Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs three bills and vetoes one other. Here they are

TALHAASSEE, Fla. – On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a small series of three bills into law, covering topics such as Jewish schools and balloon releases.

In addition to these bills, DeSantis also vetoed another bill — House Bill 1241 — that would have cracked down on state statutes regarding probation violations.

All of the signed bills will come into effect on July 1, along with nearly 180 others. For a full list of those new laws, click here.

Meanwhile, the newly signed laws are as follows:

HB 187 – Anti-Semitism

House Bill 187 defines the term “anti-Semitism” under state law.

Although the term “anti-Semitism” already exists in Florida statutes, HB 187 defines “anti-Semitism” as follows:

“…A certain perception of Jewish individuals that can be expressed as hatred towards such individuals. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed against Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and their property at Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

HB 187

Examples of ‘anti-Semitism’ under this law include calling for the death of Jewish people or stereotyping them. It also includes examples such as Holocaust denial.

HB321 – Release balloons

House Bill 321 prevents Florida residents from releasing balloons into the atmosphere.

The law says people can’t intentionally release — or allow someone else to release — a balloon “inflated with a gas lighter than air.”

A few exceptions to the rule are as follows:

When a balloon is released on behalf of a government agency for scientific or meteorological purposes
Hot air balloons as they are recovered after launch
Balloons released indoors
The person releasing the balloon is 6 years or younger

According to the law, violations would be considered littering and could be punished as such.

HB 1109 — Security in Jewish schools

House Bill 1109 funds Jewish schools and preschools in the state to strengthen security.

Under this law, these funds could be used to purchase and install security cameras, ambient lighting, fencing, shatter-resistant glass windows and security personnel.

These purchases must be based on a risk assessment conducted by law enforcement or a private security company.

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