A proposal by Riverview Republican Rep. Danny Alvarez to create a statewide counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit cleared its first House committee stop. Alvarez told the committee that Florida cannot rely solely on federal agencies to address emerging security threats, citing the state’s size, economy and global profile. The bill authorizes the unit to conduct counterintelligence and counterterrorism operations, including analyzing patterns of life, gathering actionable intelligence and executing arrests when necessary. During debate, committee members praised the proposal as a proactive step to address national security threats. The bill will now advance to its second of three stops with the House Judiciary Committee.