First responders

Voted yes on CS/HB 1275 (2023), the Protect Our Loved Ones Act, which authorized local law enforcement agencies to create a voluntary Persons with Disabilities Registry and share relevant information with officers responding to calls. Senate passage, May 1, 2023: passed 35-2; also voted yes on HB 1277, the companion public records exemption for the registry (38-0). Became law as Chapter 2023-312.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 24, 2026

Voted yes on CS/CS/SB 864 (2024), which would have required an autism spectrum disorder training component for law enforcement and correctional officers, including in-person instruction. Senate third reading, February 28, 2024: passed 40-0. The bill died in the House and did not become law.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 23, 2026

Voted yes on SB 418 (2026), which required an autism spectrum disorder training component for law enforcement officers (s. 943.1727, F.S.) and a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles communication envelope and card program for individuals with autism. Senate third reading, February 19, 2026: passed 38-0; also voted yes on final Senate passage, March 11, 2026 (37-0). Became law as Chapter 2026-147.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 23, 2026

Voted yes on CS/HB 1405 (2026), which revived Project Leo, a statewide project run through the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities for missing persons with special needs, and provided appropriations. Senate passage, March 10, 2026: passed 38-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-172.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 24, 2026

Voted yes on CS/HB 1405 (2026), which revived Project Leo, a statewide project run through the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities for missing persons with special needs, and provided appropriations. House passage, March 3, 2026: passed 109-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-172.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 24, 2026

Voted yes on SB 418 (2026), which required an autism spectrum disorder training component for law enforcement officers (s. 943.1727, F.S.) and a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles communication envelope and card program for individuals with autism. House passage, March 10, 2026: passed 111-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-147.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 23, 2026

Voted yes on CS/HB 1405 (2026), which revived Project Leo, a statewide project run through the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities for missing persons with special needs, and provided appropriations. House passage, March 3, 2026: passed 109-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-172.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 24, 2026

Voted yes on SB 418 (2026), which required an autism spectrum disorder training component for law enforcement officers (s. 943.1727, F.S.) and a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles communication envelope and card program for individuals with autism. House passage, March 10, 2026: passed 111-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-147.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 23, 2026

Voted yes on CS/HB 1275 (2023), the Protect Our Loved Ones Act, which authorized local law enforcement agencies to create a voluntary Persons with Disabilities Registry and share relevant information with officers responding to calls. House passage, April 20, 2023: passed 115-0; also voted yes on HB 1277, the companion public records exemption for the registry (114-0). Became law as Chapter 2023-312.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 24, 2026

Voted yes on CS/HB 1405 (2026), which revived Project Leo, a statewide project run through the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities for missing persons with special needs, and provided appropriations. House passage, March 3, 2026: passed 109-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-172.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 24, 2026

Voted yes on SB 418 (2026), which required an autism spectrum disorder training component for law enforcement officers (s. 943.1727, F.S.) and a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles communication envelope and card program for individuals with autism. House passage, March 10, 2026: passed 111-0. Became law as Chapter 2026-147.

Source: Official voting record · Verified September 23, 2026

Says she strongly supports training for law enforcement, EMS, corrections staff, and other first responders, including continued funding, consistent standards, scenario-based learning, and input from disability professionals and families.

"I strongly support meaningful training for law enforcement, EMS, corrections personnel, and other first responders on interacting with autistic individuals and people with disabilities. As someone who has worked with children and families with developmental disabilities, I know that communication, behavior, and sensory responses can look very different from person to person. What may appear to be noncompliance, or aggression can sometimes be fear, confusion, sensory overload, or difficulty communicating. First responders need practical training to recognize those differences and respond safely. Training should include communication strategies, de-escalation, sensory considerations, and ways to recognize characteristics associated with autism and other disabilities. I would support continued funding for this training, consistent standards, scenario-based learning, and input from disability professionals and families."

Source: Candidate questionnaire · Verified October 3, 2026