Senate unanimously passes strengthened domestic‑violence and injunctions bill
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Summary
After sponsor remarks and survivor testimony in the gallery, the Senate accepted a House substitute for HB 277 that expands monitoring and penalties for repeat domestic‑violence offenses and authorizes electronic‑monitoring pilots; the bill passed 37‑0.
The Florida Senate unanimously approved a domestic‑violence and protective‑injunctions bill (substitute for HB 277) on March 9 following sponsor remarks that the measure was shaped by survivor testimony and stakeholder input. The House companion substituted permitted a focused set of changes: a pilot for electronic monitoring for misdemeanor domestic‑violence offenses and injunction violations; reclassification and enhanced penalties for repeat offenses; expanded verification for dating and sexual‑violence injunctions; and increased monetary assistance for victims.
Sen. Claudia (bill sponsor) said the measure responds to gaps exposed by tragic local cases and expects the changes to provide courts and law enforcement more tools. "This legislation has elements that directly combat the gaps in our justice system and law enforcement processes that would have saved Rachel," the sponsor said, referencing a constituent who testified in committee.
Members including Senator Berman and Senator Osgood supported the bill, noting the rising domestic‑violence rates and the need for better protections and enforcement tools. The Senate passed the House substitute with a recorded vote of 37 yays, zero nays.
The sponsor asked for broad support and said the bill should be a tool to protect victims and give law enforcement better options. The measure moves to the House for any further action or conference negotiations.