HB 233, which passed the House with bipartisan support, would allow families of homicide victims to access basic information about their cases
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House of Representatives today passed HB 233 – also known as Curtis’ Law – in a bipartisan vote, reaffirming Florida’s commitment to ending cycles of victimization. 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).
“After my son was killed, I had to fight to receive basic information about his investigation for two years. While I was finally able to obtain his case information, I was determined to make sure that what happened to me didn’t happen to anybody else in Florida,” said Patricia Ward, member of Florida Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “Curtis’ Law was drafted in his memory, and now we are one step closer to it becoming law. I thank Rep. Michael and Sen. Jones for their support and advocacy.”
“Today is a monumental day for Florida crime survivors and all those who wish for safer communities in our state,” said Rep. Kiyan Michael (R-Jacksonville), bill sponsor of HB 233. “I thank my colleagues for supporting Curtis’ Law and Ms. Ward for showing up to every committee stop. Thank you for never stopping – for standing up for crime victims.”
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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