Newly-signed law bolsters Jewish day school security
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation to bolster security at Jewish day schools and other institutions prone to potential violence in light of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, sponsored the bill and argued favorably for it on the House floor. The Senate companion was sponsored by Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami.
Fine explained 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.”
House 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.
The legislation was initially passed in the House 109-0 and later passed in the Senate 39-0 last week.
Lawmakers were called into a special session last week to tackle issues including Iran sanctions, security for Jewish schools, hurricane relief and more.
