A couple of bills recently proposed in the state of Florida aim to intensify the consequences for illicit gambling infractions. The first measure, HB 189, was submitted to the House, while the second, dubbed Senate Bill 1046 (SB 1046), was put forth in the Senate. The central objective of these proposals is to curtail the proliferation of illegal gambling machines across the state. Additionally, heightened penalties for unlawful gambling activities are anticipated to act as a deterrent against such practices.
Currently, momentum is building behind SB 1046. As of Wednesday, the bill has been read twice and was voted through the Senate with 31 votes for and seven votes against, out of a sum of 40 votes. It’s upcoming stop is the House of Representatives, where further examination and evaluation will take place.
The wording of SB 1046 suggests a strengthening of penalties for illegal gambling from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for first-time offenses. Likewise, the measure proposes amplifying penalties for repetitive offenses, leading to a second-degree felony for a second offense, and escalating to a first-degree felony for a third offense or beyond.
The proposition’s severity is notable, as individuals with a third-degree felony conviction face the likelihood of imprisonment of up to five years and a potential penalty of up to $5,000.
Initially, SB 1046 did not enclose a provision requiring the issuance of cease-and-desist orders to unlawful gambling ventures. This term was integrated into HB 189, the correlating House bill. However, to mitigate unforeseen repercussions, SB 1046 has been revised to incorporate a cease-and-desist clause to guard individuals who might unwittingly be working under unlawful gambling entities.
The Initiative Aims to Combat Unlawful Gambling
Recently speaking to Florida Politics, Senator Jonathan Martin, the man behind the introduction of SB 1046, revealed his endorsement for the changes regarding the cease-and-desist measure. “I back these changes. The Gaming Commission also lends its support. I am eager to amend this bill or headline the House version if it emerges before this one does,” he stated.
Furthermore, Martin pointed out that the revisions are intended to offer more clarity. He highlighted the intended aim of the bill as being to retract illegal gambling rather than jailing individuals unknowingly employed by illegitimate establishments.
However, these proposals continue to provoke concern, particularly amongst those working in such establishments. This arises from the potential for such employees to be incarcerated on a felony charge, even in situations where they are innocent. The requirement to disclose such accusations in numerous documents remains, which may significantly impact those seeking mortgages or similar financial services.
