TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A state lawmaker is considering changes to Florida law in the wake of recent politically motivated attacks across the country.
A new bill introduced in the Capitol seeks to expand Florida’s hate crimes laws and change how hate crimes are defined and punished.
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The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Debra Tendrich (D-Lake Worth), said it’s a joint goal that hopes to unify Republicans and Democrats at a time when political violence is in the spotlight.
“We are witnessing political violence spiraling out of control,” Tendrich said. “In fact, when I talk to both Democratic and Republican voters, it doesn’t matter if there’s a donkey or an elephant in front of their name. They’re nervous about expressing their opinions publicly, and they’re afraid of retribution for their belief system.”
Florida law already increases penalties for crimes committed based on prejudice, such as race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homelessness or the victim’s advanced age, and this bill, if passed, would add “political ideology” to that list.
“We want not only unity, but also responsibility,” Tendrich said. “This type of action can add an additional layer of liability.”
If someone commits a crime against another person because of that person’s political beliefs, the punishment will result in a harsher penalty.
This bill is not the only protection from the state. Just last month, Attorney General James Usmayer launched a new portal to combat politically motivated violence.
“We have to protect ourselves before people get shot, before explosives go off,” Usmayer said. “We have to protect people before they get hurt or die.”
Political analysts believe this is a bill that both sides can support, given concerns about escalating political violence.
“While this bill is led by Democrats, it is likely to receive support from both Democrats and Republicans,” said political analyst Tara Newsom. “In Florida, both sides want freedom, not fear.”
