Latest news with #JoseAlvarez
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
New protections for domestic violence victims in Illinois now in effect under Karina's Law
New protections for victims of domestic violence are now in effect in Illinois under Karina's Law. The law requires guns to be removed from the home of an accused abuser when their victim is granted an order of protection in a domestic violence case. Police must confiscate the guns from an accused abuser within four days of a judge issuing an order of protection. The law is named after Karina Gonzalez, who police said was shot and killed by her husband in a Little Village neighborhood apartment in 2023. He is also accused of shooting and killing the couple's daughter, Daniela, and shooting and wounding their son, Manny. Manny Gonzalez is a fierce advocate for the new law. He had a message for his late mom on Mother's Day. "An immigrant mother from Mexico who worked dead-end jobs and survived an abusive husband will now go on to save the lives of other domestic violence victims," he said in a video. "Your name, Mom, outlives the man who spent his life trying to break you." Karina Gonzalez's husband, Jose Alvarez, has been charged with first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida lawmakers advance bill to restrict ballot initiatives
The Brief Florida lawmakers advanced a bill to tighten restrictions on the ballot-initiative process, citing concerns over out-of-state influence and fraud. Supporters say the measure protects the integrity of constitutional amendments, while opponents argue it undermines direct democracy. The bill faces further debate as the Senate prepares to consider a similar proposal. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida lawmakers a pushing legislation to tighten restrictions on the ballot-initiative process, citing concerns over out-of-state influence and fraud. What we know Florida lawmakers are advancing a bill (HB 1205) that would tighten restrictions on the ballot-initiative process, making it more difficult for citizen-led amendments to reach voters. The bill, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, focuses on curbing out-of-state funding and alleged fraud in petition gathering. The Republican-controlled House Government Operations Subcommittee approved the measure in a 14-4 vote along party lines, with only one Democrat, Rep. Jose Alvarez, supporting it. The bill includes several provisions, such as requiring petition signers to provide driver's license or Social Security information, reducing the time for initiative sponsors to submit petitions, and increasing fines for late submissions. It would also mandate $1 million bonds from sponsors, require petition circulators to be Florida residents, and impose background checks and training for paid circulators. What we don't know It remains uncertain whether the bill will pass both chambers and be signed into law in its current form. The extent to which the proposed restrictions would impact future citizen-led initiatives is also unclear. Additionally, there is debate over whether fraud in petition gathering is a widespread issue or a justification for tightening controls. The backstory Ballot initiatives have played a crucial role in shaping Florida's laws, allowing voters to pass measures on issues such as medical marijuana, minimum wage increases, and political redistricting reforms. In 2023, political committees spent over $263 million on two high-profile initiatives—one supporting abortion rights and the other legalizing recreational marijuana. Both measures failed to secure the required 60% voter approval to amend the state Constitution. For years, Florida lawmakers have imposed increasing restrictions on the ballot-initiative process, arguing that it is being exploited by well-funded special interest groups. Supporters of HB 1205 say these changes are necessary to prevent outside influence, while opponents argue they will make it nearly impossible for citizens to bypass the Legislature on critical issues. Big picture view The debate over HB 1205 reflects a broader struggle between lawmakers and grassroots movements over direct democracy. Supporters of the bill, including business groups like the Florida Chamber of Commerce, argue that constitutional amendments should not be driven by out-of-state money or fraudulent petitions. Opponents, including voting-rights organizations and student activists, warn that the measure could severely limit Floridians' ability to shape policy when lawmakers fail to act. What they're saying "This bill is not about election integrity. It's about fear — fear of the people using their constitutional right to act when you fail to deliver on the issues that matter most to them," said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground Education Fund and Action Fund. Bill sponsor Jenna Persons-Mulicka defended the measure, saying, "Now, the process has been taken over by out-of-state fraudsters looking to make a quick buck and by special interests intent on buying their way into our Constitution." Rep. Jeff Holcomb pushed back against critics, arguing that voters already have a voice through elections: "That's your day of democracy, is election day." Rep. Dotie Joseph countered, saying, "This bill is about consolidating power in the hands of politicians and special interests." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by The News Service of Florida.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pritzker signs Karina's Law to strengthen protections in domestic violence cases
CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Monday aimed at strengthening protections of domestic violence victims. Karina Gonzalez, 48 and her daughter Daniela, 15, were shot and killed in July 2023. Police said it was Karina's husband Jose Alvarez who was responsible during an alleged series of abuse. Alvarez owned a Glock 17. While the judge ordered his FOID card to be revoked, his gun was never confiscated. Karina's law sets a specific timeline and process for owners to surrender their firearms after an order of protection is given by a judge. If they are not turned in, law-enforcement, then goes in to confiscate it. Court docs: Little Village father accused of killing wife, daughter agreed to rehab prior to shooting The law essentially closes loopholes that existed in previous laws protecting domestic violence victims. It calls for the immediate surrender within 24 hours or removal of any firearms, through a search warrant, by law enforcement and after an order of protection is granted, within 96 hours. A judge can later decide if that firearm can be transferred to a responsible third party, who doesn't live with the abuser. Manny Alvarez, who was also wounded in the attack against his mother and sister was at Monday's bill signing. 'I hope that the future survivors won't have to suffer as much as my family,' Alvarez said. Jose Alvarez is facing first-degree murder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
