Florida House Bill H0019

Florida 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/24
• Refer: 1/6/25
• Refer: 3/10/25

Caption

Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws under the Florida Statutes to include broader definitions and protections for victims of dating violence, enhancing the framework for the Attorney General's address confidentiality program. By explicitly defining dating violence and requiring new protocols for alert systems, HB 0019 expands the legal tools available to victims attempting to secure their safety. Additionally, this legislation aims to address the challenges that victims face when trying to escape dangerous situations, particularly regarding maintaining their privacy and safety.

Summary

House Bill 0019 addresses issues surrounding victims of domestic and dating violence in Florida by creating measures to enhance their safety and privacy. Central to the bill is the requirement for the Division of Telecommunications to conduct a feasibility study to create a web-based 911 alert system specifically tailored for those victims. This system would allow users to share real-time data with law enforcement and develop unique identifiers to ensure they can quickly gain help when in danger. The overarching goal of the bill is to protect victims and facilitate better communication with public safety agencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0019 appears to be supportive, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of improving safety measures for victims of domestic and dating violence. Advocates for victims' rights view this legislation as a vital step towards ensuring that those affected can access immediate assistance and maintain their confidentiality. However, there may be concerns among critics regarding the potential effectiveness of the proposed alert system and the funding necessary for its implementation.

Contention

Although the bill is designed to improve protections for victims, there may be discussions about the feasibility and funding for the proposed web-based alert system. Questions could arise regarding how effectively the system can integrate with existing emergency response frameworks and whether additional resources will be necessary to support its implementation. Moreover, the expansion of definitions and protections could lead to debates about the balance between victim privacy and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in responding to these alerts.