House panel approves measure that would designate domestic terrorist organizations in Florida

A House bill calling for a domestic terrorism organizaiton list in Florida drew sharp questions and pushback Thursday.

The House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee debated the bill (HB 1471) sponsored by Hollywood Republican Rep. Hillary Cassel. While there was extensive criticism, the panel voted 14-3 to approve.

St. Petersburg Democrat Rep. Michelle Rayner wondered who ultimately decides what groups are domestic terrorist organizations.

Cassel emphasized the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement does that. And then the designation would go to the Florida Cabinet for review and that panel makes the final decision.

“Prior to a group being notified why does not your bill specify a due process to rebut that prior to a decision being (made),” Rayner said.

Cassel said, “It’s not an adjudication, it’s a designation,” noting there’s an appeals process and any group listed can seek judicial review within 30 days.

Several committee members pointed out since there is no domestic terrorist list on the federal level, why would Florida engage in such a grouping.

Cassel said Florida is surrounded by water, has a huge economy and “Florida finds it necessary to protect our state accordingly.”

Several activist organization representatives spoke during the nearly two-hour hearing and claimed the bill is “overreaching.” Many raised concerns over threats to free speech rights. There were some who voiced support for the bill.

Cassel said the measure is a reflection of existing law that describes terrorism as threatening human life, violent criminal conduct and involves coercion or intimidation.

“This bill does not designate speech. It designates conduct,” Cassel said.

A related bill sponsored by Cassel (HB 1473) provides exemption from public records requirements for “certain information” for those designated as domestic terrorist organizations. The subcommittee also approved that measure.

While criticism of the measure was plentiful, most of those activist organization representatives asked the legislation be clarified.

The bills still need to go to the House Education and Employment and the Judiciary committees.

Two similar bills (SB 1632 and SB 1634) are working their way through the Senate.