Gov. Ron DeSantis signed several pro-law enforcement and public safety bills, including the Jason Raynor Act, while speaking at a press conference in Winter Haven this week.
Senate Bill 156 (Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers and Other Personnel)
The law, known as the Jason Raynor Act, mandates a life sentence without parole for any individual convicted of killing a police officer. It also removes a citizen's ability to physically resist a law enforcement officer acting in "good faith" while carrying out his or her duties. SB 156 was named after Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, who was shot and later died after getting in a physical altercation with a man in his vehicle at an apartment complex in Daytona Beach in June 2021. The man was given a 30-year prison sentence for the crime.
Sen. Tom Leek (R-St. Augustine) sponsored the bill in the Senate. Rep. Jessica Baker (R-Jacksonville) sponsored a similar bill in the House.
SB 156 takes effect immediately.
Senate Bill 432 (Intoxicating Substances)
The law increases trafficking penalties of xylazine, a dangerous synthetic opioid also known as "tranq," to a first-degree felony. The law also aims to curb the use of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas or whippets, by targeting the point of sale. SB 432 is named after Meg Caldwell, who lost her life from after struggling with nitrous oxide addiction.
Sen. Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) sponsored the bill in the Senate. Reps. Doug Bankson (R-Apopka) and Rachel Plakon sponsored a comparable bill in the House.
SB 432 takes effect on Oct. 1.
Senate Bill 1332 (Career Offender Registration)
The law strengthens registration and reporting requirements for convicted career offenders by giving police officers tools to monitor serious, repeat criminals with information such as physical addresses, phone numbers, employment details, registered vehicles, and more.
Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) sponsored the bill in the Senate. Rep. Jessica Baker (R-Jacksonville) sponsored a similar bill in the House.
SB 1332 takes effect on Oct. 1.
House Bill 429 (Criteria for Determining Criminal Gang Membership)
The law broadens the legal definition of a "criminal gang member" to include digital involvement through social media. More specifically, the law recognizes online admissions of gang affiliation, gang-related social media activity, identification by criminal gangs themselves and other modern indicators of gang participation through online platforms.
Rep. Jessica Baker (R-Jacksonville) sponsored the bill in the House. Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) sponsored an identical bill in the Senate.
HB 429 takes effect on Oct 1.
Senate Bill 436 (Felony Battery)
The law expands criteria for upgrading misdemeanor battery to a felony related to repeat offenders. More specifically, the law targets individuals who commit battery on a law enforcement officer and have a prior conviction of violently resisting arrest.
Sen. Tom Leek (R-St. Augustine) sponsored the bill in the Senate. Rep. Richard Gentry (R-Astor) sponsored a comparable bill in the House.
SB 436 takes effect on July 1.
