A bill dubbed the Rosa Parks act was designed to pardon those who were arrested during the civil-rights movement, protesting the era's Jim Crow laws. The bill went through committees in the Senate, but was stumped in the House during the recent legislative session and died.
According to state Rep. Terry Fields, a Jacksonville Democrat and sponsor of the House bill (HB 235), Rep. Charles Dean, an Inverness Republican, chair of the Safety and Security Council and candidate for the District 3 Senate seat, told him he would not support the bill.
"He told me he didn't believe in bills like that," Fields said. "I had several conversations with him but he wouldn't budge."
Dean, who has a lot of money and name recognition in the race to replace former Sen. Nancy Argenziano, said he had nothing against the Rosa Parks bill.
"We had three or four bills that were similar (bills that would pardon)," Dean said. "I met with the sponsors and told them we'd wait to see which ones the governor wanted. I did not specifically hold the Rosa Parks bill.
"I don't have a problem with pardoning, just make sure we're fair. That is encompassing."
What does encompassing include? Dean couldn't say off the top of his head.
Dean may have another chance to show his support for the bill, if he wins the state Senate race, when its Senate sponsor, Sen. Tony Hill, D-Jacksonville, brings it back next regular session.