Passage of FL Dexter's Law and Domestic Violence Against Animals Bills in Doubt
With just days remaining for action in the 2012 session, time is running out for a pair of animal protection bills introduced to the Florida State Legislature by Sen. Mark Fasano. The bills lack House support.
Despite widespread publicity and national support, SB 618, the “Dexter’s Law” Animal Abuser Registry bill, and SB 288, the “Horatio’s Law” Domestic Violence Against Family Pets bill, both of which passed out of their Senate committees, have failed so far to find support in the House.
Supporters tried unsuccessfully to link the bills, in hopes of streamlining passage, and as of last Friday had still not found a sponsor to champion them in the House. Effectively speaking, supporters have until the end of next week to find support in the House for the bills to have a chance at passage this session. If House support is not found they will die in Committee or on the calendar. While the 2012 session runs for 6o days, after day 50 it will be too late for any legislation which does not have support.
State Senator Mike Fasano, sponsor for both bills, has been a friend to animals during his time in the legislature. While it is possible that the bills can be reintroduced and passed in 2012, or later, they will have to find a new champion. Due to term limits, Senator Fasano will not be able to return to the Florida Senate after his current term. State law allows him to run for the house, but, according to his Chief Legislative Assistant, Greg, Giordano, the Senator has not spoken about any decision on his future plans.
As hopes for passage dim with each passing day, Giordano notes, “The session isn’t over yet. You never want to say anything until it’s over.” He continues, “This bill obviously has great value and so, if we have to, we’ll see if we can find other lawmakers willing to take it up next year.”
Meanwhile, there is still time for a House member to pick up the standard and try to carry the bills to passage in this session.
Poster by PetLuv Clinic
I live not far from where this happened, and this infuriates me as I just moved to Florida. Sylvester has been with me for 13 years, and I’m 39.I retired from the piano a few years back, and the older I get the more involved I get with politics, especially in animal cruelty cases.. So, If there is anything someone can recommend I do, please let me know. Money is no object when it comes to cases like this.. God bless that little soul and hope that this bill passes or let me know something I can do.. Book me for political parties or something free of charge if take it to mingle with the members of House..I’m good at that, but there is a sly way of getting things passed and it’s all politics which frustrates me… Keep us posted what’s happening, because the news doesn’t. I’m in Beacon Woods Estates, which is in Hudson, FL..or Pasco co.
February 21, 2012 11:28 pmPosted 5 hours ago
J
I live not far from where this happened, and this infuriates me as I just moved to Florida. Sylvester has been with me for 13 years, and I’m 39.I retired from the piano a few years back, and the older I get the more involved I get with politics, especially in animal cruelty cases.. So, If there is anything someone can recommend I do, please let me know. Money is no object when it comes to cases like this.. God bless that little soul and hope that this bill passes or let me know something I can do.. Book me for political parties or something free of charge if take it to mingle with the members of House..I’m good at that, but there is a sly way of getting things passed and it’s all politics which frustrates me… Keep us posted what’s happening, because the news doesn’t. I’m in Beacon Woods Estates, which is in Hudson, FL..or Pasco co.
This is such a no-brainer. What’s NOT to support about these bills? May these innocent babies rest in peace, and may all those in the florida government that won’t lift a finger to do the right thing and make sure this doesn’t happen again, ROT in hell. Why is it so hard to get the majority of politicians to do the right thing?