Survivor Lawmaker Files Domestic Violence Bill

A state lawmaker, who is herself a survivor of domestic violence, filed a bill in late October 25 that aims to create even more protections for those who have been the victims of this type of offense. The assemblywoman’s bill, House Bill 277, would require training in domestic violence for first responders, and place new restrictions on serial abusers.

Keeping Victims Safe Is Higher Priority

In recent years, Florida has sought to extend further protections to domestic violence victims, particularly after the 2021 murder of Gabby Petito came to light. For example, the Act named after her instituted what the law called a lethality assessment – a questionnaire to be filed after domestic violence-related calls, to act as a ‘paper trail’ if future incidents ever occur.

The assemblywoman who filed the bill also cited the case of Audrey Peterson, a Clearwater nurse who was murdered in 2024 after repeatedly seeking – and being denied – a domestic violence injunction (DVI) against her boyfriend. Despite the protections Florida has worked to institute, the assemblywoman argued that too many women are still falling through the cracks in the system.

Proposed Changes Are Significant

This bill, if ultimately passed, would institute three main changes in Florida law. They are:

• Requiring training in domestic violence for all first responders, while it is only required for police as of this writing;
• Flagging all addresses where a ‘reported domestic violence incident’ has occurred for at least one year, with the flag being reapplied with each incident; and
• Modifications to DVIs, including adding animal cruelty as a reason to seek a DVI, and potential GPS monitoring for serial abusers.

So far, opponents critique the bill’s enforceability and potential cost, rather than its merit; historically, Florida has had a high domestic violence rate, and it is reasonable to assume that lowering it is a priority. Victims deserve to feel safe, if at all possible, and lawmakers appear to be taking that seriously.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

House Bill 277 currently has no companion bill in the Senate, but it remains to be seen if one will appear. In the meantime, a West Palm Beach domestic violence attorney can help protect your rights. Contact our office today to speak to an attorney.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/277