DeSantis Signs Bill Protecting Jewish Institutions, Sanctioning Iran

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed four bills, including one that would bolster security at Jewish day schools and one that would expand state sanctions on Iran.

The bills were passed during a special legislative session this week amid the war in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel. Iran has been a key backer of Hamas, the militant group that attacked the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7.

The sanctions legislation strengthens those already in place on companies who do business with Iranian countries.

Lawmakers at the session continued to express their support for Israel and approved $45 million in grants to ensure that Jewish institutions and any others that could be a target of a hate crime have support.