HB81

To my colleagues on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee: This is Rep. Christine Seibert and I represent Hillsborough District 21, and am also a co-sponsor on this piece of legislation. I sincerely apologize as I arrived today just at the end of the hearing do to a scheduling error on my calendar. Please see my following testimony for your perusal instead. This bill is very important to myself and my constituents because it addresses a what is a very real safety issue in our society. There are too many instances of date rape that occur, and many more that we know go unreported due to stigma or fear that the victims of these crimes often face. We need to make it easier for people of all ages to protect themselves and enable them the ability to follow the valuable advice to keep their eyes on their drink at all times. Statistics show that instances of date rape are all too often committed by an acquaintance of the victim, these people might seem to be the best option at the time to someone who needs to leave to use the restroom before they have had the chance to finish their drink. There are places that I have been to even recently that have had signs before entering the restrooms that no food or drink allowed are posted. Food I understand, this is a clear health code related issue. I feel that the times we are in warrant a new review of liquor or health code provisions that are antiquated and need to be changed to allow for basic personal freedoms and control over ones actions to prevent a tragic outcome. I want to add that ONE drink being spiked is all it takes to change a life forever. Many times we (and our laws) falsely attach these crimes to a victim who drinks too much, or irresponsibly puts themselves in a bad situation. There has been a more recent shift in of more people meeting online first, then practicing caution by meeting that person in a public space, such as an establishment that serves alcohol. We need to allow/enable patrons to make good decisions and not be hindered from having control over their drink on which they have spent their hard earned money to purchase. Please join your fellow colleagues who are obviously coming together to make a positive change while raising awareness when it comes to this important issue. I only see the benefits outweighing any risks when it comes to making this small change to clarify the laws. Thank you so much for your time and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or questions! Rep. Christine Seibert