FAC Weekly Update 2025-04-01-Positive Progress as Lawmakers Face Pressure
Recording #302. Dear Members and Advocates,
For decades, we’ve watched the pendulum of public policy swing further toward ever-harsher laws, restrictions, and social ostracization for people on the registry. But lately, we’re seeing signs that the tide may be turning.
Across the country, courts, lawmakers, and even the public are increasingly recognizing the unintended consequences of blanket restrictions. Just this past week, a federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan entered a Final Order which included a finding that the registry is punishment and ruling that it cannot be applied against people whose offenses predate a 2011 amendment to the law.
In North Dakota, there’s a bill to study whether the length of time someone needs to be on the registry is necessary. In Utah, a bill proposes to add avenues to petition for removal from the obligation to register. In Washington, a bill was proposed to reduce registration terms for people caught up in online stings. It didn’t pass, but the positive take-away is that for the first time in a long time we are seeing legislators beginning to ratchet back overly punitive laws.
Registration duration is not the only area lawmakers are rethinking. In Illinois, a lawmaker proposed a bill to cut the residency restrictions exclusion zone in half.
Here in Florida, while change is excruciatingly slow and we face up against pressure from a very biased lobbyist, cracks are beginning to show. For the first time in… well ever, we have opened up dialogue with the FDLE at the request of legislators to assist in crafting language for proposed bills.
Even if nothing comes from it this year. It’s a huge step in the right direction. It is unquestionable that lawmakers here are facing pressure to reconsider ineffective policies that have only led to overcrowded registries, homelessness, and feel-good-do-nothing laws that make it harder for law enforcement to focus on actual threats.
For as long as we can remember, the pendulum has only swung in one direction. For the past few years we’ve made strides towards slowing that momentum by preventing horrible bills from being passed. Now we are beginning to see the first indications of a possible change in direction across the country. Thanks to organizations like FAC and other advocacy groups who have continued to challenge laws that punish rather than rehabilitate, we might just be getting somewhere.
Public perception is also shifting. More media outlets are willing to highlight the real stories of those impacted by these laws, showing the human cost of policies that prioritize fear over facts. Families, researchers, and even some law enforcement officials are speaking out about the need for reforms that actually enhance public safety rather than just creating a false sense of security.
Of course, we still have a long road ahead. Politicians will continue to use fear-based rhetoric to get votes. But the cracks in the system are real, and momentum is building.
Advocacy efforts matter now more than ever! This past week, we also announced a series of public service announcement videos which will be promoted through paid placement on YouTube and through social media. For those who have donated to our general fund to help cover the cost of media placement, we thank you. We need to keep fundraising. The more we raise, the broader our reach and the more people who will see these videos. We plan to add additional videos each month challenging misinformation.
The pendulum has been stuck in one direction for too long. By continuing to push, we are slowly seeing it swing back toward reason, fairness, and true public safety.
Sincerely,
The Florida Action Committee
Discover more from Florida Action Committee
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Perhaps 1 thing that could get changed is the if you ever been arrested to if you ever been convicted of a criminal offense and not just being arrested or charged. or just auto removal after 25 years if you are 50 or 55 or 60 and not been convicted of a criminal offense for 20 or 25 years you come off the hit list