ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida lawmakers have now officially proposed legislation to create Miya’s Law after the murder of Miya Marcano at her Orlando apartment complex.
Sen. Linda Stewart said last week she is working on the bill, and wants to see stricter rules for apartment managers that go beyond off-campus housing.
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The murder of 19-year-old Marcano at the hands of a maintenance worker who had keys to her off-campus apartment hit hard for so many family members of college students, including Stewart.
Marcano’s family told Eyewitness News of their mission to honor their loved one by making sure another family doesn’t experience the same horror.
Stewart said she was on board, aiming for the strongest protection possible.
READ: Family demands justice after tragic loss of Miya Marcano in Orange County
“It has to go beyond just student housing. I want all apartment dwellers to feel safe when they rent an apartment,” Stewart said.
In the bill just filed, management companies would be required to use the National Registry for Background Checks, which looks beyond Florida, and would be required to have an active policy for handling master keys and staff access to units.
SEE: Orange County Sheriff’s Office releases detailed timeline in Miya Marcano case
Compliance would be included in the yearly state inspections.
Stewart said she already has the support of numerous agencies including the Association of Apartment Managers and law enforcement.
READ: ‘A complete and utter nightmare’: Miya Marcano’s family speaks out on losing loved one
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