Legislative Update

FROM THE STATEHOUSE

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Miya’s Law Miya Marcano was a 19-yearold college student from Pembroke Pines who was tragically killed at her apartment in September of this year. Police believe the killer was a maintenance worker employed by the apartment, who, despite having a criminal record, was able to attain a master key to gain access to the apartment. Following her tragic death, I filed HB 577 to ensure renters are provided with the protection all Floridians deserve. This legislation, named “Miya’s Law”, requires national background screenings including a criminal history record such as sexual predator and sexual offender registries.

The bill also strengthens requirements regarding access to individual units, increasing the required notice to 24 hours and requiring apartments to establish policies for the issuance and return of all keys and maintain a key log to ensure that access is only given to authorized individuals at authorized times. Miya’s parents, like all parents who have their children in rental apartments, had the expectation Miya would be safe and come home. Miya’s Law will extend a greater sense of personal security and saftey in the homes of over 2 million renters in our state.

Awarded Legislator of the Year

I am honored to have received the Florida School Board Association’s Legislator of the

By State Representative Robin Bartleman

Year Award for protecting our public schools. Last year, too many of our teachers and students lost family members, faced housing and food insecurity, were quarantined, and dealt with mental health issues due to COVID-19. It was simply not the time to implement high-stakes tests. In response, I proposed legislation to suspend the sanctions and penalties associated with standardized testing during the 20202021 school year. My bill started a statewide conversation that helped lead to the Florida Department of Education issuing Emergency Order 2021-EO-02. Thank you to all of the school administrators, staff, teachers, and parents who supported this critical legislation and for all they do for our students.

Vote- By- Mail Info

Floridians who have been voting for decades have called my office about a letter they received from the Broward Supervisor of Elections. If you have concerns about receiving this letter, please call the Supervisor of Elections immediately at (954) 357-VOTE (8683) to see if you need to update your information in order to request a vote- by- mail ballot.

If you vote by mail, make sure that you request your ballot each general election cycle as per the new law. Visit www.browardvotes.gov to check your voter status, request a Vote-By-Mail ballot, track your ballot, and learn everything you need to make your vote count.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays! While the coronavirus makes it difficult to celebrate in person with family and friends this holiday season, it also makes it all the more important to express your gratitude to the ones you love. So whether it is around the dinner table or over zoom, share with your loved ones how grateful you are for their presence in your life. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Love,

Robin, Bartleman