Below is an update on the passing of the HB 919-False Witness bill into law which makes it a crime punishable by law for relatives and/or others to protect a suspect
from an on going investigation by officers of the law.
----------
"An AGNews Update"
This morning, the Florida Legislature took an important step forward
in protecting public safety when the Senate unanimously passed our the
False Witness bill, less than 24 hours after the House recorded its
own unanimous approval. This bill will make it a criminal offense for
anyone to knowingly provide false or misleading information to law
enforcement officers as they conduct felony or missing person
investigations.
The need for the bill was made clear when authorities were
investigating the disappearance of Jessica Lunsford last year.
Relatives of the man eventually charged with Jessica's abduction and
brutal murder did not provide authorities with information regarding
his whereabouts, thwarting any chance law enforcement might have had
of finding Jessica alive. Prosecutors concluded they had no avenue to
charge the relatives under existing Florida law, but the False Witness
bill will change that by subjecting violators to up to a year in jail
and a $1,000 fine.
I wish to commend the sponsors, Senator Jeff Atwater and
Representatives Michael Grant and Charlie Dean, for their hard work
guiding this bill through the Legislature. I look forward to the day
Governor Bush signs it into law.
Charlie Crist
----------
