St. Petersburg Democratic Senator Darryl Rouson announced a monumental victory for survivors of abuse at the Dozier and Okeechobee schools that provides a vital pathway to seek restitution for the horrific abuses that went on for decades at the state schools.
This critical legislation signifies a long-awaited step toward justice and healing for those who have suffered unimaginable trauma, setting aside $20 million dollars for a compensation program in the Department of Legal Affairs that the abused can apply for.
“The victims of abuse at the Dozier and Okeechobee schools have endured years of pain and suffering, waiting for the justice they deserve for atrocities by the state of Florida,” Senator Darryl Rouson, a Democrat, reflecting on the journey of the survivors stated. “Their perseverance has paid off. The Legislature stands with them not only with our apologies – but with action. Through this compensation program, we affirm our commitment to recognizing the pain, courage, and resilience of survivors; offering them the closure and dignity they have been denied for far too long.
I am deeply grateful for the leadership of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and the unwavering commitment of the bill’s House sponsor, Representative Michele Salzman. Her tenacity and passion for providing justice for these men was critical in ensuring the bill’s passage in the House.
My hope is that this program will help soften the painful scars and memories the Dozier and Okeechobee School victims still hold onto. I thank them for continuing to share their stories and voices, even when no one listened. But we’re listening now – and we will fight to stop these kinds of abuses from happening ever again at the state level.”
SB 24/HB 21 was passed by the House by a vote of 116-0. It received final passage in the Senate by a vote of 36-0 and heads to the Governor.
