Letter: Students in Tallahassee this week

Letter: Students in Tallahassee this week

Representative Travis Hutson
Elkton, FL

Dear Editor:

On Wednesday October 23, we held the final committee meeting for our Flagler County 2013 Mock Legislative Session. I was pleased to see what the kids have done with the opportunity that has been given to them.

Between the two committees formed, one at FPC and one at MHS, they had narrowed it down to two bills per committee.

After each of the four finalists had a chance to represent their bill, they had to narrow it down to one. Surprisingly, it came down to a tie between Morgan Purtlebaugh (Animal Abuse Reporting) and Carrie Hartnett (Epilepsy Drug Disclosure). The students, formally known as the committee members, were then asked to vote between the two. Once again, it was a tie.

It was a tough decision to make, and ultimately I chose Ms. Purtlebaugh’s bill on Animal Abuse Reporting.

This is a strong bill and the end goal will to give the option for Veterinarians to report animal abuse to the authorities. Currently, Florida’s Veterinarians are restricted by “doctor- patient” confidentiality. This amendment would remove that restriction.

It is hard to believe that Halloween is next Thursday. Before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas. In Tallahassee, I am continuing to work on finalizing and drafting our bills for this upcoming 2014 session. Enjoy your week.