Florida News Straight From the Source
Dan Daley, Democrat for State House District 97 (Northwest Broward County), is pleased to announce the endorsement of State Representative Jared Moskowitz. State Representative Moskowitz currently represents District 97 and was recently appointed by Governor-Elect Ron DeSantis to become Florida’s next Director for the Department of Emergency Management. [Read more…] about Dan Daley Announces Endorsement from State Representative Jared Moskowitz
Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-Coral Springs) and Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) have filed HB 1067 & SB 1270 providing pet owners a path of recourse in the event of the wrongful injury or death of their pet. Additionally, the bill holds defendants accountable for pain and suffering endured from emotional trauma to pet owners and for the value of the pet.
“People who kill or injure someone’s pet should be held accountable for their actions,” declared Representative Jared Moskowitz. “We form emotional bonds with our pets and those who endure the terrible tragedy of losing them deserve a chance at justice. This bill will act as a deterrent to those who work with animals to think about the legal consequences before engaging in negligent behavior.”
In current law, pets are treated as personal property. Because of this, pet owners are usually entitled to compensation only equal to the fair market value of their pet. Noneconomic damages are not typically awarded in cases involving wrongful injury or death of a pet.
Senator Dana Young said, “Under current Florida law, our pets are treated as property, like a piece of furniture that can be easily replaced. As a dog owner, I know that pets mean so much more — they become a part of the family and form deep bonds with their owners. Through this bill, we recognize this special relationship and provide pet owners with a means of recourse in instances where their pet is hurt or killed through gross negligence.”
Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) and Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-Coral Springs) have respectively filed SB 650 and HB 669 to aid pregnant women and mothers with infants while they are shopping. If enacted, this bill would require retailers and shopping centers with more than 100 parking spaces to reserve at least one parking space for expectant mothers and to maintain one clean and private breast feeding area that is not a restroom or changing area.
“As a mother-to-be expecting twins, I’ve spent the last nine months watching moms attempt to balance it all while out in public with their babies,” stated Senator Lauren Book. “And I’ve seen that we’re just not doing enough to support women during this incredibly challenging time. A new mom simply shouldn’t have to sit on a toilet seat in a public restroom or out on a hot curb to feed their child. We need to provide more dignity, comfort and safety for both mothers and babies. This bill proposes a small change that would make a big difference.”
“Being pregnant or having an infant shouldn’t act as a deterrent for a woman wishing to go about her daily routine,” stated Representative Jared Moskowitz. “The least we can do is make being a mother a little easier by ensuring that there’s always a place to park and to feed your child. It’s just commonsense that we would do all we can to help out Florida’s wonderful mothers.”
