There are many problems with our criminal justice system. Mass incarceration, mandatory minimum sentencing, overcriminalization of drugs, and the list goes on. 

One issue that's often overlooked is how Florida's methods for assessing fines, fees, and citations disproportionately punish low-income individuals. For someone making a million dollars, a $100 speeding ticket is meaningless, but the same ticket could be devastating for a minimum wage worker. 

Even though our two speeders committed the same infraction, the application of justice is not equal. 

To address this problem, I've introduced HB 565, the "Council on the Discretionary Imposition of Criminal Justice and Traffic Fines and Fees Act." This legislation establishes a diverse council to review the impacts of fines, fees, and citations on individuals and families with low-incomes and propose meaningful solutions, ending the unfair application of monetary punishment. 

But I need your help to advance this excellent bill.

HB 565 has been assigned to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Subcommittee, but the Chairman, Representative Cord Byrd, has not scheduled the bill for consideration. 

Email Chairman Byrd, encouraging him to consider House Bill 565 in the upcoming subcommittee meeting. You can also call his office at (850) 717-5011 and ask him to support the bill.

Exciting news! I've recently created a new Action Center on our website, where I'll keep a consolidated list of all the ways you can help pass our legislative agenda. Check it out here.

Thank you for taking action!