As a direct response to concerns raised by the Casey Anthony trial about child protection, Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced Friday the creation of a Select Committee on Protecting Florida’s Children to be chaired by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart.
A Senate spokeswoman said the committee was being created because the president’s office heard from members of the Senate and “concerned Floridians” that the Senate should further examine whether changes in child protection laws are needed.
In addition to Negron, Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, appointed Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, vice chairwoman. The other members of the committee will be Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, and Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale.
“This select committee will be charged with examining the various policy options that are available to further advance the protection of Florida’s children,” a statement from the president’s office said. “The Florida Senate will discuss these options as a legislative body, and then determine whether changes need to be made to current Florida law.”
On Thursday, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) issued their final report on the death investigation of Caylee Marie Anthony, the two-year-old who died.
Although she was acquitted last month in the murder of her toddler, Caylee, the DCF concluded that Casey Anthony failed to protect her daughter, ultimately contributing to her death.
