Committee reports CS/HP 975 favorably to expand Capitol Complex security after 13‑1 vote

Representative Potana introduced CS/HP 975 and the committee voted 13‑1 to report the bill favorably, advancing a measure she said would clarify the Department of Management Services’ role in managing the Capitol Complex and strengthen coordination with Capitol Police.

The bill, as presented by Representative Potana, “improves safety planning, expands patrol authority, [and] inquires reporting to the Legislature to ensure [a] secure environment for visitors and staff,” she said during the committee hearing. Potana said the measure would expand the geographic scope of the Capitol Complex in specified areas, include City Hall, and exclude the Supreme Court from the expansion.

Why it matters: Proponents said the changes would provide clearer responsibility for day‑to‑day operations around the Capitol area and give law enforcement a more coherent jurisdictional framework. Potana and other supporters argued the change responds to staff safety concerns and instances of slow response times; she cited an anecdote that a staff member experienced two car wrecks and waited “20 to 30 minutes” for police to arrive. Representatives also said the proposal takes cues from similar arrangements in other state capitals.

During questioning, Representative Gottlieb pressed whether the Capitol Police can handle crime, vagrancy and traffic response in newly included areas and whether Capitol officers have crisis intervention training. Potana said the original bill language included broader response authority but that a committee substitute (PCS) narrowed certain elements; she also said the original draft included a fiscal note and that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has been engaged and is supportive because additional training could help retain officers. Potana said she had consulted local leaders, including Representative Tant and the local police chief, and that the bill was not intended to circumvent local law enforcement.

Representative Skidmore questioned the bill’s 7 a.m.–7 p.m. patrol window; Potana said she personally would prefer 24‑hour coverage but the current language sets those hours. On boundaries, Potana described the existing statutory limits (ending at Adam Street, extending past Martin Luther King Boulevard to Gadsden) and said the PCS adjusts the original proposal to avoid including the Supreme Court.

Public testimony was limited. Barney Bishop of Florida Smart Justice signed in and signaled support during public testimony.

Vote and next step: After Representative Potana waived further debate, Miss Rosa called the roll. The recorded vote was 13 yeas and 1 nay; Representative Gottlieb was recorded as the sole NO vote. The clerk announced that “CSForHP975 will be reported favorably.”

The committee adjourned without objection.