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Legislation to let confidential informants know they have other options is nearing passage in the state House. Dubbed “Rachel’s Law” after 23 year old Rachel Hoffman died during a drug deal gone bad while cooperating with Tallahassee Police, the legislation requires statewide guidelines on recruiting and training confidential informants. The legislation is a far cry from its original version. The first draft would have required informants be told they could talk to an attorney. Rachel’s mother, Margie Weiss, is still hopeful the legislation will save lives.

“I’m very optimistic and I’m very patient, Weiss said. “The longer it takes, the better. We keep Rachel’s memory and spirit alive and that’s what this is all about. We will make it a safer and more effective informant system so that this doesn’t happen to anymore parents or children.”

Now, this is not quite the same bill that you started with, not quite as strong as it was, are you still hopeful that it will make a difference?

“I know it will make a difference. We have a foundation to build on,” she said. “We have a team out in place for next year to get our amendments added. I’m totally optimistic.”

Final passage in the House is expected on Monday.