Florida House Bill H0325

Florida 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/3/23
• Refer: 11/22/23
• Failed: 3/8/24

Caption

Task Force on Missing and Murdered African-American Women

Impact

The bill mandates that the task force include a diverse membership of stakeholders, including legislative representatives, law enforcement officials, and advocates. This collaboration is intended to create a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to violence against African-American women and girls and to facilitate the development of informed policies and practices. Additionally, the task force is responsible for tracking data related to missing and murdered individuals within this community, ensuring that data collection methodologies align with the needs of those affected. An appropriation of $150,000 has been allocated to support the task force's operations during the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Summary

House Bill 325 establishes the Task Force on Missing and Murdered African-American Women within the Department of Law Enforcement. The primary purpose of this task force is to advise on and make recommendations to address the issue of violence against African-American women and girls in Florida. This initiative highlights the need for focused attention on systemic flaws contributing to this violence and aims to enhance the safety of affected individuals and communities. The task force is tasked with investigating root causes of such violence, including historical, social, and institutional factors, which may contribute to the disproportionately high rates of violence against this demographic.

Contention

While the establishment of the task force represents a vital step forward in addressing violence against African-American women, there may be points of contention regarding its effectiveness and accountability. Skeptics may question the task force's ability to produce meaningful reports and recommendations, especially when considering that it is set to expire on December 31, 2025. Ensuring the task force's recommendations are implemented and lead to real change will be crucial in addressing the concerns surrounding violence against this population. The bill ultimately seeks to foster a collaborative approach to reducing violence, but ongoing discussions about its effectiveness will be necessary.