pemom
03-29-2009, 09:15 AM
TALLAHASSEE - Children no longer would be arrested for such minor violations of zero tolerance polices as bringing plastic butter knives to school, drawing pictures of guns or throwing an eraser under measures moving through the Florida Legislature.
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would prohibit calling police for a nonviolent misdemeanor. A similar bill later cleared the House Pre-kindergarten Policy Committee.
Sen. Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville, said his bill (SB 1540) would save money and prevent children from having criminal records by requiring that schools handle such disciplinary matters administratively.
"Throw an eraser and they want to call it throwing a deadly missile, which is a felony," Wise told the Senate panel. "When you get into the juvenile justice system everybody thinks your sins are forgiven when you turn 18, and I will assure you that doesn't happen. It's a blemish on your record."
more...........
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn0325-ease-zero-tolerance,0,4653370.story
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would prohibit calling police for a nonviolent misdemeanor. A similar bill later cleared the House Pre-kindergarten Policy Committee.
Sen. Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville, said his bill (SB 1540) would save money and prevent children from having criminal records by requiring that schools handle such disciplinary matters administratively.
"Throw an eraser and they want to call it throwing a deadly missile, which is a felony," Wise told the Senate panel. "When you get into the juvenile justice system everybody thinks your sins are forgiven when you turn 18, and I will assure you that doesn't happen. It's a blemish on your record."
more...........
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn0325-ease-zero-tolerance,0,4653370.story