-
April 4, 2025
On April 3, the House passed HB 693, sponsored by Rep. Mike Redondo (R-Miami), by a vote of 96-10.
In Florida, when a person is found guilty of a capital crime, in order to recommend a sentence of death, the jury must unanimously find at least two “aggravating factors,” which are listed in the Florida Statutes. This proposed legislation would add a new aggravating factor for capital felonies when the victim was gathered with one or more people for a school activity, religious activity, or public government meeting.
People who commit terrible and tragic crimes deserve to be punished. However, the alternative of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is a severe punishment, which also protects the public. All human life is sacred. The dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of grave evil.
Companion SB 984, sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Miami), has two more committee stops before it can be taken up by the full Senate.