Florida crime survivors, families are calling for lawmakers to pass bills in support of victims

Florida crime survivors and their families are calling for lawmakers to pass three bills they say would expand protections for and provide support to victims.

Hundreds of rally goers chanted names of their lost loved ones in the state capitol Tuesday to advocate for safety reforms.

Rally organizer Aswad Thomas said that proposed legislation like HB 233, called Curtis’ Law, will address trauma, and make Florida communities safer for everyone. The bill would extend paid leave to the family members of homicide victims.

“Our community needs the resources and services that we need to heal so when Patricia talks about passing Curtis Law, it’s about dignity,” said Thomas. “Dignity to give families and loved one’s basic information about their case. When we talk about the need and resources, we’re talking about developing more trauma recovery centers across the state of Florida.”

Thomas and his group are also backing bills that would seal some criminal history records and give courts more flexibility in dealing with probation violations.