Thoug Senate Bill 274 received nearly unanimous approval in both the Republican-led House and Senate, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill on June 29th in a move that surprised many lawmakers. The proposed measure offered the state’s minors with a history of arrests the chance to have their criminal records erased upon completing a behavioral program. Tens of thousands of Florida minors would have benefitted from the bill.
In a letter, Gov. Ron DeSantis cited the most severe felony cases as the reason for his decision despite the expunction measure passing through the legislative process with few challenges. The Governor’s veto comes a day after attending the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s conference, which opposed the measure. Although minors with felonies could also have taken part in the program, the state attorneys and law enforcement officials handling the case could deny juveniles the opportunity to participate at their discretion.
Without expunction, a criminal background makes finding housing, employment, and pursuing education more difficult for individuals. The program would have given an estimated 27,000 minors a second chance at a better future. Lawmakers in Florida plan to address the Governor’s concerns with Senate Bill 274 and file a new bill next year in hopes of offering the state’s minors the life-changing opportunity to erase their criminal records.
A criminal record can haunt you for years, even decades, making it harder for you to move on with your life. We believe everyone deserves a better tomorrow. Contact the experts at Easy Expunctions to see how you can begin your journey toward a fresh start today.