Legislation
Lauren’s Kids has taken proactive efforts to make Florida a safer place through advocacy for the passage of State Laws that protect and help victims heal and become survivors.
- 2012 Priority: SB 1816 & HB 1355 and overview
- The Walk in Their Shoes Act
- HIV Testing Law/State Law: Assures victims, or in the case of a minor, the victim’s family can get a timely HIV test of the accused (within a 48 hour time period).
- Lauren Book Protection Act/State Law: Makes it a felony for offenders to contact their victims or the victim’s family after conviction.
- Sexual Assault Treatment Centers/State Law: Creates a statewide fund for Sexual Assault Treatment Centers, with a funding mechanism and funding grants. This network assures that all Floridians have access to quality sexual assault treatment facilities and qualified sexual assault treatment counselors.
- Cyber Sex Crimes/State Law: Increases penalties for cyber sex violators including increased penalties for pedophiles.
- Extending Statue of Limitations/State Law: Eliminates the Statute of Limitations for both civil and criminal prosecutions for crimes committed against children under 16, related to Sexual Assault.
- Residency Restrictions/Local ordinances: Sets a 2,500 foot distance from where predators and offenders may live from schools, parks, day care centers, and places where children congregate.
- Law Enforcement Victim Notification System/State Law: Requires that law enforcement officials must inform victims of sexual assault as to where they can receive treatment and care.
- Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Voluntary Contribution/State Law: Raises funds to fight childhood sexual abuse through voluntary drivers license and registration renewals by a voluntary donation of $1 or more.
- Legislation to Create Children’s Safety Zones: Prohibits convicted offenders and predators from loitering within 300 feet (a football field distance) of a school, school bus stop, parks, and similar locations.
Lauren’s Kids continues to work very hard through our legislative initiatives all of which are intended not only to protect our children, but to provide victims with knowledge and an understanding that it’s always ok to tell!