HB 233, which already passed the House with bipartisan support, would allow families of homicide victims to access basic information about their cases
The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate today passed HB 233 – also known as Curtis’ Law – in a bipartisan vote, expanding support for crime victims and their families. The bill is named after Curtis Williamson, a young man who was murdered over two decades ago, and would ensure that families of homicide victims have access to basic information about their cases and investigations. Curtis’ Law is sponsored by Rep. Kiyan Michael (R-Jacksonville) and Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-Miami), and has been supported by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ). The bill now goes to Governor DeSantis for his signature.
“Over 20 years ago, I lost my teen son – and today his memory lives on in this life-changing bill that will help countless families and survivors like myself,” said Patricia Ward, member of Florida Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “Curtis’ Law would ensure that families have access to the basic info they need as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. Rep. Michael and Sen. Jones championed this law and their support has been invaluable. We look forward to the Governor’s signature to make this law and we will not rest until Florida survivors have the support they need to heal.”
Florida members of CSSJ are leading the fight for historic safety reforms in the state. In 2019, CSSJ helped pass critical reforms to Florida’s victim compensation program. More recently, CSSJ also partnered with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on the pilot launch of the state’s first trauma recovery center in 2021.
According to a statewide survey, one in three Floridians have been victimized in the past 10 years. 67% of victims describe their experience as traumatic, yet only 16% felt supported by the justice system, the survey found.
ABOUT CRIME SURVIVORS FOR SAFETY AND JUSTICE
Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice is a national network of crime survivors, with more than 13,000 members across Florida, joining together to create healing communities and shape public safety policy. With more than 190,000 members and growing, including chapters and leaders across the country, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice is building a movement to promote public safety policies that help the people and communities most harmed by crime and gun violence. For more information, visit: https://cssj.org/.
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