Florida lawmakers have taken significant steps to combat scams targeting vulnerable individuals during a recent Committee on Rules meeting. A new bill, aimed at closing loopholes that allow scammers to evade justice, was approved unanimously. This legislation will enable banks to freeze assets and notify courts when a scam is detected, allowing legal action to be taken against the perpetrators through the same communication method used to contact the victim.

The bill introduces a process where, once a scam is confirmed, the court can serve the scammer via the app or platform used for the initial contact, streamlining the legal response to these crimes. An amendment to the bill establishes a 30-day hold on funds after a scammer has been served, ensuring that victims have time to recover their assets.

Support for the bill came from various organizations, including the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and AARP, highlighting its importance in protecting the elderly and other vulnerable populations from financial exploitation.

In addition to the anti-scam legislation, the committee also discussed a bill concerning the Florida Trust Code, which aims to clarify and streamline legal processes related to trusts. This bill includes provisions that allow trustees to modify trust terms without being classified as the settlor of a new trust, thereby enhancing the management of trust assets.

Both pieces of legislation reflect a proactive approach by Florida lawmakers to safeguard citizens against fraud and improve legal clarity in trust management. The unanimous support for these bills indicates a strong commitment to protecting the community and ensuring justice for victims of scams.