Bill that would criminalize defacing statues of 'Heros' moves in Florida House

A proposal that would make it a third-degree felony to deface a statue or memorial that represents a continental or U.S. Army soldier, a NASA astronaut or a first responder got its first vote of support Wednesday in the state House.

The Criminal Justice Subcommittee unanimously approved a proposal (HB 529) called the "Soldiers' and Heroes' Monuments and Memorials Protection Act." The bill is filed for the legislative session, which starts March 7.

FBI raids office of Jacksonville doctor

"My ask is that we memorialize in statute, in giving a little more deference to those that made that sacrifice than we do a public telephone,” sponsor Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, said, noting that state law already makes it third-degree felony to damage a church, public telephone or sexually violent predator facility.

The bill defines a hero as a military figure, unit or organization that served one of the 13 original colonies, the U.S. military or a territory that became part of the U.S., as well as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or NASA astronaut.

A measure (SB 418) similar to Drake's bill has been filed in the Senate by Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. The Senate measure has yet to be heard by a committee.

Cox Media Group