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Governor signs off on more new laws

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The Associated Press

Published: June 13, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Arresting human smugglers will be somewhat easier under legislation signed by Gov. Charlie Crist.

The law makes human smuggling a crime in the state. Smuggling had been only a federal offense.

The law now permits state and local officers to arrest smugglers and charge them with a first-degree misdemeanor.

The maximum penalty is a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The bill was one of 17 the governor signed Thursday.

Another bill makes it easier for airports to get rid of birds and other animals.

It is in part a response to the dramatic landing of a US Airways jetliner in New York's Hudson River in January. Geese hit the plane's engines after takeoff, disabling them and forcing the pilot to land in the river.
Florida airports scare off birds by firing blank rounds, but sometimes common birds are killed. An airport employee could be fined or charged for accidentally killing a rare bird. The new law ensures that won't happen.

Crist also approved a bill that imposes requirements on mail-in gold and precious metal businesses. Law enforcement officials said the requirements will help deter people from sending businesses stolen items and help officers find and prosecute people who do.

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