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Committee passes 'Isaiah's law' PCS to add driving without a license to habitual‑offender list
Summary
The subcommittee unanimously approved a proposed committee substitute for HB35, named "Isaiah's law," adding driving without a valid license to offenses that can generate habitual traffic offender designation; the vote was 16–0.
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee unanimously passed the proposed committee substitute for House Bill 35, which expands the list of offenses that can trigger habitual traffic offender designation to include driving without a valid license. Vice Chair Barnaby presented the PCS and told the committee the bill will be cited as "Isaiah's law" in remembrance of Isaiah Raposa, who was killed by a driver without a valid license.
Vice Chair Barnaby said the PCS adds driving without a valid license to the list of offenses for habitual traffic offender designation and stated the sponsor’s aim: "I hope that by strengthening our laws against driving without a license, that we can stop these tragedies before they occur." Several organizations, including the Florida PBA and the Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waved support.
Members across the aisle expressed support. Representative Gottlieb said he understood the need though he noted the policy tradeoffs in priorities; Representative Baker, a former prosecutor, described patterns of repeat driving without a license and said the change was long overdue. The committee recorded a 16–0 roll call in favor and Chair Alvarez announced the PCS was reported favorably.
The PCS will move forward per the legislative calendar.
