New state laws protect most vulnerable citizens – kids and seniors | Opinion

One affects children and social media, others protect seniors from financial exploitation

By John Grant

Most of us would agree the role of government, whether national, state, or local, should be to protect and serve its citizens. A new set of Florida laws that go into effect on January 1, 2025, are designed to do just that.

A few stand out for their ability to secure and defend the state’s most vulnerable – kids and seniors.

John Grant

House Bill 3 prohibits social media companies from granting accounts to anyone younger than 14. This law was initially supported by parents and grandparents, like me, because its intent is to shelter kids from a number of nefarious online characters including predators, scammers and bullies.

While part of the bill is being challenged on First Amendment grounds, ultimately the meat of the bill keeps kids under 14 off social media platforms and less likely to become a victim.Most of us would agree the role of government, whether national, state, or local, should be to protect and serve its citizens. A new set of Florida laws that go into effect on January 1, 2025, are designed to do just that.

Two other bills taking effect will insulate and better serve seniors from financial exploitation.

Under Senate Bill 556, financial institutions can delay disbursements or transactions of funds from an account if there is reasonable belief that exploitation is involved. Financial institutions are then required to conduct an internal review and notify the state. This series of safeguards is intended to keep predators at bay.

House Bill 1093 updates Florida’s fiduciary accounting laws bringing them into the 21st Century. This law codifies the Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal ACT (FUFIPA) replacing the Florida Uniform Principal and Income ACT (FUPIA).

I know that sounds like a lot of mumbo jumbo, but as an estate planner I can tell you this legislation requires more responsibility from the fiduciary accounting process and allows for more flexibility in individualized estate planning. It is long overdue.

I for one am grateful Florida lawmakers have their priorities in check with a clear focus on citizens, young and old.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the legislators accomplish in the upcoming session in spring of 2025.

John Grant is a retired Florida state senator and president of Seniors Across America.

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New state laws protect most vulnerable citizens – kids and seniors | Opinion