A significant legislative move took place during the Florida State Legislature's Committee on Judiciary meeting on March 19, 2025, as senators approved two notable bills aimed at enhancing local governance and addressing long-standing legal claims.

First up, Senate Bill 386, championed by Senator Harrell, received unanimous support. This bill empowers storage unit owners with the option to advertise their services online, while still allowing traditional newspaper advertising if they choose. Senator Harrell emphasized that this change aligns Florida with practices already adopted by 32 other states, marking a step forward into the digital age. "This really gives us an option," she stated, urging her colleagues for favorable support to modernize advertising methods for storage facilities.

In a separate discussion, Senate Bill 8, presented by Senator Simon, seeks to provide substantial financial relief to Marcus Button, a victim of a severe accident involving a Pasco County school bus driver in 2006. The bill proposes a $1.2 million settlement to fully resolve a claim stemming from the incident, which left Button with catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care. The current compensation has fallen short of covering his estimated future care costs, which range from $6 million to $10 million. Senator Simon highlighted the need for fair compensation for Button's life-altering injuries, stating, "This bill seeks to provide fair compensation for Marcus Button's catastrophic life-altering injuries and ongoing needs."

Both bills passed with a vote of 10-0, reflecting a strong bipartisan commitment to addressing local issues and supporting individuals affected by tragic circumstances. As these bills move forward, they signal a proactive approach by Florida lawmakers to adapt to modern needs and rectify past injustices.