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2003 FPCA Legislative Initiatives

MEDAL OF HEROISM: FPCA is seeking legislation to establish a Medal of Heroism, to be awarded by the Governor to a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician for heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty. (SB1992, Sen. Argenziano & HB59 Rep. Bean)

STATE SUPPORT FOR PROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM: FPCA seeks continued state support for the juvenile justice system, including assessment centers. Comprehensive support for intake, treatment, confinement and probation functions are essential to provide an effective response to juvenile crime.

FPCA SUPPORTS:

PRIMARY SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT: FPCA supports legislation authorizing primary enforcement of seatbelt violations. (SB2090, Sen. Wasserman Schultz & HB125 Rep. Slosberg)

TRAFFIC CITATIONS ADMISSIBILITY: FPCA supports legislation that will permit traffic citations to be admitted into evidence in cases of forgery and related misconduct.

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS:  FPCA supports the concept of raising the minimum educational level of law enforcement officers to at least that of a two year college degree, as long as the employment of currently certified officers is not affected.

RETENTION OF TITLE DOCUMENTS FPCA supports legislation requiring the retention of documents relating to motor vehicle certificates of title by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Retention of these documents is necessary to successfully prosecute title and odometer frauds and other offenses. (SB1402 Sen. Campbell & HB967 Rep. Adams)

PROHIBIT MINOR PASSENGERS IN PICKUP TRUCK CARGO AREAS: Legislation is needed to prohibit minor passengers from riding in the cargo area of pickup trucks unless equipped with approved restraints. The FPCA has supported this issue in previous legislative sessions, and continues this support. (SB1402, Sen Campbell & HB103, Rep. Kosmas)

BAKER ACT REFORM: FPCA supports the Florida Sheriffs Association initiative to reform the Baker Act, providing an additional criteria for involuntary examination for persons with prior commitments whose condition is deteriorating, and for court ordered out-patient treatment. (HB1197, Rep. Simmons)

CHRISTOPHER FUGATE ACT: FPCA supports legislation which would enhance the penalty for supplying alcohol to a minor when an alcohol licensee supplies alcohol to a minor employee. (SB326, Sen. Smith & HB367 Rep. Culp)

SCHOOL PROTECTION ACT: FPCA supports legislation which would require school teachers or employees to report all acts of violence or threats of violence occurring on school property or at school functions or events to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

DRUG FREE SAFE ZONES NEAR PUBLIC PARKS: FPCA supports the League of Cities in advocating legislation which will provide for enhanced penalties for sale or possession of drugs in or within 1000 feet of a public park.(SB1588, Sen. Aronberg & HB57, Rep. Gannon)

DISPOSAL OF DEAD BODIES: FPCA supports legislation increasing the penalty for the improper disposal of dead bodies from a misdemeanor to a 3rd degree felony.

RAILROAD POLICE: FPCA supports efforts of railroad police to be certified and authorized as law enforcement officers pursuant to statutory provisions contained in Ch. 943, Florida Statutes.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION:  FPCA supports legislation to exclude confidential informants from the definition of employee under laws pertaining to worker’s compensation.

MEDICAL RECORDS:  FPCA supports legislation that will provide access to medical records for law enforcement officers who are investigating alleged cases of abuse or neglect.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS: FPCA supports legislation to prohibit businesses from requiring persons to use social security numbers for identification purposes.

CHOP SHOPS: FPCA supports legislation providing that air bags are included in statutory provisions regarding chop shops. (SB1272, Sen. Webster & HB1209, Rep. Antone)

FPCA OPPOSES:


ALTERING THE COMPOSITION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION: FPCA opposes changes and efforts to alter the composition of the commission and the range of disciplinary actions that the commission can impose.

ASSESSMENT OF USER FEES FOR FDLE CRIME LABORATORY SERVICES: FPCA opposes the House Appropriation Budget which contains provisions for local governments to pay in excess of 16 million to FDLE next fiscal year for crime laboratory services.

ELIMINATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE OR FUNDING FOR FRONT-END PROGRAMS: FPCA opposes legislation which would eliminate the Department of Juvenile Justice and/or budgetary cuts which would adversely affect the continuum of services for our children, from assessment, diversion and other front-end services through conditional release and aftercare.

A BILL ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO STUDY MERGING STATE AGENCIES:  FPCA opposes the establishment of a commission to study merging all state law enforcement functions and placing them under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

AMENDMENTS TO CONTRABAND FORFEITURE LAWS: FPCA opposes changes to laws pertaining to contraband forfeiture. Current provisions are among the best in the nation, and are admirably serving their intended purpose of deterring crime by removing the profits of crime.