Lawmakers give final approval for increasing security for Jewish day schools, other institutions

By Owen Girard

Published Nov. 8, 2023, 11:57 a.m. ET | Updated Nov. 8, 2023

The Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee, Fla., and the Israel flag. (Photos/Gov. Ron DeSantis' office; Cole Keister, Unsplash)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Senate passed a bill giving $45 million in security grants for Jewish day schools and other educational institutions that could be potential victims of hate crimes.

HB 7C was introduced by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, and the Senate companion was sponsored by Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami.

The legislation was initially passed in the House 109-0 Tuesday and later passed in the Senate 39-0 Wednesday. The bill awaits the governor’s signature in order to become law.

Fine explained on the House floor that the first part of the bill designates $20 million to be overseen by the Florida Department of Emergency Management, while the other $25 million will go directly towards Jewish day schools.

“It would be eligible to Jewish institutions and others that can demonstrate an elevated threat level,” Fine said.

“I think it’s unfortunate we have to have a bill like this,” he said. “I mean, keep in mind, we’re going to allocate $45 million. It’s not going to help a single kid learn how to read, or do math or learn history. It’s going to be to keep children safe.”

Calatayud responded to a question by Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, asking if the $45 million was enough funding.

“We believe that this is going to be the right investment at this time,” she said. “We’ve worked with our House colleagues to continue increasing even during this special session, based on the feedback of stakeholders.”

A House committee voted to increase funding in the originally filed bill from $35 million to $45 million Monday.

Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, spoke in favor of the bill when it was on the House floor, in relation to how it has the ability to protect Historically Black Colleges and Universities

“I will tell you that our HBCU’s in particular have been working very hard with the Department of Homeland Security to conduct risk assessments and to understand wheee there are holes and gaps in security on their campuses,” Driskell said.

Republican leadership called lawmakers into a special session this week to address issues including hurricane relief, school vouchers, sanctions on Iran, and a resolution supporting Israel.