Rick Scott Signs Four Domestic, Sexual Violence Protection Laws

The governors office announced that Gov. Rick Scott signed four bills Friday that expand the protections available to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

While Florida has a 40-year low crime rate, we must continue to protect the rights of individuals affected by crime, Scott stated in a release.

This critical legislation I have signed into law shows the valuable steps Florida has made in protecting the rights of victims.

HB 1355: Protection of Vulnerable Persons

Legislation increases the requirements for reporting known or suspected abuse of a child and establishes stricter criminal penalties for individuals who fail to report such abuse. It also authorizes additional spending to support victims of sexual abuse and to increase the states capacity to process additional reporting.

HB 701: Florida Evidence Codes

Legislation provides exceptions to the hearsay rule, under certain conditions, and at the approval of the trial judge, to allow victims' statements made outside the courtroom (such as statements to a 911 operator, law enforcement, or rape counselor) to be used as evidence in court proceedings.

HB 1099: Stalking

Legislation expands protections for victims of stalkers by removing the burden for the victim to prove that the person making the threat has intent to actually carry out the threat, and expands the definition of threat to include verbal and nonverbal threats and those made through electronic means.

Makes it easier for victims to secure an injunction for protection through the courts by creating a statutory cause for action against stalking and requires the courts to consider issuing an injunction for a longer period of time.

HB 1193: Public Records Protections for Victims of Violence

Legislation expands the protection of public-record access of any personal contact information that may be used for the clerk of the court to notify victims of domestic violence, repeat violence, sexual violence and dating violence.

Legislation ensures personal information of victims of domestic or sexual violence is protected in court proceedings.