DeSantis signs bills providing new mothers an out from jury service and offering more support for domestic violence victims
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a measure that excuses new mothers from jury service, and another that requires court clerks to create a “Hope Card” program for domestic violence victims.
HB 461 by Rep. Carolina Amesty, R-Orlando, requires a court to grant an excuse from jury service, upon request, to any woman who has given birth up to six months before the reporting date on the jury summons.
Republican Sen. Erin Grall, a Ft. Pierce attorney, sponsored the companion, SB 462.
The House voted 114-0 to approve the measure on January 19. The Senate followed suit, 39-0, on February 14. The measure takes effect July 1.
DeSantis also signed SB 86 by Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book of Davie.
The bill would require court clerks to provide a digital, or durable, wallet-sized “Hope Card” to people who receive a protective court order.
Sponsors say the cards will make it easier for domestic violence and other victims to prove to law enforcement that they are protected by a court order.
The legislation requires the cards to list such things as the petitioner’s name and address, the respondent’s name and address, the type of order, and its expiration date.
The cards expire when the order does. The legislation requires the cards to be renewed after two years if the protective order remains in effect.
Democratic Rep. Michael Gottlieb of Plantation, and Republican Rep. Traci Koster of Tampa, both attorneys, sponsored the companion, HB 45.
The House voted 113-0 to grant final legislative approval on March 5.
The law goes into effect October 1.
