TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced the 2024 Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, Columbia County Sheriff Deputy Scott Ceckanowicz. Dep. Ceckanowicz has served as an SRO for six years, is described by peers as being exceptionally attentive and demonstrates a keen awareness of the needs and concerns of both students and staff alike—volunteering after hours to help with school projects.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “School resource officers have a very important role in the safety and wellbeing of our students. The 2024 Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, Deputy Ceckanowicz, goes above and beyond to protect the children where he serves and ensures they have the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. His dedication to the school he serves is unmatched and I am grateful for his service and the example he sets for our students.”

Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “Deputy Ceckanowicz’s dedication to our School Resource Unit and his passion for students is beyond measure. Everything he does for these kids, he does from the heart, not from obligation, and in doing so, strengthens the trust between the students and law enforcement.” Continue reading →

Attorney General Ashley Moody and a coalition of state attorneys general today called on the United States Senate to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act, to ensure election integrity by protecting United States elections from illegal voters. The attorneys general call the bill a “common-sense reform” that has broad support among American voters.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The SAVE Act is important legislation that ensures only Americans vote in American elections, and I along with my colleagues strongly urge the United States Senate to pass this bill.”

In a letter sent to congressional leaders, the attorneys general note, “President Biden’s immigration disaster now threatens the security of America’s elections. During this surge in illegal immigration, cities and States across the country have started allowing noncitizens to vote in their elections. But allowing illegal voters in State and local elections, while bad enough, does not remain confined to just those elections. Indeed, some States have taken an even odder approach. Arizona’s Secretary of State explains that voters who register to vote without proof of citizenship will be designated ‘federal-only’ voters, meaning they are allowed to vote in federal, but not state or local, elections.”

The attorneys general go on to say, “The SAVE Act protects our elections from illegal immigrants and upholds the rule of law. Under the SAVE Act, individuals must provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. The SAVE Act also will help States identify and remove illegal immigrants from their voter registration rolls by providing States with access to federal databases. Those simple, common-sense reforms will protect our elections.” Continue reading →

Ashley Moody urges Senate to pass SAVE Act for election security

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and a coalition of 22 state attorneys general are urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which aims to prevent illegal voting by ensuring only American citizens can vote in elections.

“The SAVE Act is crucial legislation that ensures only Americans vote in American elections, and I strongly urge the United States Senate to pass this bill,” Moody said on Tuesday.

The attorneys general sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing concerns that President Joe Biden’s immigration policies have led to a rise in illegal immigration, which they argue could undermine election security.

The consortium pointed to instances where it was alleged that noncitizens are allowed to vote in local elections and noted that some states, like Arizona, permit noncitizens to vote in federal elections if they register without proof of citizenship. Continue reading →