Sen. Jason Brodeur The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a measure that would make it easier to charge drug dealers with first-degree murder when their customers die of an overdose. Over the objection of some Democrats, the committee voted 7-3 on January 10 to approve SB 190 by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary. The measure merely…
Several bills take effect January 1, 2022, including a measure dealing with online notarization, and another that targets the publication of legal notices. The Senate voted unanimously April 8 to give final approval to HB 121, “Notaries Public,” by Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Orange Park. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it June 21. Known in legislative parlance…
LegalFuel — The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar, has resources available on its website to help lawyers recognize and avoid becoming victims of scams Spoofing and phishing. It’s an old play for those who would separate lawyers from their money. But those who ply this fraudulent trade are always working to up their…
Kevin Napper Tampa attorney Kevin Napper spent part of September 11, 2001, in a law firm conference room glued to cable TV. “We were all trying to grasp the enormity of it, was our country really under attack? Did we all need to go home and be with our families?” Twenty…
Rep. Jim Boyd A Senate panel has approved a measure sponsors say is the next step in reforming the way Florida funds its clerks of court. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 on November 30 to approve SB 552 by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton. A companion, HB 397 by Rep. Charles “Chuck” Clemmons, R-Jonesville,…
A Tampa attorney and recent identity theft victim has some friendly advice to fellow Bar members — take cybersecurity seriously. Internet scammers recently used the attorney’s name, address, and other personal identifying information, including business Tax ID Number, to apply for a hefty U.S. Small Business Administration loan. “I was looking at my credit…
Florida’s five Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsels are again pushing legislation to address various legal glitches and ensure their attorneys are treated the same as assistant public defenders and assistant state attorneys. Candice Brower, the CCCRC for the area covered by the First District Court of Appeal, said this year’s bills are close to…
Working mother attorneys are giving high marks to a new support group that has been tackling challenging issues, sponsors say. “Our hope is that more members of the legal community become aware of this,” said Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. Executive Director Daniel McDermott. Launched in May, the support group is a joint effort of FLA,…
Ralph DeMeo A Central Florida lawmaker has withdrawn a bill that would allow judges to appoint “courtroom animal advocates,” but the Animal Law Section is undeterred. “If you’ll pardon the pun, the bill still has legs,” said Animal Law Section executive council member Ralph DeMeo. “There is still time, and we are working with other…
Sen. Darryl Rouson A Senate panel has approved a criminal justice reform measure that would retroactively apply reduced sentences for some crimes. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee voted 9-0 on November 2 to approve SB 276 by Sen. Darryl Rouson, R-St. Petersburg. There is no House companion. Rouson noted that as a member of the Constitution…
