TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would create safe spaces for child custody exchanges.
The bill requires each sheriff to “designate at least one parking space at the sheriff’s office or substation as a safe exchange location,” the bill’s analysis says.
The bill is called the “Cassie Carli Act.” It is believed that Carli was “abducted and murdered by her daughter's father after meeting him for time-sharing purposes.”
The site must have a surveillance camera and records must be retained for at least 45 days. The bill does not require the sheriff to actively monitor the site.
SB 580 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville. It now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk for his signature.
Reps. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, and Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, sponsored the bill in the House.
“By passing this secure exchange law, the state of Florida is setting an example to the rest of the nation on how to ensure the courts have the flexibility needed to protect children and families,” said Sarah Kay, chair of The Family Law Section of the Florida Bar.
“With policies like the Greyson and Cassie Laws, Florida is at the forefront of reducing the risk of violence to future potential victims,” she said.
The bill will take effect July 1 if signed by DeSantis.
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