Related video above: New law will force local elected officials to disclose finances. Many have resigned.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Several Florida laws go into effect on New Year’s Day.
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The new legislation, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year, covers a wide range of policy, from transportation to campsites at state parks.
SB-774: Ethics Requirements for Public Officials
A law requiring more local officials to discuss their financial dealings has already sparked a wave of resignations across the state, including in the Tampa Bay area.
As 8 On Your Side’s Mahsa Saeidi reports, over a dozen mayors and city council members are stepping down in response to the legislation. Under the new law, these officials must fill out “Form 6,” which requires them to disclose their net worth, assets, debts, income sources over $1,000, real estate and even jewelry.
Other public officials, like the governor, lawmakers, county commissioners, school board members and sheriffs are already required by law to disclose their finances. The bill’s sponsors believe all officials should be held to the same standard.
HB-425: Transportation
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This bill is an expansion of Florida’s “Move Over” law.
Under current law, drivers must move over for stopped emergency vehicles, sanitation vehicles, utility service vehicles and construction vehicles when driving on interstates or highways with two or more lanes. If they can’t move over, they must reduce their speed.
Beginning Jan. 1, the law will be expanded to include disabled vehicles that are stopped and displaying hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage.
Violators risk getting pulled over and slapped with a fine between $60 and $158.
HB-1627: Pretrial Release and Detention
This bill implements changes to Florida’s bail and pretrial detention systems by amending existing law. It tightens up pretrial release options for certain felony offenders depending on their criminal history.
It also requires the Florida Supreme Court to establish a bond schedule and prohibits lower courts from establishing lower amounts of required bail. When setting bail for a suspect, the court can choose to add on conditions in addition to money, like community service, treatment or counseling.
HB-7061: Sheriffs Providing Child Protective Investigative Services
Seven Florida counties, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas in the Tampa Bay area, allow local sheriff’s offices to handle child protective investigations.
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Beginning Jan. 1, those counties must turn over those investigations to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which currently handles those cases in the 60 other counties.
The bill also allows sheriff’s offices to transfer employees to DCF.
HB-1275: Persons with Disabilities Registry
This bill aims to address concerns over interactions between police and people with disabilities.
The “Protect Our Loved Ones” act allows law enforcement to maintain a database called the “Persons with Disabilities Registry.” It includes “individuals who have a developmental, psychological or other disability or condition that may be relevant to their interactions with law enforcement officers.”
The information contained in the registry includes and individual’s “name, contact information, personal identifying information, and disability or condition that may be relevant to interactions with law enforcement officers,” the bill’s text states.
HB-109: State Park Campsite Reservations
This bill allows Florida residents to book cabins, campsites and RV spots at state parks a month before non-residents.
Beginning Jan. 1, Florida residents can make online reservations 11 months before their desired booking date, while non-residents will have to wait until 10 months out.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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