Florida

FAMM opposes proposed new mandatory minimum in Florida, will review proposed “Anti-Riot” legislation

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Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM opposes proposed new mandatory minimum in Florida, will review proposed “Anti-Riot” legislation

TALLAHASSEE – FAMM’s Florida state director Greg Newburn released the following statement in response to the announcement yesterday by Governor Ron DeSantis of proposed legislation to increase penalties on convictions for offenses committed during protests:

“Protecting lives, liberty, and property from those who would prey on the innocent is government’s central function. However, proposed solutions – even on fundamental issues like protecting public order – are justified only when they are supported by evidence, generate more benefits than costs and solve a given problem efficiently.

“Mandatory minimums are not the solution. FAMM emphatically opposes adding another one to Florida’s statutes, whose arteries are already clogged with such plaque. However, we withhold judgment on all other elements of the ‘Combatting Violence, Disorder, and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act’ until we have had the opportunity to review the proposed legislation in its entirety.”

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.