TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The people fighting for state-wide change following the murder of Valencia College student Miya Marcano are confused over proposed changes to a bill proposed in her name.
A new version of Miya’s Law, which is pushing for greater tenant safety for renters, will be presented to a Florida House comittee on Wednesday morning.
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What started off as a list of protections could be stripped to only a 24-hour key access policy with consent of the renter, in emergencies or if that person isn’t there for a lengthy period of time.
The new version is taking away key logs and mandatory background checks for employees that Miya’s family and supporters believe could’ve saved her life.
READ: Miya’s Law unanimously passes first committee hearing
Rep. Robin Bartleman said the changes are part of the legislative process, and she doesn’t think people should lose hope just yet.
Miya’s mom, Yma Scarbriel, believes there’s not a single part of Miya’s Law that can be taken out without putting renters at risk.
READ: Democratic Senators walk out of committee hearing for Florida surgeon general
Bartleman, who is sponsoring the bill, said there may not be a choice and that the fight has just begun.
“What’s interesting is in a lot of these apartment complexes you have to have a background check to live there but you don’t have to have a background check to hold a master key for those units,” Bartleman said.
READ: Florida lawmakers, Miya Marcano’s family rally in favor of increasing renter safety
It’s something even the Florida Apartment Association approves of, saying in a statement in part:
“This important legislation will codify industry best practices... FAA understands that it is still very early… and looks forward to remaining engaged in the effort to pass this legislation.”
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