Coming into effect…. New Florida bills to take effect on July 1

Over the course of Florida’s 2022 Legislative session, there were several bills introduced and passed that will have an impact on Gadsden County residents. Highlighted below, three of these

bills will be coming into effect on July 1.

House Bill 3 was passed by the Florida House and Senate, and, subsequently, approved by Governor Desantis on April 1.

The bill aims to “provide law enforcement agencies with additional tools to bolster the recruitment and retention of qualified officers by providing financial incentives, enhanced training, expanded educational opportunities, and recognition that honors law enforcement officers’ service to the state of Florida.”

Through several new implementations, such as salary increases for county sheriffs and the creation of new scholarship programs, this bill could provide local law enforcement agencies with increased funding and resources to further develop their programs.

In addition to House Bill 3, a bill dedicated to strengthening school security and safety will come into effect on July 1.

In accordance with recommendations provided by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, House Bill 1421 aims to improve “transparency around school safety and security and address student mental health.”

By requiring that schools develop a model family reunification plan, certify that at least 80% of their

staff have received youth mental health awareness training, and maintain a directory of public school diversion programs, the bill could increase school security and prevent tragedies across the state of Florida.

For students and parents of Gadsden County Schools, this bill will provide local schools with enhanced safety resources and increased awareness of mental health, which could be instrumental in fostering safe, inclusive school communities.

Finally, House Bill 105 grants local governments more influence in smoking regulations.

The bill revises the “Florida Clean Indoor Air Act,” which “regulates vaping and tobacco smoking in public places in Florida” to improve public health and protect Floridians from the dangers of second-hand smoke; however, the act does not allow counties or municipalities to regulate smoking.

With the introduction of House Bill 105, counties and municipalities can “restrict smoking within the boundaries of any of the public beaches and public parks they own, except with regard to the smoking of unfiltered cigars.”

The passing of this bill will allow local governments to have a greater influence on public health in their region and likely empower local citizens to advocate for or against regulations in their area more effectively.

Hannah Carter - Gadsden County News Service

Coming into effect…. New Florida bills to take effect on July 1

Gadsden Arts offers Summer Art Camp for children

County to apply for annual grant to assist with affordable housing, economic development

County to apply for annual grant to assist with affordable housing, economic development

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Coming into effect…. New Florida bills to take effect on July 1

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Gadsden Arts offers Summer Art Camp for children

County to apply for annual grant to assist with affordable housing, economic development

County to apply for annual grant to assist with affordable housing, economic development

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