UPDATE : March 4, 2015

Civil Justice Subcommittee Passes House Bill 583 – Single Sex Public Facilities

Miami, FL— On the second day of the 2015 Florida Legislative Session, the Civil Justice Subcommittee passed House Bill 583 – Single Sex Public Facilities (HB 583). Rep. Frank Artiles submitted this bill in early February with the purpose of providing for public safety and privacy for all individuals using single-sex public facilities across the State of Florida. Following various conversations with key stakeholders, he amended it to include more inclusive language, options for establishments, and reasonable exemptions while still maintaining proactive protective measures against potential violence and crimes.

“This is common sense legislation that protects Florida’s families, and the committee saw it that way,” said Rep. Artiles.

From here, the bill goes on to the Government Operations Subcommittee and, if passed, will continue on to the Judiciary Committee. For more information contact the office of Representative Artiles at 305-252-4300 or at frank.artiles@myfloridahouse.gov.

UPDATE : February 23, 2015

HB 583 Upholds Standard of Protection in Florida’s Public Facilities while Maintaining Reasonable Exceptions

Miami, FL— Since Rep. Artiles introduced HB 583 in early February, the bill’s goal has always been to provide for public safety and privacy for all individuals using single-sex public facilities across the State of Florida. HB 583 is a proactive measure requiring that the use of single-sex facilities be limited to persons of the designated sex, and is purposefully designed to counteract the fact that single-sex public facilities are places of increased vulnerability and present the potential for various crimes. There are a number of legitimate concerns unrelated to Human Rights Issues that HB 583 would address and rectify, discussed by a Miami-Dade County Commissioner in the following link: goo.gl/YnVmYc.

• This bill does not apply to gender-neutral, unisex, or family use public facilities.
• It does not apply to a family member or legal guardian of a person who reasonably needs assistance in using a single-sex facility.
• It does not apply to a person who needs assistance in using a single-sex facility when the person in need of assistance enters a single-sex facility that is designated for the opposite sex.

After significant meetings and conversations with key stakeholders, Rep. Artiles has amended HB 583, and the bill has been improved substantially. For more information contact the office of Representative Artiles at 305-252-4300 or at frank.artiles@myfloridahouse.gov.

UPDATE : February 12, 2015
Miami, Fl – Rep. Frank Artiles (R. District 118) has submitted an amendment to House Bill 583 (HB 583), an act relating to the regulation of single-sex public facilities, to the Florida House of Representatives. After various discussions with key stakeholders and careful consideration, the amendment uses more inclusive language and includes a reduction of penalties, while remaining proactive in the prevention of criminal activity and protecting privacy. Due to the sensitive nature of issues surrounding single-sex public facilities, the amended HB 583 encourages the implementation of gender-neutral/family-style bathrooms as an option.

“The goal of HB 583 is not to discriminate against any group or individual, but rather to ensure the public’s safety in the State of Florida,” said the Representative.

“My intention is to prevent criminals, sexual predators, and sex offenders from being able to hide behind the law due to the overbroad, vague, and subjective language passed by some counties across the State. My priority is to create uniformity in our laws and protect the safety and privacy of every resident and visitor in the State.”

HB 583 is a work in progress. Representative Artiles will continue to consider outside opinions to be a vital part in ensuring that this bill meets its objective of protecting the general public, and he encourages individuals who would like to contribute to do so during any committee where the bill is being discussed during the current Legislative Session.

For more information contact the office of Representative Artiles at 305-252-4300 or at frank.artiles@myfloridahouse.gov.