The Florida Senate passed several bills on Wednesday for Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign, including a repeal of the sale of firearms and ammunition during a state of emergency, and the removal of "deepfake" sexual images from online platforms, among others.
Restrictions on Firearms and Ammunition During Emergencies (SB 952)
The bill would repeal a law on restricting firearm or ammunition purchases during a declared state of emergency, such as a natural disaster or riot. The bill's Senate sponsor, Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill), called the provision in the law unconstitutional in a previous committee meeting.
The bill passed 32-5 in the Senate. The House version also passed 86-28.
Removal of Altered Sexual Depictions Posted without Consent (SB 1161)
The bill would protect Floridians from "deepfake" sexual images and copies of their depictions from being posted on online platforms. SB 1161 and its House companion are called "Brooke's Law" after Brooke Curry, a victim of deepfake images before her junior year of high school at Bishop Kenny in Jacksonville.
The bill passed 38-0 in the Senate. The House version also passed 116-0.
False Reporting (SB 726)
The bill would make it a third-degree felony for a person to place a false report of emergency using the 911 system that leads to great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent injury. A second-degree felony would be charged if the emergency response leads to death.
The false report is sometimes called "swatting."
The bill passed 38-0 in the Senate. The House version also passed 115-0.
Trespassing at Large Ticketed Events (SB 1828)
The bill would create a third-degree felony for trespassing in a venue during a covered ticketed event where the attendance exceeds 5,000 people. Specifically, a person 18 or older cannot enter or remain in a restricted area.
It would also create a second-degree misdemeanor for someone under 18 who commits the offense. The potential law could be important for Miami, which will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, an event expected to bring large crowds.
The bill passed 35-1 in the Senate. The House version also passed 115-0.
