TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a small batch of three bills into law, which deal with topics like Jewish schools and releasing balloons.
Besides those bills, DeSantis also vetoed one other — House Bill 1241 — which would have cracked down on state statutes regarding probation violations.
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All of the signed bills are set to take effect on July 1 alongside nearly 180 others. For a full list of those new laws, click here.
Meanwhile, the newly signed laws are as follows:
HB 187 — Antisemitism
House Bill 187 defines the term “antisemitism” under state law.
While the term “antisemitism” already exists under Florida statutes, HB 187 defines “antisemitism” as follows:
“...A certain perception of Jewish individuals which may be expressed as hatred toward such individuals. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and their property toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
HB 187
Examples of “antisemitism” under this law include calling for the deaths of or stereotyping Jewish people. It also includes examples like Holocaust denial.
HB 321 — Releasing Balloons
House Bill 321 prevents Florida residents from releasing balloons into the atmosphere.
According to the law, people will not be allowed to intentionally release — or cause someone else to release — a balloon “inflated with a gas that is lighter than air.”
A few exceptions to the rule are as follows:
- If a balloon is released on behalf of a government agency for scientific or meteorological purposes
- Hot-air balloons if they’re recovered after launching
- Balloons released indoors
- The person who releases the balloon is 6 years old or younger
Under the law, violations would be treated as littering and could be penalized as such.
HB 1109 — Security at Jewish Schools
House Bill 1109 funds Jewish schools and preschools in the state for security hardening.
Under this law, those funds could be used to buy and install security cameras, perimeter lighting, fencing, shatter-resistant glass windows and security personnel.
These purchases must be based on a risk assessment performed by law enforcement or a private security company.
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