Domestic violence reform sails through Florida House with bipartisan vote

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Every now and then, the Florida House of Representatives produces a moment of bipartisan harmony so overwhelming that it leaves only one logical conclusion: Apparently no one wanted to go on the record helping abusers.

Last week, lawmakers voted 112-0 to approve sweeping domestic-violence reforms sponsored by freshman Democrat — and domestic abuse survivor — Debra Tendrich of Palm Beach County.

Not only did the bill pass unanimously — every member present piled on afterward and added their name as a co-sponsor.

That’s right. In a Legislature known for partisan trench warfare, lawmakers suddenly discovered something they could all agree on: Protecting victims of domestic violence is good. Empowering abusers is bad.

Who knew?

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The measure — House Bill 277 — strengthens penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders and expands protections for victims across Florida.

Among the highlights:

• Repeat violations of domestic-violence injunctions become third-degree felonies
• Relocation assistance for victims increases from $1,500 to $2,500 per claim
• Courts can consider threats or harm to pets and service animals when issuing protective injunctions
• Military protective orders will now be recognized in civilian court proceedings
• A pilot electronic monitoring program will track certain offenders on probation who violate no-contact orders

The bill now heads across the rotunda to the Florida Senate, where the companion measure is sponsored by Miami Republican Alexis Calatayud.

So yes, for those keeping score at home: a Democratic House sponsor and a Republican Senate sponsor. Try not to faint.

In another rare state capitol moment, House Speaker Danny Perez even allowed extended floor debate so lawmakers could share personal stories about the impact of domestic violence in their communities. Several did.

Afterward, Perez opened the board so every member present could add their name to the bill. Which they did more happily

Because, again, nobody wants to be the legislator remembered for standing up and saying: Actually, I think we’re being a little too tough on the wifebeaters.

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For Tendrich, the issue is personal.

The Lake Worth Beach lawmaker has spoken openly about escaping an abusive relationship in 2012 with her daughter, two changes of clothes and $15.

That experience, she says, is what drove the legislation, which she believes sends an unmistakable message through its bipartisan support: “Victims across Florida deserve to know they are heard and protected,” Tendrich said in a statement after the vote. “This legislation reflects their voices and their courage.

“For too long, domestic violence laws have centered around the abuser,” she said. “If we want victims to become survivors, then survivor voices must lead the way.”

“Living in fear does more than cause pain,” Tendrich told colleagues during debate. “It slowly erodes freedoms that every American is supposed to have.”

In Florida, the stakes are high. According to state data, about 107,000 domestic violence cases are reported each year, and research shows victims are most at risk after leaving an abuser. Which is why the bill also increases relocation assistance — because getting away safely often means starting over somewhere else.

The House version creates a pilot program for electronic monitoring in domestic-violence cases in Pinellas County. The Senate version would expand monitoring statewide. That difference will have to be resolved before the bill reaches the governor’s desk. But given the 112-0 vote in the House, odds are good lawmakers will find a way to agree.

After all, opposing the bill would require someone to stand up and argue that Florida really needs fewer tools to stop repeat domestic abusers. And so far, not a single legislator seems eager to audition for that role.

Probably a wise career move.

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