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Lawmakers Agree To Enhanced Penalties For Assaulting Real Estate Agents

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Real estate agents who are assaulted while showing properties would have more protections under a bill sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples).

“House Bill 47 increases penalties for violent offenses committed against realtors while they are in the act of showing a property or conducting an open house,” she said during a recent House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting. “The offenses are reclassified by an increase of one degree. This is consistent with protected classes, such as sports officials, code inspectors, persons of age 65 and older.”

Under her bill, the reclassified offenses include felony or misdemeanor violations for different types of assault or battery. The measure recently passed its first House committee. Its Senate companion has not yet had a hearing.

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.