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If the new defamation bill becomes law, it is unlikely to survive a legal challenge due to what critics say are its clear violations of free speech and anti-discrimination laws. (Pixabay)

FL lawmakers back in Tallahassee to debate limits on abortion, free speech

Within hours of the start of Florida's legislative session, newly filed bills are set to test the limits on hot-button topics such as abortion and …

In 2022, about 29% of the people in Florida's prison system were age 50 or older, which is one reason their advocates are urging state lawmakers to ensure prison housing units are climate-controlled. (geralt/Pixabay)

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching …

With 96% of all incarcerated persons returning to their communities, the Institute for Educational Empowerment wants to ensure individuals are prepared to take on the challenges of re-entering society. (Pixabay)

Some Incarcerated People to Become College Grads at Miami Dade College

Eighteen incarcerated students will become college graduates Tuesday at Everglades Correctional Institution in South Florida. Imagine taking an …

Con el 96% de todas las personas encarceladas regresando a sus comunidades, el Institute for Educational Empowerment (Instituto para el Empoderamiento Educativo) quiere asegurarse de que las personas est�n preparadas para asumir los desaf�os de reingresar a la sociedad. (Pixabay)

Algunas personas encarceladas se graduarán del Miami Dade College

Dieciocho estudiantes encarcelados se graduarán el martes en la Institución Correccional Everglades en el sur de Florida. Imagine tomar …

A new report recommends limiting the types of offenses that can land youth in detention and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in placement decisions. (Pixabay)

Report: Youths of Color 50% More Likely to Face Juvenile Incarceration

Almost a quarter-million American children were incarcerated in 2019, according to a new report called "Too Many Closed Doors" from the Sentencing …

According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, arrests continue to decline in Florida and are down 51% in the last five years. (ottawagraphics/Pixabay)

Will DeSantis Veto FL Juvenile-Expungement Bill?

When it comes to second chances, a bill related to expunging juvenile arrest records is back before the governor for a second chance at becoming law…

The Florida Department of Corrections is the third-largest state prison system in the nation and Florida's largest state agency. It plans to phase out physical mail for people who are incarcerated starting mid-January. (PhotoAC/Pixabay)

Backlash for FL Rule Change on Receiving Mail in Prison

The Florida Department of Corrections now bans people in prison from receiving traditional mail, such as greeting cards and handwritten letters…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

The Florida Department of Corrections is encouraging people behind bars to get the COVID-19 vaccine.(Pexel)

Misinformation About COVID-19 Shot Spreads Inside FL Prisons

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - After months of keeping Floridians in prisons and jails off the priority list for a COVID vaccine, the state is finally …

Lawmakers and leaders opposed to HB1, Florida's

Civil-Rights Leaders Denounce Passage of Florida's "Anti-Riot" Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Despite emotional testimony from Democrats and civil-rights groups, Florida's Republican lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to pass …

The Marshall Project and the New York Times found more than 200,000 people are booked into jails across the country in a given week, and the same number walk out in the same time period. (izhar khan/Pexels)

Experts Urge Prioritizing FL Prisons for COVID-19 Vaccination

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Health advocacy groups say Florida's recommendations on COVID vaccine priority should include people in prison as well as staff …

Amendment 4, passed by Florida voters in 2018, restored voting rights to people who had been convicted of felonies but served their time. (Trimmel Gomes)

Despite Confusion, Thousands of Former FL Felons Voted Successfully

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Voting-rights advocates say they're working to keep the momentum going, registering Floridians with felony convictions so they …

The Florida Department of Corrections includes about 24,000 employees and 87,700 people incarcerated. (Pixabay)

Florida's Prison System Under Siege by Coronavirus

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The novel coronavirus death toll in Florida's prison system reached 60 yesterday, as a massive surge of infection continues to …

Florida voters in 2018 overwhelmingly approved Amendment 4, a constitutional amendment to end the state's lifetime ban on voting for most people with felony convictions. (justgrimes/Flickr)

Judge Signals Support for Restoring FL Voting Rights of Former Felons

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A federal judge has signaled he'll find part of a Florida law restricting the voting rights of people with felony records …

The Annie E. Casey Foundation survey covered Jan. 1 to Apr. 1, and shows a 24% reduction in youth detention, a decrease as large as the entire national decline from 2010 to 2017. (Pixabay)

Study: Youth Detention Decreases Amid COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- As the new coronavirus began to spread around the United States, the population in juvenile detention centers in Florida and …

The Florida Department of Corrections has 145 facilities statewide, including 50 correctional institutions, seven private partner facilities, 17 annexes, 34 work camps, three re-entry centers and more. (Pixabay/jodylehigh)<br />

Two Deaths as COVID-19 Cases Skyrocket at a Florida Prison

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The first two deaths in Florida's prison system related to the coronavirus comes as the system is seeing a spike in both staff …

A federal appeals court's decision is seen as a setback for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a series of legal challenges from a Republican-led effort to make ex-felons pay court-ordered fines and fees before they can vote. (FRRC)

Class Action Could Restore Voting Rights of Former Criminal Offenders in FL

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- In the quest to restore voting rights to the nearly 1.4 million Floridians with prior felony convictions, there is new hope that …

The Florida Department of Corrections says its management of COVID-19 is closely aligned with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay)

Transparency Urged as More FL Prison Workers Test Positive for COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida's prison system has confirmed 12 workers testing positive for COVID-19, and some prison-rights groups say that alone …

The Florida Attorney General and Department of Children and Families announced lawsuits against the Florida Coalition of Domestic Violence on Wednesday, in hopes of preserving evidence and recovering allegedly misused funds. (Pixabay)

Corruption Alleged at FL Domestic-Violence Nonprofit

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida's investigation into a domestic-violence nonprofit and its alleged misappropriation of millions in state funds ramped up …

Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (center right), rallied at Florida's Capitol with about 600 people calling for criminal justice reform. (FRRC)

Fighting to Eliminate Voter Confusion for FL Ex-Offenders

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The news was spreading with excitement after a Florida appeals court affirmed the state can't stop some people released from …

At the Florida State Capitol this week, advocates of criminal-justice reform say it involves not only the rights of people who are incarcerated, but addresses state budget and prison overcrowding issues as well. (Casey Bruce-White)

Hundreds Rally at FL Capitol for Criminal-Justice Reform

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Civil-rights advocates and families of people serving time in Florida prisons are rallying support for a package of prison-reform …

Florida could join six other states, including Kentucky and Mississippi, that have eliminated their driver licenses suspension penalties. Texas and Georgia are considering it, too. (Florida Dept. of Motor Vehicles)

FL Bill Would End License Suspensions for Cash-Strapped Drivers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Legislature could end the state's practice of suspending the licenses of people driving with unpaid fines and fees…

A coalition of Florida organizations rallies in Tallahassee against Senate Bill 7066, which stipulates all prison-related fines must be paid before a person's voting rights can be restored. (Trimmel Gomes)

FL Voting Rights Remain in Limbo with Amendment 4 Ruling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The legal fight to restore the voting rights of some 1.4 million Floridians who were formerly incarcerated will carry on…

A coalition of Florida organizations rally in Tallahassee as a federal judge hears arguments for and against Senate Bill 7066, which stipulates all fines must be paid before the restoration of voting rights. (Trimmel Gomes)

Voter Rights Group Rallies to End Limbo in Battleground Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Voting- and civil-rights groups held a rally outside a Tallahassee federal court Monday, calling for a temporary injunction to …

Ben & Jerry's has launched a new ice cream flavor to coincide with its multi-year campaign for criminal justice reform. (Pixabay)

Ben & Jerry's Joins Groups to 'Scoop' Criminal Justice Reform

MIAMI – Ice-cream maker Ben & Jerry's says everyone deserves the sweet taste of justice, and wants its new flavor to call attention to what the …

Democrats unsuccessfully tried to hold a special session on guns after Orlando's Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016, which left 49 people dead. (Fuzzy Gerdes/Flickr)

Florida Democrats Trigger Special-Session Vote on Guns

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida house Democratic Caucus has forced a vote on whether lawmakers should convene a special session to address what …

Access to sufficient feminine hygiene products isn�t always guaranteed to women in Florida jails and prisons, but newly passed legislation could soon change that. (PatriciaMoraleda/Pixabay)

'Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act' Awaits Governor's Signature

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Incarcerated women could soon be guaranteed access to basic hygiene products, like pads and tampons, under a bill awaiting …

Children's advocates are calling for more investment in diversion programs, such as civil citations, that keep young people out of the juvenile justice system. (marcino/Pixabay)

Tampa Conference Spotlights Kids' Behavioral Health

TAMPA, Fla. – A major conference in Tampa is bringing experts together from across the country to address why kids involved in the juvenile …

Lake County, Fla., Sheriff Willis McCall and an unidentified man stand next to Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd and Charles Greenlee. The three were accused of rape in 1949, along with a fourth man. (State Archives of Florida)

After Pardon, Will 'Groveland Four' Be Exonerated?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Nearly 70 years after being accused of raping a white woman, four African-American men were posthumously pardoned on Friday …

Florida overwhelmingly voted in favor of Amendment 4 on giving previously disenfranchised persons with felonies the opportunity to vote. (TheDigitalArtist/Pixabay)<br />

Listening Tour to Register Florida’s Newly Enfranchised Voters

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A statewide listening tour is under way after more than 64 percent of Florida voters chose to restore voting rights to …

Five states actively use Marsy�s Law, while 35 have some form of victims' rights in their constitution. (Geralt/Pixabay)

Opponents: Marsy’s Law Amendment Creates Lopsided Legal System

TALLAHASSE, Fla. – Among a number of amendments on Florida voters' 2018 ballots, is Amendment 6, also known as Marsy's Law. The amendment to …

The new appointments to Florida's Supreme Court are likely to reshape the seven-member Court for years, if not decades. (Bruin79/Wikimedia Creative Commons)

Could FL Supreme Court Battle Spark a Constitutional Crisis?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is in the midst of its own Supreme Court nomination controversy, as terms for three of the seven justices expire …

An economic study by the Washington Economics Group shows an increase in annual household income of $151 million for Florida residents if voters approve Amendment 4. (Pixabay)

Study: Voter Restoration Would Add $365 Million to FL Economy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new study says restoring the voting rights of former felons would provide a big boost to Florida's economy. The study …

Civil rights leaders plan to march to mobilize Floridians to vote for Amendment 4 so that former felons will automatically have their civil and voting rights restored. (Chris Chitaroni/Twenty20)

Prison Reform Group Calls for Full Restoration of Felons' Rights

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Reverend Al Sharpton and other local and national church and civic leaders are expected to rally in Tallahassee …

Marsy's Law establishes the right of victims of crime to be informed, to be present, and to be heard at all crucial criminal proceedings. (Pixabay)

Marsy’s Law Backers Confident of Ballot Language

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Supporters of a constitutional amendment that has been discussed for months are hopeful that the language surrounding the …

Florida officials asked a federal judge for more time to establish a new process for restoring felons' voting rights. (Democracy Chronicles/Flickr)

FL Leaders Appeal Order to Change Felon Voting-Rights Systems

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Attorney General Pam Bondi filed an appeal Wednesday with a federal judge who ruled Florida's current system for restoring …

Florida drivers now face a $60 fine and enhanced penalties if they're texting and an accident is involved. (Pixabay)

Florida Legislature Split on Texting-While-Driving Ban

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House overwhelmingly approved a measure on Thursday that would make texting behind the wheel a primary offense &…

Studies show black youth are disproportionately affected by Florida's policies allowing the shifting of juveniles to adult court. (Pixabay)

Lawmakers Push Bill to Limit Children Tried in Adult Court

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State representatives in the Florida House are pushing for House Bill 509, a law to prevent juveniles from being tried as …

Florida is one of four states that denies the right to vote to all people convicted of felonies until they petition the state to restore those rights. (Amanda Wood/Flickr)

Federal Judge Nixes FL's Voter-Restoration Process

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a surprise victory for voting rights advocates, a federal judge has ruled Florida's current system for restoring voting …

Florida's House Bill 9 would require that police honor all requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold undocumented immigrants, even though federal judges have ruled that such holds are unconstitutional. (Mark Goebel/Flickr)

FL House Speaker "Using Trump's Playbook" to Ban Sanctuary Cities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- In this first week of the 2018 legislative session, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran says his chamber will pass a bill to …

House Bill 903 authorizes persons suffering from legal disability due to criminal conviction to apply for relief to get their rights restored. (Pixabay)

Should Ex-Felons Have Rights to Vote, Own Guns?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida is one of four states in the nation that does not restore felons' rights after they've paid their dues. But a bill in …

It�s been more than 18 months since Florida conducted an execution. (Calif. Dept. of Corrections/Wikimedia Commons)

Florida to Execute First White Man for Killing Black Man

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For the first time in state history, Florida is scheduled to execute a white man for killing a black person. Mark James …

Florida's governor declared an opioid emergency in the state this year. (V. Carter)

Mental Health Experts: Punishment Not Way to Stop Overdoses

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- President Donald Trump is vowing to take a law-and-order approach to combating the nation's worsening opioid epidemic. But …

Keeping troubled kids in their community is credited for the success of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, which began in Florida. (Joanna Malinowska/Freestock)

Florida Inspires National Model for Juvenile-Detention Reform

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — What began as an effort to revamp the approach to juvenile detention in one Florida county has spread to hundreds of sites …

State lawmakers will begin addressing challenges to Florida's death-penalty law this week. (DodgertonSkillhause/morguefile)

A Renewed Call to End Death Penalty in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The future of capital punishment in Florida is in question after a series of puzzling rulings from the state's highest court - …

A bill before Congress would crack down on horse slaughter for meat, in the United States and abroad. (lauramusikanski/morguefile)

Florida Horse-Slaughter Arrest Increases Push to Protect Them

MIAMI — The arrest of a Miami-Dade man for selling horse meat to undercover agents this month is being called an important step toward infiltrat…

A new report recommends closing all youth prisons. (larryfarr/morguefile.com)

Report: Youth Prisons Aren't Working

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Thousands of children in Florida are serving time behind bars, but a new report suggests they shouldn't be if the goal is …

When young offenders can't afford their court fees and fines, they can end up getting deeper into trouble. (click/morguefile)

Court Fines, Fees Create "Debtors' Prisons" for Some Florida Youth

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Close to 1 million young people nationwide enter the juvenile-justice system each year, and a new report finds those who can't …

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FL: Criminal Justice