DeSantis signs bills expanding Florida sanctions against Iran and increasing security at Jewish schools

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed four bills passed by the Florida legislature during a special session, including two in response to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Among the bills DeSantis signed on Monday night were House bills 7C and 5C, which increase security at Jewish day schools and expand sanctions against Iran at the state level, respectively.

VULNERABLE BIDEN FACES DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS OF THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES

House Bill 7C provides Jewish day schools and preschools with $10 million in funds for “hiring security personnel and training for security personnel and staff on threat awareness, emergency procedures, and first aid,” along with $15 million for the “purchase and installation of security infrastructure, perimeter lighting, materials for door hardening, security camera systems, perimeter fencing, barriers and bollards, and blast-resistant film and shatter-resistant glass for windows.”

The legislation also provides $20 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management to implement a nonprofit security grant program that directs funds to groups that are at an increased risk of attacks or hate crimes. The law was passed as antisemitism has increased since the war between Israel and Hamas began last month. The measure passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate.

House Bill 5C expands the sanctions the Sunshine State already has on Iran by preventing local governments from working with the Middle Eastern country. The measure passed 100-2 in the state House and 39-0 in the state Senate. Iran is a pivotal backer of the terrorist group Hamas, which attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and sparked the current conflict in Gaza.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

DeSantis also signed bills allowing more school vouchers for students with disabilities, temporarily removing a roughly 41,000-student limit, along with a bill approving relief for those affected by Hurricane Idalia and additional funding for the My Safe Florida Home program.

The Florida governor had advocated the special session, which was held last week, and spearheaded the effort to sanction Iran further in response to the war in Gaza.