Rep. Sam Garrison Shares Priority Issues for Florida’s Legislative Session

Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session began Tuesday. It is a true honor to be a voice in Tallahassee for our families, friends, and neighbors in Clay County. Much was accomplished in 2021, including laws protecting local businesses and the jobs they provide, keeping schools open, and supporting our teachers, first responders and health care professionals on the frontlines of COVID-19.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, House Speaker Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor), and Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) have boldly led our state through these unprecedented times by insisting on conservative policies that protect the vulnerable, preserve personal freedoms and support strong families.

This upcoming Session promises a continuation of common sense, conservative vision that Republicans have delivered Floridians since taking the House majority in 1996 for the first time since Reconstruction. My personal commitment to the citizens of District 18 is to focus on the fundamentals: a strong economy, safe streets, quality schools, low taxes and a balanced budget. It’s your money, and we should never forget that.

One bill I am especially proud to file this year is House Bill 287. This legislation increases criminal penalties for tampering with or fabricating evidence in the investigation of capital crimes. Before joining the legislature, I was a homicide and sex crimes prosecutor and know firsthand the frustration of watching a murder investigation fall apart because critical evidence is destroyed. In these matters of life and death, judges, juries, prosecutors, defense attorneys, police, defendants, victims and their families all share a common interest in just outcomes based on truth. Individuals who try to prevent that from happening by destroying evidence deserve appropriate punishment.

Additionally, I am proud to support Gov. DeSantis’ goal of attracting our country’s best and brightest police officers to Florida. We all want to work where we are appreciated and the men and women in uniform are no exception. Backing the blue isn’t just a slogan in Florida. It’s who we are.

For all the pain and loss we have endured together as a result of COVID-19, Florida has planted our flag in support of protecting the vulnerable while ensuring public safety and personal freedom. The result is a growing economy and a way of life that has become the envy of the nation.

As always, thank you for the honor of serving the citizens of Clay County in the Florida House.

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Rep. Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island) represents Clay County in House District 18 and was first elected to office in 2020. He serves on the House Health & Human Services Committee, the Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee, the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, and others. Rep. Garrison is slated to become House Speaker in 2026.