Committee approves pilot for GPS monitoring, expands penalties for injunction violations

Representative Tender presented PCS for CSHB 277 as a bill focused on strengthening protections for domestic‑violence victims. The sponsor said the bill "creates a first step" by authorizing an electronic monitoring pilot in Pinellas County and pledged to work with stakeholders to develop a statewide master plan. She noted enhancements including upgraded victim relocation allowances and recognition of military protective orders in civilian courts.

Multiple survivors and law enforcement witnesses urged support, telling personal stories about dangerous moments when victims attempt to seek help. Survivor Christine Marin told the committee her injunction had been violated dozens of times and pushed for stronger tools, while other witnesses backed a pilot approach to assess effectiveness. Representative Tender said victims needing to leave their abusers often face life‑threatening moments, and that "seconds matter and silence can be deadly."

Members asked about implementation, the pilot’s metrics and whether the pilot would inform eventual statewide rollout. An amendment was withdrawn and the PCS was reported favorably as amended (18‑0).

What’s next: The sponsor plans stakeholder work over the summer and said she would return to expand the program statewide if the pilot succeeds.