[ad_1]
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed several bills into law that aim to crack down on sexual predators’ ability to “groom” children or lure potential victims over the Internet. The bills also increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to combat and punish these predators and child abusers.
“In Florida, we stand up for the well-being and innocence of our children,” DeSantis said at Urban StillHouse in St. Petersburg shortly after 10:45 a.m. He said the five laws he signed shortly after his comments—HB 1131, HB 1235, HB 1545, HB 305 and SB 1224—were designed “to ensure that those who harm children are held accountable.”
“We have to intervene and protect them,” the governor added.
The bills aim to prohibit adults from engaging in communication patterns with a minor, increase penalties for exporting children, make punishments harsher for predators, and tighten restrictions for those on the sexual predator registry. .
FLORIDA WOMAN ACCUSED OF PASSING FOR 14 YEARS, ABUSING TEENAGERS SHE MET ON SOCIAL MEDIA
DeSantis, who spoke alongside Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner and several state legislators, spoke in front of a podium that read “Protecting Children,” in all caps.
During his remarks, Florida’s governor congratulated lawmakers but said there was “always more to do.”
DESANTIS RAISES CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK POLICIES THAT ALLEGEDLY FEED RETAIL THEFT BY ANNOUNCING NEW FLORIDA TAKEOVER
“The rise of the Internet, social media and all these different apps has become a playground for predators,” DeSantis said. “We want kids to just be kids.”
He also called the Internet a “big cesspool” for those seeking to harm children.
The legislation the governor signed includes:
DeSantis, who ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before suspending his campaign, was joined by other state senators and representatives. He was also accompanied by Joseph Petito, vice president of the Gabby Petitio Foundation, the organization he credited with helping pass the bills.
Director Kerner followed DeSantis’ comments, calling the legislation “a lot of common sense for our criminal code.”
“It is not fair to simply call them perverts. They are the manifestation of evil,” he added.
State Sen. Jake Collins, an Army Green Beret, applauded DeSantis for the “courage, candor and commitment” he was showing in his effort to protect children.
“It’s commitment and responsibility where Florida shines,” Collins said. “Thank you for leading the way here in Florida.”
[ad_2]
