Photo: Getty Images North America
Florida News That Impacts You – June 30th, 2021
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- The search and rescue effort in Surfside has entered it’s 7th day. As of the most recent update 149 people are still unaccounted for with 12 who’re deceased.
- Governor DeSantis signed a bill into law enabling college athletes to profit off their likeness. The new law, which takes effect tomorrow, picks up on last year’s legislation. While the original law was passed in last year’s state session, the start date was set for July 1st, of 2022. The new law bumped up the start date by a year.
- The governor also signed a policing reform bill into law. The new law is aimed at preventing excessive use of force by law enforcement. New training for de-escalation tactics will implemented with chokeholds to be used only when an officer perceives an immediate threat of serious bodily injury or death to themselves or another person. The law also takes effect tomorrow.
- Governor DeSantis also issued a high-profile veto regarding auto insurance. The bill, which would have ended Florida’s “no-fault” model was vetoed by the governor. This was on back of numerous reports from the insurance industry indicating rates would rise significantly for many Floridians.
- DeSantis also vetoed a bill which would have made it easier for minors to expunge their arrest records – including felonies which was the sticking point for the governor. He stated: I have concerns that the unfettered ability to expunge serious felonies, including sexual battery, from a juvenile’s record may have negative impacts on public safety.