The Florida House of Representatives passed several bills on Tuesday for Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign, including expanding the state's current anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) law, and a new offense of animal neglect for abandoning a restrained dog outside during a natural disaster, and more.
Entities that Boycott Israel (SB 1678/HB 1519)
The bill would expand Florida's anti-boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) law to include academic institutions and non-profit organizations participating in boycotts against Israel. It also requires the State Board of Administration to divest from companies and other entities that engage in boycotts of the Jewish State.
In addition, the bill demands anti-discrimination certifications for arts grants and restricts contracts with foreign academic institutions that boycott Israel. The state's current BDS law only covers commercial boycotts.
The bill passed 111-3 in the House. The Senate bill also passed 34-2.
Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters (SB 150/HB 205)
The bill, known as "Trooper's Law," would create a new offense of animal neglect for abandoning a restrained dog outside during a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado. The penalty for an offense would be a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of as much as $10,000.
Last October, a Bull Terrier was found tied to a fence pole in belly-high water during the evacuation of Hurricane Milton. The dog was later adopted and named "Trooper."
The bill passed 109-0 in the House. The Senate bill also passed 39-0.
Middle and High School Start Times (SB 296/HB 261)
The bill would eliminate previously proposed later academic start times for middle and high schools set to take effect beginning in 2026. In 2023, the legislature mandated that district and charter middle schools could not start before 8 a.m., and high schools could not start before 8:30 a.m.
The bill passed 116-0 in the House. The Senate bill also passed 38-0.
Benefits for Firefighters Injured During Training Exercises (SB 1202/HB 749)
The bill would provide employer-paid health insurance benefits to firefighters who become totally or permanently disabled during an official training exercise. It also expands those benefits to a firefighter's spouse and dependent children.
The bill passed 116-0 in the House. The Senate bill also passed 36-0.
