A recent false narrative has been perpetrated which pits blame on U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina for the failure of police reform legislation. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the second time in as many years, Democrats walked away from meaningful police reform legislation that would have further enhanced our profession. Once again, the senator was willing to establish a bipartisan bill. FSA commends Senator Tim Scott on his efforts to bring both sides together to find numerous areas of agreement. Unfortunately, some were too heavily tied to proposals that would have opened cities and counties up to an avalanche of litigation that would have eventually bankrupted local communities. This area of the legislation as written would have clearly defunded the police.

In the Florida Legislature, unlike in Congress, both Democrats and Republicans worked together to unanimously pass bipartisan police reform legislation. It is not impossible to work together and find areas of common ground. We greatly appreciate Senator Tim Scott’s leadership on this issue and we hold out hope that Congress can one day come together to pass significant police reform legislation, which is in the best interest of law enforcement and the safety and security of this nation.

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Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.