‘dumbfounded’

DeSantis Vetoes Bill to Scrub Minors’ Criminal Records Despite Unanimous Approval

The veto surprised lawmakers from both parties, who unanimously supported the bill to expunge criminal records of minors who complete a behavioral course.

Despite unanimous approval from both chambers of the Florida legislature, Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that would have scrubbed the criminal records of minors who complete a behavioral program. The veto surprised lawmakers from both parties who expected the bill to be easily approved. “I am, frankly, dumbfounded,” State Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Democrat, told the Miami Herald. In a letter explaining his decision, DeSantis said he had “concerns that the unfettered ability to expunge serious felonies, including sexual battery, from a juvenile’s record may have negative impacts on public safety.” Lawmakers said DeSantis never raised those concerns during the 60-day legislative session, in which both parties passed the bill.

State Sen. Keith Perry, a Republican co-sponsor, said he found the governor’s stance “legitimate” and would work with him to pass the bill next year.