Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Tuesday that removes the requirement that 55-plus communities register with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
HB 255 resolved some technical issues and, according to a media release from the state, would allow the commission to function more efficiently. The legislation makes changes to the Florida Civil Rights Act, Chapter 760, Florida Statutes.
For many years, 55-plus communities were required to register with the commission. Though that requirement has now been lifted, the commission will continue to investigate allegations of discrimination within them.
The legislation also allows the commissioners to meet with a quorum of six members rather than seven and updates the number of nominees to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame that the commission may submit.
“On behalf of the commissioners and staff of the Florida Commission on Human Relations, I want to thank Governor DeSantis for signing this vital legislation into law today,” said commission Executive Director Michelle Wilson. “For several years, we have been working with lawmakers, especially bill sponsors Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Bruce Antone, to spearhead this legislation, which will allow us to serve the citizens of the state of Florida more effectively and efficiently.”
The commission was established in 1969 by the Legislature. It administers the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act.
