Congressman Bean Applauds Signing the ‘Pam Rock Act’ into Law, Strengthening Letter Carrier Protections
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) released the following statement after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Pam Rock Act into law, a critical state measure to strengthen the safety of Postal Service workers by enhancing how Florida identifies and regulates dangerous dogs.
The legislation honors Pamela “Pam” Rock, a local letter carrier, who tragically lost her life in 2022 after sustaining injuries while delivering mail in Northeast Florida.
“Today, Florida sends a clear message: moments matter, and we will not wait for another tragedy to act,” said Congressman Bean. “With the Governor’s signature, Florida is taking meaningful steps to ensure our dedicated letter carriers are protected from dogs with violent histories. Pam’s story moved hearts across Florida, and now her name will stand as a symbol of safety and change. I am incredibly grateful to Representative Sapp and Senator Collins for their outstanding leadership in getting this bill across the finish line.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Rock family reached out to Congressman Bean’s office in 2023, determined to turn their grief into advocacy. What began as a heartfelt plea for change soon transformed into a statewide movement. Congressman Bean partnered with Congresswoman Kat Cammack to pass federal legislation renaming the Melrose Post Office in Pam Rock’s honor.
H.B. 593, the Pam Rock Act, championed in the Florida Legislature by State Representative Judson Sapp and State Senator Jay Collins, requires owners of dogs that have attacked humans, severely injured or killed pets, or menacingly chased people to carry liability insurance of at least $100,000. The law will officially take effect starting July 1, 2025.
According to the US Postal Service, more than 5,400 postal employees were attacked by dogs in the United States in 2021. Florida was one of the top 10 states for dog bites, with 201 reported incidents last year, according to USPS.
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