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March 28, 2025HB 653, sponsored by Representative Jeff Holcomb (R-Spring Hill), would add a new aggravating factor to the list by which capital offenders may be considered eligible to be sentenced to death. The new aggravator is that the victim was a head of state, or bystander in an attempt to kill a head of state. On Wednesday, Joe Harmon, FCCB's policy coordinator, testified in opposition to the bill before the House Judiciary Committee. Harmon acknowledged the gravity of the crime of assassinating a political leader. "Nevertheless, we oppose the death penalty as a remedy for this crime," said Harmon. "The ends do not justify the means. It is not a good solution for the state to take a human life." The bill passed the committee (20-2) and has been placed on the House calendar.
The Senate companion, SB 776, sponsored by Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill), is now in the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice.