, or the environment.”

“Local fishing economies are the lifeblood of coastal communities, providing not only a source of livelihood and sustenance, but also a connection to cultural heritage and sustainable practices,” stated Kendra Kimbirauskas, Senior Director of the SiX Agriculture and Food Systems program. “This workshop seeks to equip state legislators with essential knowledge and policy instruments to support sustainable practices in our ocean ecosystems and take on corporate power-grabs by global private equity firms determined to exploit our ocean resources.”

Andrianna Natsoulas, Campaign Director of Don’t Cage Our Oceans, said, “Around the country, action must be taken to preserve our fishing communities, protect our environment, and uplift regenerative aquaculture. Our coalition is grateful for the state policymakers’ interest in this issue and their commitment to working waterfronts and values-based seafood systems. Both community-based fishermen and aquaculture practitioners need support at the state level.”

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Central Florida Legislators Support Strengthening Local Agriculture in Puerto Rico

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 9th, 2024
CONTACT
Senate: [email protected] – 407-846-5187
House: [email protected] – 407-362-1113

STATEMENT: Central Florida Legislators Support Strengthening Local Agriculture in Puerto Rico

Orlando, FL – A group of Central Florida legislators, alongside the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, have united to express their strong support for strengthening local agriculture in Puerto Rico. In a letter, they emphasize the importance of investing in the local agricultural economy and the vital role that local farming plays in the economic and social well-being of the island of Puerto Rico. Florida is home to a 1.2 million strong Puerto Rican Diaspora. As we saw after the devastating effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, what happens on the island has a direct impact in Florida and vice versa. Puerto Rican ports were closed for 3 weeks after Maria hit in 2017. This limited the food supply as the island imports more than 85 percent of the food it consumes.

Recognizing the challenges that Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector faces, including the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and economic pressures, the legislators highlighted the need for increased investment and resources to help local farmers thrive. Their collective action underscores the shared commitment to fostering a self-sufficient agricultural community in Puerto Rico.

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Representative Bruce Antone Says the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force was a Failure

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024

CONTACT

Pamela Newton

Office of Representative Bruce Antone

[email protected]

407-297-2001

Representative Bruce Antone Says the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force was a Failure

 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) sent a lengthy letter to the members of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force. The letter discusses his concerns with the manner and process by which the Task Force conducted its business, and the proposed recommendations, that may be included in the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force Final Report. The final report, which will be sent to the Governor, and the Florida Legislature, will include recommendations regarding the design, construction and operation of a Black History Museum in Florida. Representative Antone respectfully asked the Task Force to not make any recommendations regarding the Florida Museum of Black History or a location for the proposed museum.

Representative Antone stated, “Senator Bobby Powell and myself passed CS/CS/HB 1441, with the intent of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force developing design and construction plans to build a Very Large, World-Class Florida Museum of Black History. The proposed Florida Museum of Black History was extremely important to the State of Florida, Black Americans and Caribbean Immigrants in Florida, and was intended to showcase the contributions Black People and Caribbean Immigrants have made to the history of Florida and the United States. The Task Force met nine times and did not complete any of the tasks required by the legislation (i.e. CS/CS/HB 1441), which created the Task Force. Therefore, I respectfully ask the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force to not make any recommendations to the Governor, and the Florida Legislature.”

The bill (i.e. CS/CS/HB 1441 [2023]) required the task force to develop:

  1. Plans for the location, design, and construction of the museum.
  2. Recommendations for the operation and administration of the museum.
  3. A marketing plan to promote the museum.
  4. A transition plan for the museum to become financially self-sufficient.
  5. Recommendations for archival and artifact acquisition, preservation, and research; exhibits; and educational materials.”

“Finally, the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force should quietly end and disband tomorrow (i.e. Friday June 28th ) without making any recommendations. People across the State of Florida and the United States, especially Black People and Caribbean Immigrants, were excitedly watching the meetings of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force with high hopes and anticipation that Florida would build a Large World Class Black History Museum. The Task Force failed to complete the tasks required by the legislation which created the Task Force,” added Representative Antone.

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Senator Stewart Expresses Disappointment Over Veto of Bill Aiding Non-Violent Offenders

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024

CONTACT: Travis Flinn, 407-893-2422

SENATOR STEWART DISAPPOINTED BY VETO OF BILL TO ASSIST NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS

Orlando, FL – Following the Governor’s veto of HB 133, Senator Linda Stewart (D – Orlando) expressed her deep disappointment over the veto of the bill aimed at providing much-needed assistance to non-violent offenders. The bill on licensure for barbers and cosmetology specialists, unanimously supported by the legislature (31-0 Senate and 114-0 House), would have prevented the Florida Board of Cosmetology from using history of non-violent incarceration for grounds of denial of licensing and offered crucial support and opportunities for rehabilitation, helping individuals reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.

“I am extremely disappointed by the governor’s decision to veto this bill and deny former non-violent offenders, who have done their time, the opportunity to more easily obtain a license in barbering or cosmetology. This is about second chances,” said Stewart.

The bill would have prevented the Board of Cosmetology from reviewing certain records of criminal history that took place more than three years before the date of the application for the license. The bill also contained a provision stating that if an individual did commit an offense within the three year period that the board would have ability to deny based on earlier offenses. Finally the bill would have required the boards to approve educational program credits offered to inmates in a correctional institution or facility for purposes of satisfying training requirements for a license

“It is unjust that continue to punish people for the mistakes made in their past and prevent them from earning a living in the future. This bill could have been vital to someone’s future livelihood and helped to reduce recidivism,” said Stewart.

The exemption of records considered by the board in HB 133 was drafted to only apply to convictions of specific non-violent crimes. Persons with convictions relating to Sexual Predators as defined in statute 775.21 (4) (a)1 and Forcible Felonies as defined in statute 776.08  have exceptions to the bill and may be grounds for the denial of an application.

Representatives Marie Woodson and John Snyder’s Veterans’ Long-term Care Facilities Admissions Bill Signed by the Governor

Posted on

June 25, 2024

CONTACT

Nedgine Saint-Louis

Office of Representative Marie Woodson

[email protected]

(954) 965-3700

Luetisha Clark

Office of Representative Marie Woodson

[email protected]

(954) 965-3700

 

Representatives Marie Woodson and John Snyder’s Veterans’ Long-term Care Facilities Admissions Bill Signed by the Governor

 

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – On June 20, 2024, Representative Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood) and her prime co-sponsor, Representative John Snyder (R-Palm Beach), announced that HB 725, which expands the eligibility for residency at a state veterans’ home to include the spouse or surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran, was recently signed into law by Governor DeSantis and becomes effective July 1, 2024. The bill revises the priority of admittance to veterans’ homes, placing the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran last in priority. These rankings preserve a higher priority of admittance to veterans over non-veterans.

Representative Snyder, a Marine Corps veteran, shared a personal perspective, saying, “I understand firsthand the crucial role our military spouses play in the overall mission. No veteran should ever choose between receiving long-term care or being with their spouse. It was a privilege to collaborate with Rep. Woodson on this significant bill as we strive to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the Union.”

“When someone joins the military, so does their spouse. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) now can keep couples together, in their twilight of life, who have shared their lives sacrificing and defending our country,” said Bob Asztalos from FDVA.

“Our sincere thanks to Bob Asztalos and Brandon Edmonton, FDVA who have dedicated their lives to serving our veterans. I am also grateful and thankful to my friend and colleague Rep. John Snyder for working with me on this important bill. This piece of legislation is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that our veterans are not separated in their golden years and that we provide them with the comfort they need at the time they need it the most. We can never do enough for our veterans because the sacrifices they made for us are immeasurable,” said Representative Woodson.

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Senator Lori Berman Applauds Supreme Court Decision Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors, Upholding Common-Sense Gun Safety

Posted on

June 21, 2024

CONTACT

Sophia Kabbej

Office of State Senator Lori Berman

[email protected]

(561) 292-6014

 

SENATOR LORI BERMAN APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT DECISION TO PROTECT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS AND UPHOLD COMMON-SENSE GUN SAFETY

BOCA RATON, FLA. –  In a decisive and compassionate ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed the necessity of  gun safety measures by upholding the prohibition on firearm possession for individuals under domestic violence restraining orders. This decision is a crucial step in protecting survivors of domestic violence and promoting safer communities.

The ruling notes that the constitution permits laws that strip guns from individuals deemed dangerous, highlighting that the second amendment is not absolute. This shows the importance of common sense measures to reduce gun violence and protect those most vulnerable to abuse.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a powerful affirmation of our shared responsibility to protect domestic violence survivors,” said Senator Berman (D- Boca Raton). “By ensuring that individuals under restraining orders cannot possess firearms, the courts are taking a meaningful step toward preventing gun violence and saving lives. I call on lawmakers, community leaders, and advocates to continue collaborating on initiatives that uphold these vital protections and work towards a future free from domestic violence and gun violence.”

Research consistently shows that access to firearms dramatically increases the risk of fatal outcomes in domestic violence situations. This ruling acknowledges the urgent need to address this issue and reflects a commitment to public safety and justice.

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