TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following statement today regarding the final passage of both Senate Bill 96, which increases the penalty for intentionally and knowingly causing harm to law enforcement animals, and Senate Bill 248, which exempts home addresses for law enforcement members and their families from public records disclosure.

 

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “This session, I have advocated on behalf of voiceless yet critical members of law enforcement teams across our state—law enforcement animals. I am grateful that the Florida Legislature has taken action to ensure these animals will get the much-needed protections they deserve. K-9s like Titan, who was recently shot in the line of duty, need our support and our state stepped up.

 

“Law enforcement staff members have also received additional protection with the passage of an exemption of their home addresses. These Floridians serve our state and communities faithfully, and I am proud that these law enforcement staff and their families will no longer remain vulnerable. Shielding them from being targeted by criminals is absolutely necessary.” 

 

These bills will now head to Governor Ron DeSantis for action.