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Bill Allowing Young Victims To Secretly Record Abusers Heads To Gov. Scott

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A bill allowing young victims to secretly record their attackers to use as evidence in court is now headed to the Governor, after passing the House Friday.

The measure now headed to the Governor differs from a bill the House passed last month that created a broader exemption for all victims of sexual abuse and physical violence.  

The measure changed, after the more narrow exemption recently passed the Senate.

The bill was a reaction to a teenager who secretly recorded an incriminating conversation between herself and her stepfather who she says had been sexually abusing her for years. But, after an initial conviction, the stepfather, Richard McDade, now has a new trial because the Supreme Court said the recording is not admissible—given Florida’s two-party consent rule. And, lawmakers say their bill fixes that loophole.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.