TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the House Government Accountability and Senate Rules committees unanimously approved HB 671 and SB 372, which strengthen the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s efforts to fight fraud in the state’s Reemployment Assistance program. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Kelli Stargel and Representative Mike LaRosa, provides DEO access to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ DAVID System, which includes the state photo identification database.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Sen. Stargel and Rep. LaRosa have shown incredible leadership by embracing DEO’s fight against fraud and because of their commitment, we are closer to achieving stronger protections for Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program. Access to driver’s license photos will ensure criminals cannot fraudulently steal Reemployment Assistance from job seekers who need it.

“I applaud the House and Senate for their unanimous support of DEO’s fraud prevention efforts throughout committee hearings and I look forward to receiving support from the full House and Senate when they vote on the bill soon.”

The legislation includes the tools and legal authorizations that are critical to prevent and fight public benefits fraud by providing DEO access to the driver’s license database to confirm claimant-provided IDs are not fraudulent.

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About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities.  For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.