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Florida Gov. DeSantis signs 94 bills, vetoes 4 others

Bills to help juveniles expunge their arrest records, make changes to car insurance laws and create a new high school civics program were vetoed Tuesday by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He also signed 94 bills ranging from a measure that seeks to prevent excessive force by law enforcement to legislation that lets craft distillers increase their production.

The following is a list of the some the legislation he took action on:

VETOED:

— Would have allowed the expunction of juvenile nonjudicial arrest records, including felonies, after they completed a diversion program. The bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate. “I have concerns that an unfettered to expunge serious felonies, including sexual battery, from a juvenile’s record may have negative impacts on public safety,” DeSantis said in his veto letter.

Governor Ron DeSantis Launches Surfsidestrength.com To Provide Support For Survivors, Families & First Responders

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that federal, state, local, private sector and nonprofit partners have come together to create SurfsideStrength.com.

It is an emotional support and assistance platform for survivors, families, first responders, and those affected by the tragedy in Surfside to receive much-needed support.

The office of the governor said there are currently more than 440 first responders and state workers on-site to support ongoing search and recovery efforts.

Florida Colleges Are Now Shielded From COVID-19 Lawsuits

Marking a victory for colleges and universities that shut down campuses last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Tuesday shielding the schools from lawsuits seeking refunds for students because of the closures.

Campuses closed in March 2020 in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with students forced to learn online.

During this year’s legislative session that ended April 30, Florida lawmakers set out to protect colleges and universities from class-action lawsuits seeking to recoup money for students after the shift to all-virtual instruction. The measure DeSantis signed Tuesday night (HB 1261) goes into effect on Thursday.

Taxpayers getting $53.8M in savings during ‘Freedom Week’

State economists believe the “Freedom Week” tax holiday will create more in tax relief than previously thought, to the tune of $53.8 million.

The inaugural Freedom Week, which begins Thursday, will run through Wednesday, and will waive sales taxes on sporting and live music events, state park admission, gym dues and movie theater tickets. Outdoor products and supplies will also be tax-free.

The measure, which Gov. Ron DeSantis says celebrates Floridians' freedoms from lockdowns, would encourage people to go outdoors as the state emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers credited the faster than anticipated economic recovery for making the millions in relief possible in this year’s tax bill (HB 7061), signed last month.