Tell Governor Scott to Sign CS/HB 361: Persons Authorized to Visit Juvenile Facilities

Take Action! Tell Gov. Scott to sign CS/HB 361!

Yesterday, the Florida Legislature sent CS/HB 361: Persons Authorized to Visit Juvenile Justice Facilities to Governor Rick Scott for approval. In the wake of The Miami Herald‘s Fight Club, numerous state legislators have proposed reforms to combat abuse in Florida’s juvenile justice system. To increase executive, legislative, and judicial oversight, CS/HB 361 authorizes the Governor and his Cabinet, legislators, court judges, state attorneys, public defenders, and authorized representatives of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to conduct surprise visits at juvenile facilities. The bill also prohibits these facilities from denying reasonable access to bona fide reporters.

The bill was co-introduced by Representative David Richardson (D-District 113), who represents Miami Beach and part of Miami, and Representative Cynthia A. Stafford (D-District 109), who represents central Miami-Dade County. The text of the bill and the bill analysis and fiscal impact statement are also available.