Issue Position: Public Safety

Issue Position

Protecting the safety and security of the public is a fundamental role of government. Floridians deserve a justice system that guarantees due process, a corrections system that provides secure prisons and law enforcement that protects and serves all Floridians.

In this tight budget year, the Florida House focused on funding the core functions of the courts, prisons and law enforcement without having to resort to restrict access to our courts or early release of dangerous criminals into our neighborhoods and communities.

Every day Floridians entrust their loved ones to caregivers and expect they will be treated with care and not preyed upon by criminals. This year we increased the protection to our loved ones by passing significant legislation to close loopholes in the background screening process. The legislation provides that no one can begin working with children, disabled adults or adults over 65 years of age until after a background screening is completed and the applicant is found to be qualified. More importantly, the legislation provides that sexual predators will never receive an exemption to work with vulnerable populations.

Keeping Floridians safe is my highest priority, and the House of Representatives has worked hard this session within our tight budget to accomplish this goal.

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