After her tragic death, the family of Miya Marcano wanted to ensure that what happened to their beautiful daughter never happens to anyone else. ‘Miya’s Law’ is inspired by and named for Miya Marcano, a 19-year-old college student who was tragically killed at her apartment in Orlando.
After conducting its own due diligence, the Miya Marcano Foundation and its community advocates submitted language and policy for inclusion in the draft language for the bill, entitled Miya’s Law. The Florida legislation is supported by Orlando State Senator Linda Stewart and State Representative Robin Bartleman.
“Miya’s death is an awful tragedy – one that has put a spotlight on problems with apartment safety and security,” Senator Stewart said. “We’ve heard too many horror stories of some landlords disregarding the security of their tenants by issuing master keys to maintenance workers without running any background checks. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and we are hopeful that ‘Miya’s Law’ will help make that a reality.”
Now, the legislation has also been introduced in Virginia. Delegate Candi Mundon King filed HB 160 to create ‘Miya’s Law’ – a bill that would improve tenant safety in apartment buildings.
“When I learned of Miya Marcano’s story, like many across our country and across the world, my family and I prayed for Miya’s safe return,” Delegate Mundon King shared. “As a mom, aunt, sister, friend, the story of Miya’s tragic end touched me deeply, and that’s why I have introduced this bill here in Virginia because no person should feel unsafe in their home. More could have been done to protect Miya and I stand in support of her family to ensure other young women and apartment tenants receive the protection they deserve from potentially violent individuals.”
Delegate Mundon King said she’s had several meetings with apartment organizations, Democrat and Republican colleagues, and other stakeholders in an effort to gain broad support for the bill. “It’s important to me that the work is done to help relevant decision-makers understand the importance of Miya’s Law and the role they can play in keeping our communities safe. As lawmakers, we can pass legislation, but buy-in from businesses and management associations is crucial to ensuring what happened to Miya, doesn’t happen to others. It hasn’t been easy, but I know that Miya’s Law is needed and I will continue to have conversations to ensure this bill passes successfully with broad support.”
“My daughter’s legacy continues as she is fighting with us to protect others. This is something she did in life and although our hearts will forever be shattered, we know that protecting and fighting for others is something that Miya would want us to do,” said Yma Scarbriel, mother of Miya Marcano and Board Member of the Miya Marcano Foundation.
“We are extremely thankful for the support surrounding Miya’s Law. My daughter’s untimely death is one that I still can’t accept fully, however, knowing that her death will be the catalyst to protect so many, brings me some comfort. Thank you to everyone, especially Delegate Candi Mundon King for bringing Miya’s Law forward in the House of Representatives within the State of VA,” said Marlon Marcano, father of Miya Marcano and Board Member of the Miya Marcano Foundation.
“It has always been our position that Miya’s Law, although starting in the state of Florida, is something that we hope to see passed nationally,” said Family Attorney Daryl K. Washington. “It is encouraging that the state of VA is looking into implementing Miya’s Law. The aim is to make sure all tenants are adequately protected.”
