Florida bill legalizing theft of food changed, thanks to you

Thanks, readers, for taking action and stopping the silliness.

A Florida bill that would have legalized the theft of food has been altered.

Florida Senate Bill 1534, which was sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, would have decriminalized certain types of retail theft, including food. After we told you about Boyd’s plans the bill was quietly changed.

“A person’s theft of one or more food items with the intent to consume such items for the sustenance of himself or herself or another person under his or her care is not a theft violation for purposes of this Paragraph,” the bill stated. This language has now been removed.

Boyd, a Republican from Bradenton, was unwilling to be interviewed for this story. Nor was he willing to be interviewed for our previous story, which caused a dustup for the lawmaker, who some say is a bit of a RINO.

Florida Senator Jim Boyd

Critics said Boyd’s bill would have created a legislative right to steal, which could have eventually led to San Francisco-style anarchy, more armed robberies and ultimately, the increased theft of firearms and ammunition.

Also, his legislation completely ignored the rights of shopkeepers and business owners to prevent the theft of their property and would have created a free-for-all at grocery stores.

Thanks to all of you who took action and voiced your concerns to the senator about his bill, which quite frankly was some of the silliest legislation ever introduced in the Gunshine State.