Five public safety bills signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis create new drug trafficking penalties, strengthen protections for law enforcement officers and update criminal gang statutes to recognize social media activity as evidence of gang involvement.

House Bill 429 expands the criteria law enforcement officers and prosecutors can use to recognize someone as a criminal gang member, including social media activity and online admissions. An analysis of the bill said it may increase the number of people who fall into that definition and therefore increase prosecutions related to gang activity.

“These bills crack down on dangerous drugs, strengthen oversight of repeat offenders, disrupt criminal gangs, support law enforcement, and ensure that violent criminals face serious consequences,” DeSantis said. “Florida is the law and order state, and our commitment to holding criminals accountable and keeping our streets safe forms the foundation for our state’s continued success.”

Senate Bill 432 creates trafficking penalties for xylazine, also known as “tranq,” which is a central nervous system depressant used as a sedative and pain reliever for animals but not considered safe for humans, according to the bill analysis.

The bill also restricts retail sales of nitrous oxide under a provision known as Meg's Law.

“Keeping dangerous predators and drugs away from our kids is common sense, and Florida leads the nation in passing common-sense policies,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for providing our prosecutors with the tools they need to push our historic crime lows down even further and keep Florida the best state in the nation to raise a family.”

Two of the bills address penalties for repeat offenders. SB 436 increases penalties for repeat violent offenders and consequences for those who commit violent crimes against law enforcement officers after being released from prison.

SB 1332 requires in-person registration under Florida’s Career Offender Registration Act and includes better reporting requirements and improved information sharing between agencies.

Finally, SB 156, known as the Officer Jason Raynor Act, protects law enforcement officers with stronger penalties for violent offenses committed against officers. The bill was named in honor of Raynor, who was killed in the line of duty while serving in Daytona Beach.

“The bills signed today send a clear message, Governor DeSantis, the Cabinet, and legislators stand firmly in protecting the great state of Florida,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “These new laws will strengthen our state, give law enforcement additional tools they need to confront criminals, and ensure the safety of our citizens and the millions of visitors who rely on Florida to remain a secure place to live, work, and travel.”