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HB 187 — Antisemitism
by Reps. Gottlieb, Fine, and others (CS/SB 148 by Judiciary Committee and Senators Berman, Pizzo, Book, Calatayud, Yarborough, Polsky, and Rodriguez)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The bill creates s. 1.015, F.S., which defines “antisemitism” based on the working definition developed and adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). Under the bill, antisemitism means:
[A] certain perception of Jewish individuals which may be expressed as hatred toward such individuals. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and their property and toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.
The bill includes contemporary examples of antisemitism, and states that the purpose of the definition is to “assist in the monitoring and reporting of anti-Semitic hate crimes and discrimination and to make residents aware of and to combat such incidents in this state.”
The bill also provides that the term “antisemitism” does not include criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism of any other country, and that its provisions may not be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or to conflict with federal or state antidiscrimination laws.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 115-0