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Terrorism Prevention Legislation Filed in House and Senate

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Bill will expand the definition of terrorism and provide new and
increased penalties for those involved in any aspect of terrorism.

Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) and Representative Julio Gonzalez (R-Sarasota) have filed Senate Bill 476 and House Bill 457, Terrorism and Terrorist Activities, expanding the definition of the term “terrorism” and providing new and increased penalties for those involved in any aspect of terrorism.
“In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Orlando, the State of Florida must take a strong stance against terrorism,” said Senator Bean. “This bill will provide new and harsher punishments for those engaging in acts of terror and will allow law enforcement to combat this rising threat more effectively.”
The bill provides that violation of specified provisions with certain intent is a crime of terrorism. In addition, the bill provides penalties for any person who willfully becomes a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization and serves with the intent to pursue illegal acts.
“Combating those who threaten our democracy and our way of life is pivotal to maintaining a vibrant republic and to protecting our future. I am thrilled to join Senator Bean and Commissioner Swearingen in the fight against terrorism in our state,” stated Representative Gonzalez.
The bill also prohibits providing material support or resources to any designated foreign terrorist organizations and prohibits engaging in other illegal actions in connection with these organizations. Lastly, it will require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create specified guidelines pertaining to terrorism.
“We appreciate this legislation and its support of our mission to promote public safety and strengthen domestic security,” said FDLE Commissioner Swearingen. “By providing law enforcement with the tools to help prevent future attacks, we are poised to take a more proactive approach in fighting terrorism.”

Rideshare legislation filed in house and senate

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Bill will establish uniform standards statewide for ridesharing services

Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) and Representative Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater) today announced they filed Senate Bill 340 and House Bill 221, proposing a statewide set of standards governing and authorizing ridesharing services and transportation network companies. If successful, Florida would join 36 other states that have adopted rideshare laws.
“Ridesharing is a part of our transportation future, and it is time Florida embrace these services,” stated Senator Brandes. “This is something that Florida businesses demand, tourists expect, and our residents deserve. It is time to end the patchwork of regulations across the state that stand in the way of transportation innovation and adopt a uniform, common sense law focused on safety and access to the new technology.”
“Floridians deserve a thriving and innovative transportation marketplace,” stated Representative Sprowls. “This bill provides certainty to a growing transportation market, by putting consumers in the driver’s seat of their transportation options, not special interest regulators. Not only is this bill good for consumers, but also it provides jobs for many Floridians still looking for work, or supplemental income to families struggling to make ends meet.”
The bill establishes the regulatory framework for the operation of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) in Florida. SB 340 and HB 221 establish minimum insurance requirements for TNCs, require thorough background screening standards for TNC drivers, and include consumer protection provisions that strengthen the community of riders and drivers in Florida. In addition, the bill provides regulatory certainty for TNC services in Florida by replacing a patchwork of conflicting local regulations with a unified statewide framework.
For more information on the legislation visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0340.