CS (Committee Substitute)/House Bill 327 – Illegal Taking, Possession and Sale of a Bear
It is illegal in the state of Florida to kill or possess a recently-killed bear during closed season. Anyone who commits this crime will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for the first offense and will have their Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) license suspended for three years from the violation date. A second offense will get your FWC license permanently suspended. Any person who possesses or sells an illegally-taken bear commits a third-degree felony.
The bill states that the only exception to this law is if a person is acting under the authority of FWC rules.
State Bill 400 – Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams
This bill allows for a task team to be created to review closed cases of elderly fatalities caused by abuse or neglect. Once reviewed, the team will then make policy recommendations to help prevent future elder abuse-related fatalities to the Department of Elder Affairs.
CS/House Bill 177 – Drug Repository Program
The bill creates the Prescription Drug Donation Repository Program (program) within the Department of Health (DOH) to facilitate the donation and distribution of prescription drugs and supplies to eligible patients in the state. Bill changes current law requiring the destruction of many drugs despite being unopened and safe for use.
CS/House Bill 659 – Drone Usage
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or Florida Forest Service can use drones to manage or eradicate invasive exotic plants or animals on public lands. Also to suppress or mitigate wildfire threats.
State Bill 1082 – Domestic Violence Injunctions
Authorizes that courts can include pets in temporary restraining orders for survivors of domestic violence.
Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
