Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing ……………

Working together, this week, our state took quick action to secure Florida schools and protect students. I am extremely proud ofGovernor Rick Scott and every member of our legislature who voted in favor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, to make sure what happened in Parkland, less than a month ago, never happens again.

This legislation provides $400 million to hire more school resource officers and increase mental health services, gives law enforcement more authority to keep weapons out of the hands of mentally ill people courts have deemed a threat, bans bump stocks, raises the age to purchase a firearm and more crucial steps to keep students safe.

It also provides funding for my office to create a secure-reporting app to allow students to anonymously report concerning behavior. Students who survived the shooting are helping us develop, design and name the app.

I am in awe of these students and the parents who lost children in this horrific attack. While their grieving will last a lifetime, they fought through the pain and took immediate action. Days after the shooting they headed to Tallahassee to demand change.

It’s because of them, less than a month after the shooting—at least for a brief moment—grieving turned into celebrating, as the state legislature brought change in the name of their children and Governor Scott signed the bill into law.

This bill is not perfect, and sadly it will not bring back the 17 lives lost in the horrific school shooting, but the safety of our children is not a political issue—it’s simply the right thing to do. Republicans and Democrats put politics aside and passed historic school safety changes and I am so proud of what these survivors have accomplished.

Pam Bondi warns of scams in recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, WINK NewsFlorida Gov. Rick Scott signs gun bill, CNN

School safety bill now on Governor Scott’s Desk, WJHG

Florida Cabinet Approves Conservation Purchase In Madison, WFSU

Attorney General Bondi Warns of Common Scams in Recognition of National Consumer Protection Week

Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning Floridians about common scams in recognition of 2018 National Consumer Protection Week. Scammers often target Florida because of its large senior population, military bases and millions of tourists. Tax scams and vacation rental scams are also common during this time of the year.

“My office will continue to work tirelessly to fight fraud and protect Floridians from consumer-related scams, and we need you to join us in this effort.” said Attorney General Bondi. “This National Consumer Protection Week I urge Floridians to learn how to spot scams and what to do if you are targeted.” More.

FDLE arrests local businessman in tax scheme for racketeering, grand theft

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Major Callahan, Jr., on charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and grand theft. Callahan operated three Pointe 1 Tax Services offices within Highlands County. According to investigators, Callahan used these offices to defraud victims out of out of more than $50,000 in tax refunds. At least 24 victims were identified as having their refunds stolen, or attempted to be stolen, by Callahan through Pointe 1 between 2012 and 2015.

FDLE investigators, with help from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service, believe Callahan, or his co-conspirators, filed federal tax returns with the victims’ information, then forging their signatures on refund checks in order to convert the funds to their own use. The investigation into the conspiracy is ongoing. Callahan turned himself into the Highlands County Jail. This case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. More.

I want to personally thank Governor Rick Scott for his leadership in securing our schools and keeping Florida students safe. Today, surrounded by family members of the victims of the Parkland shooting, Governor Scott signed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.

Attorney General Pam Bondi introducing a resolution recognizing Deputy Nick Carmack and K9 Shep for their unparalleled partnership and heroism protecting the community.

Attorney General Bondi introducing a resolution recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Attorney General Bondi honoring our brave firefighters at the Ringing of the Bell ceremony alongside Governor Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Attorney General Bondi introducing Maddie at the Florida Cabinet meeting. For more information on Maddie and other rescue animals in the Tallahassee area, visit TalGov.com/Animals.

Attorney General Bondi meeting with John Rivera, President, Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc., and David Jaramillo, President, Hispanic Police Officer Association.

Attorney General Bondi on Varney & Co. discussing common ground in the debate for protecting our schools. Full video here.

Attorney General Bondi speaking on Special Report about a revolutionary school safety app called Fortify Florida in the wake of the tragedy in Parkland. Full video here.

Attorney General Bondi talking to Joanie Sigal with the Addiction Podcast on the devastating effect of the national opioid on Floridians.