DeSantis Signs Supermajority Death Penalty Bill Into Law

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law Senate Bill (SB 450), the death penalty legislative measure that would do away with the existing unanimous decision by a jury to put a criminal to death.

The bill, which was sponsored by State Senator Blaise Ingoglia,  now allows just a supermajority of jurors to decide if a criminal should be put to death.

“Once a defendant in a capital case is found guilty by a unanimous jury, one juror should not be able to veto a capital sentence,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I’m proud to sign legislation that will prevent families from having to endure what the Parkland families have and ensure proper justice will be served in the state of Florida.”

“A few months ago, we endured another tragic failure of the justice system. Today’s change in Florida law will hopefully save other families from the injustices we have suffered,” said Ryan Petty, father of Alaina. “I’d like to thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for this important legislation.”

“Thank you, Governor DeSantis, Senator Ingoglia, and Representative Jacques for enacting this legislation that changes the death penalty law,” said Hunter Pollack, brother of Meadow. “While we cannot go back and change the past, we can ensure that no community will ever have to endure the injustice and pain that we did when the Parkland shooter did not receive the death penalty.”

“This bill is about victims' rights, plain and simple. It allows the victims of heinous crimes a chance to get justice and have the perpetrators punished to the full extent of the law,” said Tony Montalto, father of Gina. “Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this bill.”

“The victims of the most evil crimes and their families deserve to see criminals punished to the full extent of the law,” said Senator Blaise Ingoglia. “One rogue juror should not be the sole arbiter of justice. Thank you to the Parkland families, Governor DeSantis, and Representative Jacques for ensuring this doesn’t happen again.”

“Florida will no longer allow a small handful of activist jurors to derail the full administration of justice when individuals are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and meet the qualifications for the death penalty,” said Representative Bernie Jacques.