Notes from the Capitol: Gov. Crist applauds tougher crime legislation

Courtesy photo.

The following is Gov. Charlie Crist's weekly  newsletter,  Notes from the Capitol:

Dear Friends,

Nothing is more important to the quality of life for Floridians than the safety our people, which is why we must do everything in our power to safeguard our children and our neighborhoods.

This week I signed legislation that strengthens Florida’s criminal justice system. The laws will expand the protection of our citizens and ensure criminals are held accountable for their actions against those citizens, no matter who the criminals or victims are or when the crimes took place.

The Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act gives law enforcement another tool to save the lives of Floridians and visitors. This good legislation creates necessary uniform standards for the use of cameras as traffic enforcement devices. Traffic enforcement devices are another great resource to assist law enforcement in combating red light running, and keeping our roads safer and more secure.

House Bill 1, the Jeffrey Klee Memorial Act, rightly amends Florida law to provide that there is no statute of limitations for wrongful death. This will prevent future cases such as Jeffrey Klee’s, who disappeared in 1977, and 30 years later his remains were found, along with sufficient evidence to charge a suspect with manslaughter in Jeffrey’s death.

Unfortunately, the criminal statute of limitations in effect at the time of Jeffrey’s death prohibited police from filing charges. I applaud bill sponsors Senator Nan Rich and Representative Ari Porth for their leadership on this bill. Homeless persons who are victims of a crime will now be rightfully protected under Florida’s hate crimes law House Bill 11.

I applaud bill sponsors Representative Porth and Senator Ring, for recognizing that there has been an unfortunate and unacceptable increase in crimes against the homeless. I am grateful to the leaders of the Florida House and Senate for sharing my commitment to public safety.

Thanks to their good work, Florida’s communities will be safer places to live, work and raise a family.