Florida lawmakers just passed our #SurvivorsSpeak Justice Reform Agenda that stops the cycle of crime and removes barriers for crime survivors to access victim compensation. It’s now to the Governor’s desk for his signature to make them law.

We’re delivering a support letter to the Governor about our reforms and want you to add your signature. You’ll join hundreds of other crime survivors from across Florida to support smart safety priorities that stop the cycle of crime and improve support for crime victims. Add your name so we include it in the letter we send to the Governor.

Here’s the letter:

We write to applaud the passage of HB 7125 and urge that it be signed into law.

For too long, victims of crime have felt unheard in the legislative process. With the passage of HB 7125, we feel our voices and vision for public safety are beginning to be heard.

HB 7125 takes the right approach to public safety. It provides support for crime victims and our families to recover by removing barriers to accessing the victim compensation program.

There is no more important role of our justice system than protecting victims of crime and facilitating their recovery. Yet most victims in our state indicate that the justice system provides little support in their time of need. Only 16 percent of Florida crime victims felt very supported by the criminal justice system.

Many survivors in communities most harmed by crime often don’t know about the victim compensation program or are not in any condition to apply at the time the crime occurs. Deadlines may have passed by the time people become aware of the program or are ready to apply. This extension of the time limit to apply for victim compensation to 3 years will make an important difference for survivors of crime in Florida.

At the same time, HB 7125 advances smart safety policies by removing barriers that prevent people from turning their lives around, providing effective rehabilitation that stops the cycle of crime, and enacting balanced solutions to public safety. It ensures people can successfully re-enter communities by getting back to work, providing important pathways forward for those with a past conviction to access occupational licenses and earn stability in their lives. HB 7125 also increases the use of non-prison sanctions to respond to technical violations of probation, something that is more effective at changing the underlying behavior and rehabilitation. These changes are critical to reducing the likelihood that people reoffend, thus improving safety for all Floridians.

HB 7125 focuses serious public safety resources where they are needed most, away from those who cause the least harm and towards what makes us safe. We thank the Florida legislature for listening to crime victims and making crucial changes to our public safety system to ensure that survivors have more resources to heal and we stop the cycle of harm and trauma.

These important reforms passed by the state legislature should be made law in our state. We look forward to continuing to work with state leaders to ensure that the needs of crime victims are met and true safety solutions for our communities are advanced.