Florida House passes bills increasing Jewish day school security, allow for school chaplains, more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House of Representatives passed a slew of bills relating to increasing security funding for Jewish day schools, allowing religious chaplains in public schools and more.

HB 1109 – Security for Jewish Day Schools and Preschools

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Coast, requires the Florida Department of Education to establish of a program of funding for Jewish day school security across the state.

The funding will consist of one-time and reoccurring costs related to various security measures.

The bill passed 108-6 in the chamber.

HB 931 – School Chaplains

Reps. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, and Kimberly Daniels, D-Jacksonville, sponsored the legislation that would allow school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy allowing volunteer school chaplains.

The legislation passed 89-25.

Reps. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville and others attempted to add amendments to the legislation detailing educational and career requirements for the potential volunteer school chaplains, as well as a proposal requiring the students consent before receiving guidance or support from the chaplain.

Rep. Jennifer Harris, D-Orlando, said that it was because of the “common sense” amendments that had failed, she did not feel comfortable supporting the legislation.

Eskamani argued that the bill violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Rep. Doug Bankson, R-Apopka, pointed out the many positive aspects of school chaplain programs and emphasized that the Establishment Clause specifically had to do with the U.S. Congress, not the states.

“When we talk about the constitution, the constitution very clearly states that it is a limitation on the Congress,” he said. “On the federal Congress to not establish religion or prohibit the free exercise thereof.”

“That was because the states were concerned that their right to provide these services was going to be taken from them by the overall Congress,” he said.

Daniels also spoke in favor of the bill, highlighting the fact that she was a Democrat and in support of the legislation.

HB 1317 – Patriotic Organizations

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, authorizes school districts to allow for representatives of “patriotic organizations” to speak with students, distribute certain material and provide certain displays related to the organizations.

Duggan’s legislation passed 118-0.

HB 531 – Traveling Across County Lines to Commit Criminal Offenses

The legislation by Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, reclassifies the penalty for all forcible and grand theft offenses when the offender crosses county lines to commit the crime.

An amendment was added that excluded first time offenders from the new requirements.

“I’ll be the first to admit, while this bill may not erase or eliminate traveling criminals, what this does is give law enforcement and our state prosecutors an additional tool in their toolbox to carry out the most important charge,” Snyder said. “And that is to maintain public safety.”

Snyder’s bill passed 98-15.

HB 1181 – Juvenile Justice

The juvenile justice bill by Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, revises criminal penalties for juveniles. Namely, it increases the penalty for minors under the age of 18 who were found in unlawful possession of a firearm from a first degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony.

Rep. Yvonne Hinson, D-Gainesville, expressed her opposition to the bill during debate, going so far as to claim that it would “lock up our children and throw away the key.”

Jacques refuted these arguments, claiming that the bill would help prevent repeat offenders.

“It protects these children from ruining and throwing away their lives away in the Department of Corrections by having early accountability,” he said. “But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this bill protects the public.”

Jacques’ juvenile justice bill passed 83-29.

HB 7063 – Anti-Human Trafficking

Rep. Toby Overdorf’s, R-Palm City, legislation would extend the future repeal date of direct support for the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, as well as bolster awareness for the crime.

The representative explained that the council has helped train over 35,000 people to spot signs of human trafficking and understand the correct steps to be taken when identified.

Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, emphasized the importance of the bill and the need to combat human trafficking in the state.

Overdorf’s bill passed unanimously, 112-0.