An article from The Sarasota Phoenix -- the local media outlet that exposes corruption and injustice in Sarasota government and politics
Individuals among others who assisted or played a role in
Landmark Child Protection legislation success
Elizabeth Neunder/Jana Warneck-Gays against Groomers/Michelle Pozzi candidate for State Rep in District 74/Ali Hopper/Rep. Taylor Yarkowsky /Rep.Doug Bankson/Kathryn Robbins (FRA) Conni Brunni (SCRAC) John LaBriola (Christian Coalition)
Landmark Child Protection Legislation Passes in Florida, Signaling a Major Victory Against Groomers and Predators
In a monumental move to safeguard minors from sexual predators, Florida has enacted House Bill 1545, also known as the "Harmful Communication to Minors" legislation. This historic law marks a significant stride forward in child protection, criminalizing explicit sexual communication or conduct with minors and carrying felony 3 penalties for offenders.
The bill's passage is a testament to the dedication of advocates like bill author Ali Hopper, Sarasota County resident and paralegal, alongside bill sponsors Sen. Jonathan Martin, Rep. Taylor Yarkosky, and Rep. Doug Bankson, who worked tirelessly alongside key stakeholders to close gaps in existing laws and better protect Florida's children.
Prior to the passing of HB1545, Florida's legal framework often limited law enforcement's ability to intervene before minors suffered from predatory behavior. This legislation fills that void by criminalizing explicit sexual communication or conduct with minors, providing crucial legal tools to combat child sexual grooming.
Ali Hopper's personal connection to the cause, inspired by Michelle Peterson's story, whose son fell victim to sexual grooming by a teacher, embarked on a journey to fortify Florida's laws and thus drove her to initiate this legislative journey.
Despite challenges along the way, including delays, the bill's unwavering sponsors, supporters and advocates navigated the complex political landscape to ensure its passage. Finally, on March 7, HB1545 received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House (100-11), following unanimous approval in the Senate(40-0).
HB1545 sets a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues, with several already considering similar legislation, including Iowa (HF2602). Once signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, this law will serve as a model for defining and penalizing predatory behavior towards minors.
“This landmark legislation sends a clear message: Florida citizens stand united in our commitment to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring a safer environment for future generations.” - Ali Hopper.
The Anti Grooming final bill passed both Florida legislative chambers and will be signed by Governor DeSantis into law to stiffen the law against pedophiles grooming children.
Passidomo
REPUBLICAN ESTABLISHMENT UNDER PASSIDOMO LOSE OUT TO AMERICA FIRST
Let it be known that the Florida senators working on this bill had to hide the text of it inside another bill to get around Republican Senate president, Kathleen Passidomo, who is termed out.
The Republican Establishment decides YEARS in advance who will be the senate designate and house designate so they can retain complete control over any America First legislators. That is why Passidomo was so furious with this bill - she had not pre-ordained it and she lost control over the junior senator who introduced the bill.
This is what we are up against. We have to hide good bills protecting children in other bills the Republican Establishment approved of.
I am grateful for each of you taking the time and emailing to support this bill. You took a step to protect kids and that may be the most important work of our generation….protecting our kids.
Organizations/people that assisted or played a role in the House Bill 1545, also known as the "Harmful Communication to Minors" legislation success includes
but not limited to:
Florida Republican Assembly - Kathryn Robbins & Lou Marin
Sarasota County Republican Assembly - Conni Brunni, Meredyth Morrow, Jose & Sandra Jimenez
America's Future - Mary Flynn O'Neill
Christian Family Coalition - Anthony Verdugo & John LaBriola
Gays Against Groomers, FL Chapter - Mercedes Carota & Jana Warneck
Coalition of Mothers - Rebekah Ricks
ALI HOPPER
Hopper and husband building Florida's future
ALL ABOUT ALI HOOPER WHO AUTHORED HB 1545
Hopper, 34, wife of a US Marine Corps veteran and young mother of 2 children, is well-prepared standing up for her beliefs even when under direct attack. Ali and her family relocated to Venice in 2021 to escape the violence that dominated the headlines and neighborhoods of Minneapolis, MN. Her family is thriving in the free state of Florida
Hopper ran and lost in a close race (52% to 48%) for a Minnesota state Representative seat in 2016. Jimenez-Hooper ran against Erin Maye Quade, who was an organizer for the Obama presidential campaign, Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s campaign, Gov. Mark Dayton’s campaign, and worked in U.S Representative Keith Ellison’s office. Ellison is now Chairman of the Democrat National Committee (DNC). U.S Congresswoman Llhan Omar campigned with Maye-Quade.
Brunni
Hooper is a member of the Sarasota Republican Executive Committee, and Sarasota County Republican Assembly Club. “We are very proud of Ali, and we are especially thrilled that her conservative activism has been recognized by the Faith and Freedom Coalition,” said Conni Brunni, President of the local Sarasota County Republican Assembly Club.
We are a Judeo-Christian organization,” she said. “Ali Hopper’s selection as a panelist at such a prestigious Faith and Freedom Colition conference is nice validation that our efforts throughout the community are viewed as valuable and impactful. We operate our club differently that the classic model: members and guests leave our meeting with action plans to execute.
The local Republican Assembly Club is a chartered affiliate of the Florida Republican Assemblies that was founded in California in 1934.
CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION (CFC) FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES.
State Senator Jonathan Martin (in black suit) joined CFC Florida Founder and Executive Director Anthony Verdugo outside the Senate chamber last week, along with (from left) Sandra Jimenez, Conni Brunni and Roberta Cowles from the Sarasota County Republican Assembly Club, who were in the Florida Capitol to witness final passage of a bill they had championed along with CFC Florida to crack down on online grooming.
The 2024 state legislative session wrapped up this past week on several high notes as seven bills endorsed by Christian Family Coalition (CFC) Florida made it across the finish line, including a top-priority bill to protect children from online pornography by requiring porn site operators to verify users' age to prevent access by anyone under 18.
Jon Susce
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