2017 Legislative Report v4 - Florida Sheriffs Association2017 FSA Legislative Report 1 Executive...
Transcript of 2017 Legislative Report v4 - Florida Sheriffs Association2017 FSA Legislative Report 1 Executive...
FSA Legislative Report 2017One of the primary roles and responsibilities of the Florida Sheriffs Association is to support and monitor legislation that ensures public safety. During the 2017 legislative session, FSA’s legislative team actively worked with lawmakers to ensure the bills that passed are in the best interest of Florida citizens’ safety and Florida’s law enforcement officers.
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ExecutiveSummaryIntroduction
Duringthe2017legislativesession,3,052billswerefiled;only249(8.2%)passedandmadeittotheGovernor’sdesk.Oneofthemoststrikingnumbersfromthisyear’ssessionisthat2,755billswereneverevenheardincommittee.FindingalegislatorinboththeHouseandSenatetofileapieceoflegislation,gettingitheardandapprovedinthecommitteeprocess,havingbothchamberspassit,andfinallygettingittotheGovernor’sdeskforhisfinalapprovalisnoeasytask.Sheriffswereawareofthesefactsandcreatedasuccessfulplantoworktogethersotheycouldgettheirlegislativeprioritiespassedandensureotherlegislativechanges,thatwouldhavehinderedpublicsafety,didnotpass.Changewasaconsistentthemethroughoutthe2017legislativesession.Twenty-fivenewsheriffstookofficethisyear,andtheirfreshperspectiveandwillingnesstoengageinthelegislativeprocessweregreatlyappreciatedbyFSAPresident,SheriffJerryDemings,andsheriffsservingonFSA’sLegislativeCommittee.Therewerealso66newmembersintheLegislaturethisyear;thatisalmosthalfthemembersgoingthroughtheupsanddownsofsessionforthefirsttime.Intheend,thesenewlegislatorsworkedwithleadershipinbothchamberstopassbothofFSA’slegislativepriorities,authorizeahostofotherpublicpolicyinitiatives,andpassan$83billion-dollarstatebudget.InJune,legislatorswerecalledbacktotheCapitolforabriefSpecialSessiontofinalizeacompromiseoneconomicdevelopment,afeweducationfundinginitiatives,aswellasabilltoimplementthevoterapprovedconstitutionalamendmentformedicalmarijuana.Whenthedustsettledonthe2017legislativesession,thefinalassessmentwasanothersuccessfulyearforsheriffsandpublicsafetyinFlorida.Sheriffs’LegislativePriorities
TheFloridaSheriffsAssociation’stoplegislativeprioritywaspassageofcomprehensivedrugcontrollegislationtoaddressFlorida’srisingheroinandFentanylepidemic.Thewidespreaduseofthesedrugshasdevastatedcommunitiesacrossthestate.Florida’smedicalexaminersreported704peoplediedofaFentanyl-relatedoverdoseduringthefirst6monthsof2016–
DuringtheCounterTerrorismConferenceinOrlando,FSAPresidentSheriffJerryDemings,FDLECommissionerRickSwearingen,alongwithseveralFloridasheriffsandtheexecutivedirectorsfortheNationalSheriffs’AssociationandtheMajorCountySheriffsofAmericajoinedGovernorRickScottashesignedHB457–abilltoaddressterrorismandterroristactivities.
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thesamenumberofFentanyl-relatedoverdosesthatoccurredinallof2015!MuchofthisrecentdamageiscausedbydrugtraffickingorganizationsmixingheroinwithFentanyl,anarcoticdrugprescribedtotreatseverepain,inordertocreateamorepotentdrug;Fentanylis50timesmorepotentthanheroin.HB477createstraffickingpenaltiesforFentanylanditsderivatives,likeCarfentanil,asyntheticopioid100timesmorepotentthanFentanyl,usedastranquilizerforelephantsandotherlargeanimals.ThesestifferpenaltiesarefordrugdealersandtraffickersofFentanyl—notaddictsandusers.ItwasdisappointingthatthispointwasoftentimeslostduringthedebateintheSenate,wheresomesenatorsusedthislegislationasaplatformtodenounceminimummandatorysentencesbyusinginaccuratescenariosofhowdrugtraffickerswouldbeimpactedbythisbill.Thankfully,sheriffsandAttorneyGeneralBondispenttimelobbyingtheSenate.GeneralBondimetwithsenatorsandwasabletovisuallyshowthemwhattheminimumamountofheroin/Fentanylfordrugtraffickinglookedlikeandhowthiscouldnotbeconfusedwithsimpledrugpossession.Attheendoftheday,thesheriffs,GeneralBondi,andourdedicatedbillsponsorsRepresentativeJimBoydandSenatorGregSteube,convincedenoughsenatorsabouttheimportanceofHB477andtheSenatepasseditonthefinaldayofsession.TheFloridaSheriffsAssociationalsosupportedlegislation(HB7059)toaddresshighrecidivistjuvenileoffenders–referredtointhebillasprolificjuvenileoffenders(PJO).Sheriffscollectednumerousaccountsfromacrossthestatewhereasmallnumberofjuvenileoffenderswerecommittingcrimesandnotbeingheldaccountablebecausetheywouldbesenthomefor3months,ormore,beforereportingtosecuredetention.Whileathomeawaitingplacement,manyofthesejuvenileswouldcommitmorecrimeslikeautothefts,vehicleburglaries,robberies,andcarjackings.LedbyFSA’sLegislativeChair,PinellasCountySheriffBobGualtieri,sheriffsbeganworkonlegislationtoclosethisloopholeinthejuvenilejusticesystem.TheresultwasthecreationofHB7059.JuvenilesdeclaredasPJO’swillnowbeonactiveelectronicmonitoringorplacedinsecuredetentionpre-adjudication;theStateAttorney’sOfficemustalsotrythemwithin45days.Thereareotherpartstothislegislation,butthekeycomponentisthattherewillnowbeconsequencesforthesehighrecidivistjuvenileoffenderswhoarecausingcrimeinourcommunities.
WaltonCountySheriffMikeAdkinsontestifiesinaSenatecommitteeonbehalfoftheFloridaSheriffsAssociation.
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TheDepartmentofJuvenileJustice(DJJ)startedimplementingpartsofthebillevenbeforeitbecamelaw,andFSAappreciatesDJJ’seffortsinsupportingHB7059andworkingwithsheriffstoaddressthisrisingproblem.FailedBills
Billsthatfailedtopassincludedanincreaseinthethresholdforretailtheft,abillthatwouldhaveputaconstitutionalamendmentonthe2018ballottoensureallsheriffsareelected,andabillthatwouldmandatetheissuanceofjuvenilecivilcitations,insteadofmakingarrests,forcertaincrimes.FSAopposedthismandate(SB196)becauseitremovedadeputy’sdiscretiontoassessthecrimeathandandreactaccordingly.Lawenforcementofficersexercisediscretioneveryday,andinrecentyearsFloridahasseenanincreaseinthenumberofcivilcitationsbeingissuedtojuveniles.Sheriffswanttoensuretheyremainaccountabletotheircommunitiesandretainthemanagementauthorityneededtocarryoutpublicsafetyresponsibilities.Mandatingcivilcitationsalsoeliminatestheabilityofthecommunitytodecidehowtobesthandlejuvenileoffenses.SheriffssupportedHB205,whichwouldhaveprovidedjuvenileswiththeopportunitytorecoverfromafirst-timeinteractionwiththecriminaljusticesystem.Thisbillenhancedthecurrentexpunctionofacriminalhistoryrecordthroughjuvenilediversionprogramsandprovidedjuvenileswiththeadditionalsafeguardstosimplifytheexpunctionprocess.Acompromisedagreementcouldnotbereachedduringsessionandbothbillsfailedtopass.
SpecialSession&MedicalMarijuana
TheFloridaLegislaturereturnedtoTallahasseeduringthefirstfullweekinJunetocompleteseveralpolicyissues.GovernorScott’sproclamationforspecialsession2017Aincludedseveralkeyeducationfundingandeconomicdevelopmentissues,aswellaslegislationrelatedtotheimplementationofAmendment2–medicaluseofmarijuana.Duringthespecialsession,theHouseandSenatepassedSB8A,whichimplementsthe2016constitutionalamendmentauthorizingtheuseofmarijuanaforcertainmedicalpurposes.Themanyprovisionsofthelegislationincludedtheprohibitionofsmokingmarijuana,numerousregulationsforcreatingediblemarijuanaproducts,limitsonthenumberofdispensingfacilitieseachMedicalMarijuanaTreatmentCentermayoperate,andthecreationandfundingfor55full-timepositionsattheDepartmentofHealthtomonitorandenforcethisnewlaw.
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SheriffsgatheratthestepsoftheOldCapitolBuildingforthe2017SheriffsDayattheCapitol.
Conclusion
Throughteamwork–withsheriffs,theirstaff,andourlobbyteamatSouthernStrategyGroup–FSAwassuccessfulinpassingthesheriffs’topprioritiesandfightingbillsthatthreatenedpublicsafety.ThesuccesswouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthededicationofthemanyindividualscommittedtotheFSA’slegislativeprogram.TheFloridaSheriffsAssociationwillcontinuetokeepsheriffs,ourlawenforcementpartnersandourhonorarymembersup-to-dateonallcriticallyimportantpublicsafetyissuesuntilthenextlegislativesessionbeginsonJanuary9,2018.
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TableofContents
ExecutiveSummary..................................................................................................................1FloridaSheriffsAssociationPriorities.......................................................................................7
Issue: ComprehensiveDrugControl.............................................................................7Issue: ProlificJuvenileOffender....................................................................................8
Prevention&YouthServices....................................................................................................9Issue: DiversionPrograms.............................................................................................9Issue: DiversionPrograms/JudicialResources..............................................................9Issue: JuvenileJustice(DirectFileofJuveniles)...........................................................10
PublicSafety...........................................................................................................................11Issue: OpenCarry........................................................................................................11Issue: ConcealCarry/CourthouseSecurity................................................................11Issue: ConcealCarryinanAirport...............................................................................11Issue: BailBonds.........................................................................................................12Issue: Self-DefenseImmunity.....................................................................................12Issue: JustifiableUseofForce.....................................................................................13Issue: BreachofPeace................................................................................................13Issue: FloridaComprehensiveDrugAbusePreventionandControlAct.....................14Issue: Kratom..............................................................................................................14Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InjunctionsforProtection.....................................14Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:IdentityofaWitnesstoaMurder.........................15Issue: TextingWhileDriving........................................................................................15Issue: SentencinginCapitalFelonies..........................................................................15Issue: ArrestBookingPhotos......................................................................................16Issue: CriminalJusticeReformStudy..........................................................................17Issue: FloridaHighwayPatrolWorkgroup..................................................................17
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LawEnforcement...................................................................................................................18
Issue: BodyCamerasforLawEnforcementOfficers...................................................18Issue: InternetIdentifiers............................................................................................18Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InternetIdentifiers................................................19Issue: EyeWitnessIdentification.................................................................................19Issue: TerrorismandTerroristActivities.....................................................................20Issue: ThreatstoKillorDoBodilyHarm.....................................................................20Issue: VirtualCurrency................................................................................................21Issue: AutismAwarenessTrainingforLawEnforcementOfficers..............................21Issue: PrescriptionDrugMonitoringProgram............................................................21
Gaming...................................................................................................................................22Issue: GamingCompactbetweentheSeminoleTribeandtheStateofFlorida.........22
Administration........................................................................................................................22Issue: EmployerContributiontoFundRetireeBenefits.............................................22Issue: SelectionsandDutiesofSheriff........................................................................23Issue: AwardofAttorneyFeesinPublicRecordEnforcementCases.........................23Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:DepictionsorRecordingsoftheKillingofaPerson....24Issue: HomesteadTaxExemption...............................................................................24Issue: EmergencyResponderDeathBenefits.............................................................25Issue: FloridaWingoftheCivilAirPatrol....................................................................25
Jails,Corrections&Re-Entry..................................................................................................26Issue: FederalImmigrationEnforcement...................................................................26
SpecialSessionA....................................................................................................................27Issue: MedicalMarijuana............................................................................................27
LegislativeScorecard..............................................................................................................29
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FloridaSheriffsAssociationPriorities
Issue: ComprehensiveDrugControl
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-107
Effective: October1,2017
(HB477byRep.Boyd&SB150bySen.Steube)
ThisbillamendstheFloridaComprehensiveDrugAbusePreventionandControlActtoenhanceexistinglawandtocreatenewpenaltiesforunlawfulactsrelatingtoopioids,syntheticcannabinoids,andothercontrolledsubstances.Specifically,thebill:
• AddstoScheduleIcertainfentanylderivativesandfivesubstancesthatwereoriginallydevelopedforlegitimateresearch,butthathaveemergedintheillegaldrugmarket;
• Createstraffickingoffensesforfentanyl,syntheticcannabinoids,andn-benzylphenethylamines,whicharepunishablebymandatoryminimumtermsofimprisonmentandfines(seechart);
Fentanyl
Amount 4<14grams 14<28grams 28grams+
MinimumMandatorySentenceandFine
3years$50,000
15years$100,000
25years$500,000
Syntheticcannabinoids
Amount 280<500grams 500<1,000grams
1,000grams<30kilograms
30+kilograms
MinimumMandatorySentenceandFine
3years$50,000
7years$100,000
25years$500,000
25years$750,00
n-benzylphenethylamines
Amount 14<100grams 100<200grams 200<400grams 400+grams
MinimumMandatorySentenceandFine
3years$50,000
7years$100,000
15years$500,00
CapitalFelony(ImportationorManufacture)
• Createsafirst-degreefelonyoffenseforthepossessionof10gramsormoreofcertainScheduleII
substances,includingfentanylandothersyntheticopioidanalgesics;
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• Addscodeineandcertainphenethylaminesandphencyclidinestoexistinglawpunishingtraffickinginsuchclassesofcontrolledsubstances;and
• Createsafirst-degreefelonyoffenseforthepossessionof10gramsormoreofcertainScheduleIIsubstances,includingfentanylandothersyntheticopioidanalgesics.
Thebillalsoamendsthemurderstatute,s.782.04,F.S.,toaddfentanylandotherrelatedsyntheticopioidanalgesicstothelistofcontrolledsubstancesforwhichdistributionthatisproventobetheproximatecauseofauser’sdeathispunishableascapitalmurder.Finally,thebillauthorizeslaboratorypersonnelforthestatewidecriminalanalysislaboratorysystemtopossessandadministeremergencyopioidantagonistsusedtotreatopioidoverdoses.ImpacttoSheriffs:Criminalpenaltiescannowbechargedforthecrimeslistedabove.Issue: ProlificJuvenileOffender
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-164
Effective: October1,2017
(HB7059byRep.Grant&SB1670bySen.Latvala)
Thisbillamendsprovisionsoflawrelatingtojuvenilejusticetoaddressrecidivismoccurringwhenajuveniledelinquentisreturnedtothecommunitywhilenewchargesarependingorwhilethejuvenileisawaitingplacementinaresidentialprogram.Specifically,thebill:
• Establishescriteriatoidentifyanarrowclassofrepeatdelinquents,referredtoas“ProlificJuvenileOffenders,”whomustbeplacedinnonsecureorsecuredetentionuntilthedispositionoftheirpendingcases;
• Requiressecuredetentionforadelinquentawaitingplacementinanonsecureresidentialprogram;• Providesthatnonsecuredetentionperiodsaretolledonthedateaviolationofdetentionisalleged;
and• Specifiesthatdaysservedinanytypeofdetentionbeforeaviolationofdetentiondonotcounttoward
currentlaw’s21-dayand15-daydetentionlimits,sothatdetentionmaybecontinuedbythecourtafteraviolation.
ThebillalsorequirestheDepartmentofHealthtowaivethefeeforbirthcertificatesprovidedtocertaindelinquentsandcreatesanexceptiontoallowapersonwhohashadanadjudicationofdelinquencyforafelonyexpungedtopossessafirearm.ImpacttoSheriffs:JuvenilescategorizedasProlificJuvenileOffenderswillhaveenhancedsupervisionwhileawaitingthedispositionofhisorhercase.
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Prevention&YouthServices
Issue: DiversionPrograms
Outcome: Failed.DiedonHouseCalendar.
(HB205byRep.Ahern)
Thisbillencouragedlocalcommunitiestoimplementprearrestdiversionprograms,suchascivilcitationprograms,foradults.Thebillprovidedaframeworkforamodelcivilcitationprogramandallowedalawenforcementofficer,attheofficer’ssolediscretion,toissueacivilcitationorsimilarnoticetoanadultwhocommitsaqualifyingmisdemeanoroffense,doesnotcontestthatheorshecommittedtheoffense,andmeetsothercriteria.Thebillchangedtheexpunctionprocesssothat:
• Expunctionisavailableforthreeotherprogramtypesinadditiontoprearrest/postarrestdiversionprograms;
• Thesectionoflawensuresaone-timeexpunctionforanyfirst-timemisdemeanorwhentheprogramissuccessfullycompleted.Theagenciesoperatingtheprogramdonothavetoauthorizeexpunction;
• ThediversionprogrammustsubmittoFDLEacertificationforexpunctionwhenajuvenilesuccessfullycompletestheprogram,insteadofrequiringthejuveniletoapplyforexpunction;
• FDLEmaynotassessafeefortheexpunction;and• Ajuvenilemaylawfullydenyorfailtoacknowledgesuccessfulparticipationinadiversionprogramand
expunctionforafirst-timemisdemeanorforpurposesofcriminaljusticeagencyemployment.ThebillalsorequireddiversionprogramstosubmitdataregardingparticipantsandnonparticipantsindiversionprogramstotheDepartmentofJuvenileJustice,whichmustcompileandpublishthedataonitswebsite.
Issue: DiversionPrograms/JudicialResources
Outcome: Failed.Diedonthereturningmessages.
(HB301byRep.White&SB196bySen.Flores)
Thisbillproposedtorequirealawenforcementofficertoissueacivilcitationorrequirethejuvenile’sparticipationinasimilardiversionprogramwhenthejuvenileisunder16yearsofageforthefollowingenumeratedfirst-time“misdemeanoroffenses:”
• Possessionofalcoholicbeveragesbyapersonunderage21;• Battery;• CriminalMischief;• Trespass;
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• Theft;• Retailandfarmtheft;• LoiteringandProwling;• Affraysandriots;• Disorderlyconduct;• Possessionof20gramsorlessofcannabis;• Use,possession,manufacture,delivery,transportation,advertisement,orretailsaleofdrug
paraphernalia;or• Resistinganofficerwithoutviolence.
ThebillrequiredtheDepartmentofJuvenileJusticetoreportannuallyonthebestpracticesofjuvenilecivilcitationorsimilardiversionprogramsandontheparticipationandoutcomesforsuchprogramsfromthepreviouscalendaryear.Finally,thebillrequiredtheSupremeCourttoprovideanannualreportbyOctober15ofeachyearlistingitscaseswithoutadecisionordispositionbeyonda180-dayperiod.ThiswasamendedontothebilllateinsessiontomakethelegislationmorepalatablefortheHousetopassit.
Issue: JuvenileJustice(DirectFileofJuveniles)Outcome: Failed.Diedincommittee.
(HB192byRep.Powell)
Thisbilleliminatedmandatorydirectfileofachildandchangesthediscretionaryprosecutionofchildrenasadultsby:
• Modifyingthelistofcrimesthata14or15-year-oldcanbeprosecutedforasanadult;• Prohibitingtheprosecutionofa16or17-year-oldasanadultfortheoffensesofgrandtheft,burglary
inviolationofs.810.02(3)(b)or(4),F.S.,orpossessionofacontrolledsubstance;• Providingachildtransferredtoadultcourttheopportunitytorequestahearingbeforethecourtto
determineifhisorhercaseshouldremaininadultcourt;and• Requiringthestateattorneytodocumenthisorherdecisiontoprosecuteachildasanadultandfileit
withthecourtatthedispositionofthecase.Thebillremovedinvoluntarymandatorywaiverfromthejudicialwavierprocessandprovidesthatonlyachildof14yearsofageoroldercanbesubjecttoanindictmentbyagrandjury.Thebillprohibitedachildwhoisincompetentandhasnothadcompetencyrestored,orhasapendingcompetencyhearingfrombeingtransferredtoadultcourtuntilhisorhercompetencyisrestored.Thebillalsoprovidedthatachildtransferredtoadultcourtmaybesentencedasanadult,ayouthfuloffenderunderch.958,F.S.,orajuvenile.
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PublicSafety
Issue: OpenCarryOutcome: Failed.Bothbillsdiedincommittee.
(HB779byRep.Combee&SB646bySen.Steube)
Thisbillchangedthepenaltiesthatapplytoanopencarryviolationbyaconcealcarrypermitlicenseholderto:• Anoncriminalviolationwithapenaltyof:
o $25,payabletotheclerkofthecourt,forafirstviolation;oro $500,payabletotheclerkofcourt,forasecondviolation.
• Amisdemeanoroftheseconddegreeforathirdorsubsequentviolation.Apersonwhoisnotalicenseholderwouldcontinuetobesubjecttocurrentlaw’sseconddegreemisdemeanorpenaltyforopencarry.Thebillalsoremovedtheexceptionins.790.053,F.S.,relatingtoabriefandopendisplayofafirearmbyalicensee,tos.790.06(1),F.S.Issue: ConcealCarry/CourthouseSecurity
Outcome: Failed.SBdiedoncalendar.
(SB616bySen.Steube)
Thisbilldefinedtheterm“courthouse,”andauthorizedapersonwhohasaconcealedweaponsandfirearmslicensetocarryaconcealedweaponorfirearmintoacourthouseforaslongasittakeshimorhertoreporttocourthousesecurityormanagement.Then,thelicenseemustfollowsecurityormanagementpersonnel’sinstructionsforremoving,securing,andstoringtheitem,orthelicenseemustsurrendertheitemuntilthelicenseeisleavingthecourthouse.Thebillalsostatedthatanylocalordinance,administrativerule,administrativeorder,orregulationthatconflictswiththestateddefinitionofcourthouseortherighttocarryaweaponorfirearmintoacourthouse,aspermittedbythisbill,ispreemptedtotheLegislature.Further,thebillsubjectedapersonorentitythatenactsorenforcesapreemptedordinance,rule,order,orregulationtopenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedtofinesandremovalfromofficebytheGovernor.Issue: ConcealCarryinanAirportOutcome: Failed.SBdiedincommittee.
(SB618bySen.Steube)
Thisbillproposedtoremovethestatutoryprohibitionagainstconcealedcarrylicenseholderscarryingaconcealedweaponorfirearmintothepassengerterminalofanyairport.Theinsideoftheairport’ssecure
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areaisdifferentiatedfromthepassengerterminalandremainsinthelawasamendedbythebillsothatconcealedweaponsorfirearmsmaynotbecarriedintothesecureareaoftheairport.
Issue: BailBonds
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-168
Effective: July1,2017
(HB361bySantiago&SB680byBaxley)
Thebillmakesanumberofchangestoch.903,F.S.,thestatuterelatedtobail,whichinclude:• Removinganybreachofthebondasabasisonwhichaforfeiturecanoccur,andnarrowingittoonlya
failuretoappearbeforethecourtinaproceedingforwhichthesuretybondwasposted;• Revisingthereasonsforwhichaforfeituremaybedischarged;• Expandingthereasonsforwhichtheclerkofcourtmayautomaticallydischargeabondtoinclude
circumstanceswherethedefendantisarrestedandreturnedtothecountyofthejurisdictionofthecourtorhaspostedanewbondforthecaseatissuebeforejudgment;
• Providingthatabondiscanceledwhenaperiodof36monthshaspassedsincethebondwaspostedunlessthebondwaspreviouslyforfeited;and
• Addingplacementinanycourt-orderedprogram,includingaresidentialmentalhealthfacility,tothelistofcircumstancesinwhichanoriginalbondisnotconsideredtoguaranteethedefendant’sappearance.
ImpacttoSheriffs:None.
Issue: Self-DefenseImmunity
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-072
Effective: Uponbecominglaw
(HB245byPayne&SB128byBradley)
Thisbillchangestheburdenofproofandwhomustbearitduringpretrialhearingstoevaluateadefendant’sclaimofimmunitybasedonajustifiableuseofforce(commonlyreferredtoasthe“StandYourGround”(SYG)law).Currentlawprovidesadefendantarightofimmunityfromcriminalprosecutionandcivilactionifheorsheisjustifiedinusingforce.However,theprocedurestodetermineaperson’simmunityfromprosecutionarenotincurrentlaw.Asaresult,themajorityoftheSupremeCourtinthe2015opinionofBretherickv.StatesetforthprocedurestodeterminethegrantofimmunitywhichitbelievedwasconsistentwiththeintentoftheLegislature.Underthemajorityopinion,adefendantclaimingimmunitymustprovebyapreponderanceoftheevidencetheentitlementtotheimmunityatapretrialhearing.
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ThedissentingopinioninBretherickinterpretedtheexistingsubstantiverighttoassertimmunityandconcludedthatthestatehastheburdenofproof.ConsistentwiththeBretherickdissent,thebillplacestheburdenofproofonthestateatpretrialimmunityhearings.Additionally,thebillprovidesthatthestatemustproveitsburdenbytheclearandconvincingevidencestandard.ThisprovisionwasamendedlateinsessionanddepartedfromtheSenate’shigherstandardofproofofbeyondareasonabledoubt.ImpacttoSheriffs:Deputiesmaybecalleduponmoreoftentotestifyinpretrialhearingswhenadefendantclaimsimmunitybasedonajustifiableuseofforce.Issue: JustifiableUseofForce
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-077
Effective: July1,2017(HB677byByrd&SB1052bySimmons)
Thisbilladdressesinconsistenciesinexisting“StandYourGround”(SYG)law(s.776.013(3),F.S.).Theinconsistencyinexistinglawimpliesthatapersonwhoisinhisorherdwellingorresidencemustbephysicallyattackedbeforeheorshehastherighttoactinself-defense.Thedraftingissuesinexistinglawmightalsobereadtorequireapersontofleefromhisorherhomebeforeactinginself-defenseifthepersonisengagedincriminalactivity.However,aperson’shomehashistoricallybeenviewedashisorhercastleoraplaceofrefugefromwhichnoretreathasbeenrequired.Thebilleliminateslanguageimplyingthatapersoninhisorherdwellingorresidencemustsufferaphysicalattackbeforeactinginself-defense,anditeliminateslanguagethatmightrequireapersontofleefromhisorherhomebeforeactinginself-defense.Additionally,thebillremovestherequirementthatsomeonebein"theirresidence"toinvoketheSYGprovisions.Underthisbill,allonemustdoisbein"anyresidence"andtheymayinvokeSYG.ImpacttoSheriffs:LawenforcementofficersmustbefamiliarwiththisclarificationofexistinglawwheninvestigatingsituationswhereSYGmaybeapplicable.Itisimportanttonotethatapersoncannowbein“anyresidence”andnotnecessarilytheirownhometoinvokeSYG.Issue: BreachofPeace
Outcome: Failed.DiedinSenateCriminalJustice.
(HB6013byByrd&SB1248bySteube)
Thebillrepealss.933.14(3),F.S.,requiringacourtorderpriortothereturnofapistolorfirearmthatwastakenwithoutawarrant,uponviewingabreachofthepeace.Lawenforcementwouldnolongerhavetheauthoritytoretainfirearmsimpoundeduponviewingabreachofthepeace,unlessadifferentlawindependentlyprovidestheauthorityforthefirearm’sretention.
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Issue: FloridaComprehensiveDrugAbusePreventionandControlAct
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-110
Effective: July1,2017
(HB505byRep.Trumbull&SB1002bySen.Perry)
ThebillremovesioflupaneI123fromthelistofsubstancesthatareclassifiedunderscheduleIIinFlorida’scontrolledsubstanceschedules.Thiswasdonetomirrorfederallaw.EffectiveSeptember11,2015,theU.S.DrugEnforcementAdministrationremovedioflupaneI123fromthatschedulebecausethedrugisnotsubjecttoabuseandcurrentlyhasamedicallyacceptableuseinDaTscan.DaTscanisadrugproductusedtovisualizestriataldopaminetransportersinthebrainsofadultpatientswithsuspectedParkinsoniansyndromes.ImpactonSheriffs:IoflupaneI123isnolongeronthelistofScheduleIIdrugs.
Issue: KratomOutcome: Failed.Bothbillsdiedincommittee.
(HB183byRep.Jacobs&SB424Sen.Rouson)
Thisbillproposedtoaddmitragynineand7-hydroxymitragynine,substancesthatarepharmacologicallyactiveconstituentsoftheplantKratom,toScheduleIofFlorida’scontrolledsubstanceschedules.Thebillalsocreatedafirst-degreemisdemeanorcriminalpenaltyrelatingto:
• Thepossession,sale,manufacture,anddeliveryofKratom;and• ThepossessionwithintenttosellordeliverKratomtoapersonyoungerthan18yearsofage.
Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InjunctionsforProtectionOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-014
Effective: July1,2017
(HB239byRep.Lee,Jr.&SB1062bySen.Powell)
Thisbillexemptsfrompublicrecordrequirementsapetition,andthecontentsthereof,foraninjunctionforprotectionagainstdomesticviolence,repeatviolence,datingviolence,sexualviolence,stalking,orcyberstalkingwhenthepetitionis:
• Dismissedwithoutahearing;• Dismissedatanexpartehearingduetofailuretostateaclaimorlackofjurisdiction;or• Dismissedforanyreasonhavingtodowiththesufficiencyofthepetitionitselfwithoutaninjunction
beingissuedonorafterJuly1,2017.
IfsuchaninjunctionforprotectionwasdismissedpriortoJuly1,2017,thepetition,andthecontentsthereof,areexemptonlyiftherespondentrequests.
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ImpactonSheriffs:Apublicrecordexemptionhasbeencreatedregardingapetitionforaninjunctionforprotectionanditscontentswhenthatinjunctionisdismissedforthereasonslistedabove.
Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:IdentityofaWitnesstoaMurder
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-011
Effective: July1,2017
(HB111byRep.Stafford&SB550bySen.Bracy)
Thisbillcreatesapublicrecordexemptionforcriminalintelligenceorcriminalinvestigativeinformationthatrevealsthepersonalidentifyinginformationofawitnesstoamurderfortwoyearsafterthedateonwhichthemurderisobservedbythewitness.However,thisinformationmaybedisclosedbyacriminaljusticeagency:
• Inthefurtheranceofitsofficialdutiesandresponsibilities;• Toassistinlocatingoridentifyingthewitnessiftheagencybelievesthewitnesstobemissingor
endangered;• Toanothergovernmentalagencyforuseintheperformanceofitsofficialdutiesandresponsibilities;or• Tothepartiesinapendingcriminalprosecutionasrequiredbylaw.
ThispublicrecordexemptioncontinuestoapplytopersonalidentifyinginformationofawitnesstoamurderwhenitisdisclosedindiscoverytoapersonwhoisarrestedormadepartofacourtfileImpactonSheriffs:Apublicrecordexemptionhasbeencreatedregardinginformationthatwouldrevealpersonalidentifyinginformationofawitnesstoamurderofacrimeforaperiodof2years.Thisisapublicrecordexemptionandappliestothedocumentationthatiscreatedanddoesnotapplytopublicstatementsthatmaybemadetothepublic.
Issue: TextingWhileDriving
Outcome: Failed.BothbillsdiedinCommittee.
(HB69byRep.Slosberg&SB144bySen.Garcia)
Thebillauthorizedenforcementofthebanontextingwhiledrivingasaprimaryoffense.
Issue: SentencinginCapitalFelonies
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-001
Effective: March13,2017
(HB527byRep.Sprowls&SB280bySen.Bracy)
Inthe2016LegislativeSession,HB7101(2016Act)wasenactedtorequirethesentencingjuryinadeathpenaltycasetounanimouslyfindatleastoneaggravatingfactorbeforethedefendantcouldbeeligiblefora
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sentenceofdeath.The2016Actalsorequiredatleast10ofthe12jurorstoconcurinarecommendationofasentenceofdeathtothecourt.OnOctober14,2016,theFloridaSupremeCourt(FSC)heldinHurstv.Statethatallofthefindingsnecessaryforajurytoimposeasentenceofdeathmustbedeterminedunanimouslybythejuryandthatajury’srecommendationofasentenceofdeathmustalsobeunanimous.Onthatsameday,theFSCissuedPerryv.State,inwhichtheCourtheldthe2016Actunconstitutionalbecauseitdoesnotrequirethejurytounanimouslyrecommendasentenceofdeath.TheFSCstated,“whilemostoftheActcanbeconstruedconstitutionallyunderourholdinginHurst,theAct's10-2juryrecommendationrequirementrenderstheActunconstitutional.”ToaddresstheFSC’sholding,thebillamendsFlorida’sdeathpenaltysentencingprocesstorequirethatajury’srecommendationofasentenceofdeathbeunanimous.Underthebill,ifthejurydoesnotunanimouslydeterminethatthedefendantshouldbesentencedtodeath,thejury’srecommendationmustbeasentenceoflifeimprisonmentwithoutparole.ImpactonSheriffs:None
Issue: ArrestBookingPhotos
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-130
Effective: July1,2018
(HB857byRep.Plakon&SB118bySen.Steube)
Thisbillprohibitsapersonorentityengagedinthebusinessofpublishingorotherwisedisseminatingarrestbookingphotographsfromsolicitingoracceptingafeetoremoveaphotograph.Underthebill,apersonwhosearrestbookingphotographhasbeenpublished,orhisorherlegalrepresentative,mayrequestinwritingthatthephotographberemoved.Within10calendardaysafterreceiptofsuchwrittenrequest,thepublishermustremovethephotographwithoutcharge.Failuretoremovethephotographmaysubjectthepublishertocivilpenaltiesof$1,000perday,aswellasactualdamagesandpenaltiesundertheFloridaDeceptiveandUnfairTradePracticesAct.Thebilldoesnotapplytoapersonorentitythatpublishesordisseminatesinformationrelatingtoarrestbookingphotographs,unlessthepersonorentitysolicitsoracceptsafeetoremovetheinformation.ThebillalsocontainedaprovisionrequiringthattheFloridaDepartmentofLawEnforcement(FDLE)administrativelysealALLcriminalhistoryrecordsforwhichchargesaredismissed,orwherethecaseresultedinajudgmentofacquittaloraverdictofnotguilty.Priortothislastminutechangeonthefloor,bothbillsallowedforONEsinglesealingofthesametypeofcriminalhistoryrecord.ThisprovisionwasamendedontothebillverylateinsessionandwascontingentuponSB450passingduringthesamesession.SB450didnotpasssotheautomaticsealingoftheserecordsdidnottakeeffect.ImpactonSheriffs:Sheriffs’officescancontinuetopostarrestbookingphotographsontheirwebsites.
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Issue: CriminalJusticeReformStudy
Outcome: Passed,BudgetAppropriation(GovernorVetoed)
(SB2500Line1986B)
TheLegislatureappropriated$300,000innonrecurringfundsforacomprehensivereviewofFlorida’scriminaljusticesystem.Whilenotspecificallylistedinprovisoorimplementingbilllanguage,thestudywilltakeplaceduringtheinterimbeforethe2018LegislativeSessionandwillbeconductedbyHouseandSenatestaff.Issue: FloridaHighwayPatrolWorkgroup
Outcome: Passed,BudgetAppropriation(GovernorVetoed)
(SB2500Lines2612/2616&SB2502Section44)
WithintheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles,therewillbeaworkgrouptoreviewtheFloridaHighwayPatrol’s(FHP)responsetocallsforservice,includingcurrentresourceallocation.TheworkgroupwillalsocompareFHPresourcestothoseoflocallawenforcemententitiesandotherstatehighwaypatrolagenciestodeterminewhetheradditionalresourcesarenecessarytoimprovetheresponsetimetocallsforserviceandtoperformotherdutiesoutlinedinchapter321,FloridaStatutes.Inaddition,theworkgroupwillidentifypotentialpartnershipswithlocallawenforcemententitiesandconsideroptionalfundingsourcesforthoseagenciestoaddressneedsassociatedwithtrafficcrashinvestigations.Theworkgroupwillincludethefollowingmembers:
• ArepresentativeoftheUniversityofSouthFlorida’sCenterforUrbanTransportationResearch,whowillserveasthechairoftheworkgroup.
• ThreerepresentativesoftheFloridaSheriffsAssociation,appointedbytheassociation’sexecutivedirector.
• ThreerepresentativesofFHP,appointedbytheDirectorColoneloftheFHP.• ThreerepresentativesoftheFloridaPoliceChiefsAssociation,appointedbythepresidentofthe
association’sexecutiveboard.• TheexecutivedirectoroftheFloridaAssociationofCounties,orhisorherdesignee.• ThedirectoroftheDivisionofEmergencyManagement,orhisorherdesignee.• ThepresidentoftheFloridaPoliceBenevolentAssociation,orhisorherdesignee.• ArepresentativeoftheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral,appointedbytheAttorneyGeneral.
TheLegislatureappropriatedupto$65,000andupto$75,000innonrecurringfundstocontractwiththeUniversityofSouthFlorida’sCenterforUrbanTransportationResearchtochairtheLawEnforcementWorkGroupandprovideareportontherecommendationsoftheworkgrouptotheGovernor,thePresidentoftheSenate,andtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,onorbeforeJanuary1,2018.
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LawEnforcement
Issue: BodyCamerasforLawEnforcementOfficers
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-015
Effective: July1,2017
(HB305Rep.Harrison&SB624Sen.Steube)
Thisbillrequiresalawenforcementagencythatpermitstheuseofbodycamerastohaveaprovisionpermittingalawenforcementofficerusingabodycameratoreviewtherecordedfootagefromthebodycamera,uponhisorherowninitiativeorrequest,beforewritingareportorprovidingastatementregardinganyeventarisingwithinthescopeofhisorherofficialduties.Thebillfurtherprovidesthatanofficerhasaninherentdutytoimmediatelydiscloseinformationnecessarytosecureanactivecrimesceneortoidentifysuspectsorwitnesses.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officeswillhavetoupdatetheirpoliciesandproceduresrelatedtobody-worncamerastoallowanofficertoreviewbodycamerafootagebeforewritingareportormakingastatementaboutanincident.
Issue: InternetIdentifiers
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-170
Effective: Uponbecomingalaw
(HB699byRep.Mariano&SB684bySen.Baxley)
Duringthe2016RegularSession,theLegislatureamendedthedefinitionof“Internetidentifier”byexpandingittoincludeallidentifiers,suchasusernamesorscreennames,usedforanyInternetcommunication.Beforethelegislationtookeffect,however,agroupofplaintiffsfiledalawsuitarguingthatthenewdefinitionviolatedtheFirstAmendmentandwasoverbroadandvague.Findinginfavoroftheplaintiffs,thecourtgrantedapreliminaryinjunctionprohibitingenforcementofthenewdefinition.Thisbillamendsthedefinitionof“Internetidentifier”torequireregistrationofInternetidentifiersusedtosendorreceive“socialInternetcommunication,”ratherthananyInternetcommunication.Thedefinitionof“socialInternetcommunication”specificallyexcludescommunicationbyaregistrantoncertainnewswebsites,withgovernmentalentities,orthatisprimarilyforspecifiedcommercialtransactions.ThebillalsorequiressexualoffendersandpredatorstoreporteachInternetidentifier’scorrespondingwebsitehomepageorapplicationsoftwarenameaspartofregistrationandrequiresanychangetoanelectronicmailaddress,Internetidentifier,orrelatedinformationortobereportedwithin48hoursafterusingtheaddressoridentifier.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officesmayseeadditionalupdatesrelatedtotheinternetidentifiersofsexualoffendersandpredators.
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Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InternetIdentifiers
Outcome: Failed.SenatebilldiedinHouseMessages.Housebilldiedincommittee.
(HB701byRep.Mariano&SB686bySen.Baxley)
ThebillprovidedthatelectronicmailaddressesandInternetidentifiersofsexualpredatorsorsexualoffendersareexemptfroms.119.07(1),F.S.,andarticleI,section24(a)oftheStateConstitution,unlessotherwiseorderedbyacourt.Theexemptionappliedtorecordsheldbefore,on,oraftertheeffectivedateofthebill.ThebilldidnotprohibitalawenforcementagencyfromconfirmingthatanelectronicmailaddressorInternetidentifierisregisteredintheFDLEsexualoffenderandsexualpredatorregistry.
Issue: EyeWitnessIdentificationOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-091
Effective: October1,2017
(HB643byRep.Harrell&SB312bySen.Baxley)
Thisbillrequireseachlineupconductedbyastate,county,municipal,orotherlawenforcementagencytocomplywiththefollowingrequirements:
• Thelineupmustbeadministeredbyanindependentadministratorwhoisnotparticipatingintheinvestigationandwhoisunawareofwhichpersoninthelineupisthesuspect,orbyanalternativemethoddesignedtoachieveneutraladministrationandpreventthelineupadministratorfromknowingwhichphotographisbeingpresentedtotheeyewitnessduringtheidentificationprocedure.
• Theeyewitnessmustbegivenasetofinstructionsbeforebeingpresentedwiththelineup,whichmustspecifythat:
o Theperpetratormayormaynotbeinthelineup;o Thelineupadministratordoesnotknowthesuspect'sidentity,unlessanalternativemethodof
neutraladministrationisused;o Theeyewitnessshouldnotfeelcompelledtomakeanidentification;o Itisasimportanttoexcludeinnocentpersonsasitistoidentifytheperpetrator;ando Theinvestigationwillcontinuewithorwithoutanidentification.
Failuretocomplywiththerequirementsmustbeconsideredbythecourtwhenadjudicatingamotiontosuppresstheeyewitnessidentificationandmaybeadmittedattrialinsupportofaclaimofeyewitnessmisidentification.
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Finally,thebillrequirestheCriminalJusticeStandardsandTrainingCommissiontoconsultwithFDLEtocreateeducationalmaterialsandprovidetrainingprogramsonhowtoconductlineupsincompliancewiththerequirements.ImpacttoSheriffs:Asheriff’sofficemustreviewtheirpoliciesandprocedurestoensureline-upsareconductedaccordingtothespecificationslistedabove.
Issue: TerrorismandTerroristActivities
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-037
Effective: October1,2017(HB457byGonzalez&SB476byBean)
Floridadoesnothaveacrimeofterrorism.Thisbilladdressesterrorismbycreatingacrimeofterrorismandbyalsocreatingcrimesfor:
• Receivingmilitary-typetrainingfromadesignatedforeignterroristorganizationandusingthattrainingtounlawfullyharmanotherpersonordamageacriticalinfrastructurefacility;
• Providingmaterialsupportorresourcestodesignatedforeignterroristorganizations,includingprovidingsuchsupportormaterialstobeusedforcarryingoutspecifiedcrimes;
• Becomingamemberofsuchterroristorganizationandservingunderitsdirectionorcontrolwiththeintenttofurthertheorganization’sillegalacts;and
• Engaginginagroterrorism.Thematerialsupportoffensesandmilitary-typetrainingoffensearepatternedafterfederalterrorismstatutes.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriff’sofficescouldchargeindividualsforterrorismandcrimesincludedinthisnewlaw.Issue: ThreatstoKillorDoBodilyHarmOutcome: Failed.HBdiedoncalendar.SBdiedincommittee.
(HB575byRep.Plasencia&SB260bySen.Steube)
Thisbillprohibitedapersonfrommakingathreattokillordobodilyinjurytoanotherpersoninawritingorotherrecord,includinganelectronicrecord,bysending,posting,ortransmitting,orprocuringthesending,posting,ortransmissionof,thethreatinamannerthatwouldallowanotherpersontoviewthethreat.Thisbillremovedtherequirementthatthewrittenthreatbesenttothepersonthreatenedoramemberofhisorherfamily.Thus,underthebill,awrittenthreattokillordobodilyinjurytoanotherpersonwhichissent,posted,ortransmittedinamannerthatwouldallowanotherpersontoviewthethreat,evenifnotspecificallysenttoorreceivedbythepersonwhoisthetargetofthethreat,willbeprohibited.
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Issue: VirtualCurrencyOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-155
Effective: July1,2017
(HB1379byRep.Diaz&SB1626bySen.Bradley)
Thisbilladdsvirtualcurrencytothedefinitionofmonetaryinstruments.Thebillprovidesadefinitionofvirtualcurrencyas"amediumofexchangeinelectronicordigitalformatthatisnotacoinorcurrencyoftheUnitedStatesorothercountry."Theeffectofthesechangesisthatmoneylaunderingusingvirtualcurrencyisillegal.ImpacttoSheriffs:Virtualmoneyisnowillegalincasesofmoneylaundering.
Issue: AutismAwarenessTrainingforLawEnforcementOfficersOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-043
Effective: October1,2017
(HB39byRep.Jenne&SB219bySen.Stafford)
ThisbillrequiresFDLEtoestablishaContinuedEmploymentTraining(CET)componentrelatingtotheAutismSpectrumDisorder.Thetrainingmustinclude,butisnotlimitedto,instructionontherecognitionofthesymptomsandcharacteristicsofanindividualontheautismdisorderspectrumandappropriateresponsestosuchindividuals.Completionofthetrainingmaycounttowardalawenforcementofficer’srequired40hoursofCET.ImpacttoSheriffs:AlawenforcementofficercouldchoosetheAutismAwarenessTrainingasapartoftheirrequired40hoursofCET.
Issue: PrescriptionDrugMonitoringProgram
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-191
Effective: July1,2017
(HB5203byHealthCareAppropriationsSubcommittee)
PrescriptionDrugMonitoringPrograms(PDMPs)arestate-runelectronicdatabasesusedtotracktheprescribinganddispensingofcertaincontrolledprescriptiondrugstopatients.ThebillconformsstatutestothefundingdecisionsrelatedtothePrescriptionDrugMonitoringProgramincludedintheGeneralAppropriationsAct(GAA)forFiscalYear2017-2018.CurrentlawrequiresthatallcostsincurredbytheDOHinadministeringthePDMPshallbefundedthroughfederalgrantsorprivatefundingappliedfororreceivedbythestate.
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ThebillpermanentlyauthorizestheDOHtousestatefundstoadministerthePDMPtoreflecttheGAAforthe2017-2018FiscalYear.ImpacttoSheriffs:Florida’sPDMPwillnowbeeligibletobesupportedbystatefundingandcancontinuetoexistforlawenforcementtorequestinformationwhentheyhaveactivecriminalinvestigations.
Gaming
Issue: GamingCompactbetweentheSeminoleTribeandtheStateofFlorida
Outcome: Failed.HBdiedincommittee.SBdiedintheconferencecommitteeongaming.
(HB149byRep.Brodeur&SB8bySen.Galvano)
ThisbillproposedtoratifyandapprovetheGamingCompactbetweentheTribeandtheStateofFlorida,whichwasexecutedbyGovernorRickScottandtheTribeonDecember7,2015(the2015Compact),contingentuponrenegotiation.The2015CompactpermitstheTribetoofferthebankedcardgames(suchasblackjack),slotmachines,rafflesanddrawings,livetablegames(suchascrapsandroulette),andanyothergameauthorizedinFlorida.ThebillalsocreatedtheFantasyContestAmusementActtoregulatefantasycontestsandprovidethatthesecontestsinvolvetheskillofcontestparticipants.
Administration
Issue: EmployerContributiontoFundRetireeBenefitsOutcome: Passed
Effective: July1,2017
(HB5005byHouseAppropriationsandRep.Corcoran)
Thislegislationsetstheretirementemployercontributionratesforthenormalcost,unfundedactuarialliability(UAL)rates,healthinsurancesubsidy,andtheDeferredRetirementOptionProgram(DROP).
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Theratesforstatefiscalyear2017-2018are:
MembershipClass
EffectiveJuly1,2017
Normal
Cost
UAL
Rate Admin HIS Total
Regular 2.90% 3.30% 0.06% 1.66% 7.92%SpecialRisk 11.86% 9.69% 0.06% 1.66% 23.27%
SpecialRiskAdminSupport 3.83% 29.08% 0.06% 1.66% 34.63%
ElectedOfficers-CountyOfficers 8.54% 35.24% 0.06% 1.66% 45.50%
SeniorManagement 4.29% 16.70% 0.06% 1.66% 22.71%
DROP 4.17% 7.43% N/A 1.66% 13.26%
ImpacttoSheriffs:Eachsheriff’sofficemustpaythetotalemployercontributionratetofundtheretirementbenefitsofemployeesandretirees.Issue: SelectionsandDutiesofSheriff
Outcome: Failed.HBdiedoncalendar.SBdiedincommittee.
(HJR721byRep.Fischer&SJR134bySen.Artiles)
ThisresolutionproposedanamendmenttotheFloridaConstitutiontoremoveauthorityforacountycharterorspeciallawtoprovideforchoosingasheriffinamannerotherthanbyelectionortoalterthedutiesofthesherifforabolishtheofficeofthesheriff.
Issue: AwardofAttorneyFeesinPublicRecordEnforcementCases
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-021
Effective: Uponbecomingalaw
(HB163byRep.Burgess&SB80bySen.Steube)
Thisbillprovidesguidancetojudgesindeterminingwhethertograntordenyenforcementcosts,includingreasonableattorneyfees,inactionsthatrequiredagenciestodisclosepublicrecords.Acourtmustassessandawardthereasonablecostsofenforcement,includingreasonableattorneyfees,againsttheresponsibleagencyifitdeterminesthatthe:
• Agencyunlawfullyrefusedtopermitthepublicrecordtobeinspectedorcopied;and• Complainantprovidedwrittennoticeidentifyingthepublicrecordrequesttotheagency’scustodianof
publicrecordsatleast5daysbeforefilingthecivilaction,exceptasprovidedbelow.
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Acourtmaynotassessandawardanyreasonablecostsofenforcement,includingreasonableattorneyfees,againsttheagencyifthecourtdeterminesthattherequesttoinspectorcopythepublicrecordwasmadeprimarilytoharasstheagencyorcauseaviolationofch.119,F.S.Thebillrequirestheagencytoprominentlypostthecontactinformationoftheagency’scustodianofpublicrecordsintheagency’sprimaryadministrativebuildinginwhichpublicrecordsareroutinelycreated,sent,received,maintained,andrequestedandontheagency’swebsite,iftheagencyhasawebsite.Iftheagencyhasnotpostedtheinformation,thecomplainantisnotrequiredtoprovidewrittennoticeoftherequest.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officesmustensurethecontactinformationoftheagency’scustodianofpublicrecordsisprominentlyposted.Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:DepictionsorRecordingsoftheKillingofaPersonOutcome: Failed.Bothbillsdiedincommittee.
(HB1115Rep.Brown&SB968bySen.Bracy)
Currentlawprovidesapublicrecordexemptionforphotographsandvideoandaudiorecordingsheldbyanagencythatdepictorrecordthekillingofalawenforcementofficerwhowasactinginaccordancewithhisorherofficialduties.Thisbillreenactedthispublicrecordexemption,butexpandedtheexemptiontoapplytophotographsandrecordingthatdepictorrecordthekillingofanyperson.Issue: HomesteadTaxExemption
Outcome: Passed
Effective: January1,2019,subjecttoapprovalby60percentofvotersduringthe2018generalelectionorearlierspecialelection
(HJR7105byRep.LaRosa)
ThisjointresolutionproposesanamendmenttotheFloridaConstitutiontoincreasebyupto$25,000thecurrenthomesteadexemptionfromnon-schoolpropertytaxesbyexemptingtheassessedvalueofahomesteadparcelbetween$100,000andupto$125,000.ImpacttoSheriffs:IftheconstitutionalamendmentpassesinNovember2018,sheriffs’offices’budgetsmaydecreaseaslesstaxrevenuewillbecollected.
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Issue: EmergencyResponderDeathBenefits
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-155
Effective: July1,2017
(HB1379byRep.Diaz&SB1626bySen.Bradley)
ThisbillprovidesthattheDepartmentofLegalServicesmayawarduptoamaximumof$50,000tothesurvivingfamilymembersofanemergencyresponderwho,asaresultofacrime,iskilledansweringacallforserviceinthelineofduty.The$50,000awardisforeachinstanceandmustbeapportionedbetweenmultipleclaimantsatthediscretionofthedepartment."Emergencyresponder"isdefinedasalawenforcementofficer,afirefighter,anemergencymedicaltechnician,oraparamedic.ImpacttoSheriffs:Thesurvivingfamilymembersofadeputycouldreceiveadditionaldeathbenefits.Issue: FloridaWingoftheCivilAirPatrol
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-073
Effective: July1,2017
(HB635byRep.Combee&SB370bySen.Stargel)
ThisbillprovidesemploymentprotectionsforamemberoftheFloridaWing(FLWG)oftheCivilAirPatrol(CAP)whoisabsentfromhisorherplaceofemploymentduetoserviceortrainingwiththeCAPby:
• RequiringemployerstoprovideunpaidleavetoanemployeeengagedinCAPserviceortraining;• ProhibitingtheterminationofanemployeewhoisabsentfromworkduetoCAPserviceortraining,
exceptforcause;• EntitlinganemployeereturningtoworkfollowingaperiodofCAPserviceortrainingtocertain
seniorityrights;• AuthorizingacauseofactionforamemberoftheFLWGoftheCAPwhoisaffectedbyaviolationofa
provisioninthebill;and• Providesalegislativedeterminationthattheactfulfillsanimportantstateinterest.
ThebillalsoprovidesthatanemployerisnotrequiredtoallowaCAPmembertoreturntoworkuponcompletionofCAPleaveiftheemployercanmeetcertainrequirements.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officesmayhavetoreviewHumanResourcepoliciesandproceduresrelatedtoemployeeswhoaremembersoftheFloridaWingoftheCivilAirPatrol.
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Jails,Corrections&Re-Entry
Issue: FederalImmigrationEnforcementOutcome: Failed.HBpassedtheHouseanddiedinSenateMessages.SBdiedincommittee.
(HB697byRep.Metz&SB786bySen.Bean)
Thisbillproposedthe“RuleofLawAdherenceAct”(Act)torequirestateandlocalgovernmentsandlawenforcementagencies,includingtheirofficialsandemployees,tosupportandcooperatewithfederalimmigrationenforcement.Specifically,thebill:
• Prohibitedastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencyfromhavingalaw,policy,practice,procedure,orcustomwhichimpedesalawenforcementagencyfromcommunicatingorcooperatingwithafederalimmigrationagencyonimmigrationenforcement;
• Prohibitedanyrestrictiononastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagency’sabilitytouse,maintain,orexchangeimmigrationinformationforcertainenumeratedpurposes;
• Requiredastateorlocalgovernmentalentityandlawenforcementagencytocomplywithandsupporttheenforcementoffederalimmigrationlaw;
• Requiredanysanctuarypoliciescurrentlyineffectberepealedwithin90daysoftheeffectivedateoftheAct;
• Authorizedaboardofcountycommissionerstoenactanordinancetorecovercostsforcomplyingwithanimmigrationdetainer;
• RequiredanofficialoremployeeofastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencytoreportaviolationoftheActtotheAttorneyGeneralorstateattorney,failuretoreportaviolationmayresultinsuspensionorremovalfromoffice;
• AuthorizedtheAttorneyGeneralorastateattorneytoseekaninjunctionagainstastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencythatviolatestheAct;
• RequiredastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencythatviolatestheActtopayacivilpenaltyofatleast$1,000butnomorethan$5,000foreachdaythepolicywasineffect;
• CreatedacivilcauseofactionforapersoninjuredbytheconductofanalienunlawfullypresentintheUnitedStatesagainstastateorlocalgovernmentalentity,lawenforcementagency,orelectedorappointedofficialwhoseviolationoftheActcontributedtotheperson’sinjury;
• ProhibitedtheexpenditureofpublicfundstoreimburseordefendapublicofficialoremployeewhoviolatestheAct;and
• Waivedsovereignimmunityforactionsbroughtunderthenewly-createdcauseofaction.
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SpecialSessionA
Issue: MedicalMarijuana
Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-232
Effective: Uponbecomingalaw
(HB5AbyRep.Rodrigues&SB8AbySen.Bradley)
Thebillimplementstheprovisionsofs.29,Art.X,oftheStateConstitution.AfewofthekeyprovisionsofSB8Ainclude:
• Nosmoking,butthepracticeofvapingisallowed.• Useoradministrationofmedicalmarijuanaisprohibitedinastatecorrectionalinstitution,asdefined
ins.944.02,oracorrectionalinstitution,asdefinedins.944.241.• DepartmentofHealth(DOH)mustnotifylocallawenforcementofunlicensedactivityataMedical
MarijuanaTreatmentCenter(MMTC).• Lawenforcementtraining:
o FDLEmustdevelopa4-houronlineinitialtrainingcourse,anda2-houronlinecontinuingeducationcourse,whichwillbemadeavailableforusebyalllawenforcementagenciesinthisstate.Trainingmustcoverthelegalparametersofmarijuana-relatedactivitiesgovernedbyss.381.986and381.988,FloridaStatutes,relatingtocriminallawsgoverningmarijuana.
• GrandfathersinexistingdispensingorganizationsasMMTCsandrequirestheDOHtolicense10newMMTCsbyOctober3,2017,andthenfournewMMTCseachtimetheregistryincreasesby100,000registeredpatients.
o LimitsthenumberofdispensingfacilitieseachMMTCmayoperateto25statewideandperregionbasedonthepercentageofpopulationineachregion.ThetotalnumberofdispensingfacilitieseachMMTCmayoperateincreasesbyfiveper100,000patientsregisteredintheMedicalMarijuanaUseRegistry.MMTCsmayselldispensingfacilityslotstoeachother.ThesecapsexpireonApril1,2020.
• Preemptstheregulationofcultivationandprocessingofmarijuanatothestate.• AcountyormunicipalitymaybanMMTCdispensingfacilitiesfrombeinglocatedwithinitsborders.
o However,ifacountyormunicipalityallowsMMTCdispensingfacilitieswithinitsborders,itmaynotrestrictthenumberofdispensingfacilitiesallowedwithinitsborders,maynotenactordinancesregulatingMMTCdispensingfacilitiesthataremorerestrictivethanitsordinancesregulatingpharmacies,andmaynotchargeanMMTCalicenseorpermitfeeinanamountgreaterthanthefeechargedtopharmacies.
• RequirestheDOHandtheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles(DHSMV)toestablisheducationalcampaignsrelatedtothemedicaluseofmarijuana.
• SB8AFunding:o Thebillappropriates55full-timeequivalent(FTE)positionstotheDOHforimplementingthe
requirementsofSB8A.
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o Appropriates$500,000innonrecurringfundsfromtheGeneralRevenueFundtotheDOHtoimplementthestatewidemarijuanaeducationandusepreventioncampaign.
o Appropriates$5,000,000innonrecurringfundsfromtheHighwaySafetyOperatingTrustFundtotheDHSMVtoimplementtheimpaireddrivingeducationcampaign.
o Appropriates$100,000inrecurringfundsfromtheHighwaySafetyOperatingTrustFundtotheDHSMVfortrainingadditionallawenforcementofficersasdrugrecognitionexperts.
o Appropriates$750,000innonrecurringGeneralRevenuefundstoconductmedicalcannabisresearch.
Thebillexemptedmarijuanaformedicalusefromsalestax.Thebillpreemptedtothestatetheregulationofcultivation,processinganddeliveryofmarijuanabutauthorizeslocalordinancesthatdeterminethelocationofdispensingfacilities.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officeswillhavetoworkwithlocalDOHstafftodetermineifMMTCaswellaspatientsarecomplyingwiththelaw.
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LegislativeScorecard
TheFloridaSheriffsAssociationpublishesanannualLegislativeScorecardtohighlighthowlegislatorsvotedonkeyissuesthatareimportanttosheriffs.ThisyearFSA’sprioritybill,theComprehensiveDrugControl,wastakenupbytheSenateaftertheremovalofacontentiousamendmentthatwouldhaveunderminedminimummandatorysentencesfordrugtraffickers.ThisvotetotakeupthebillwithouttheamendmentwascriticaltothepassageofHB477.Thesenatorsthatvotedbelowintheaffirmativeprovidedforthebilltopasswithoutanyadverseamendments.
CS/HB477
Yeas20Nays18NotVoting1
Baxley Bean Benacquisto Book
Bracy Bradley Brandes Braynon
Broxson Campbell Clemens Farmer
Flores Gainer Galvano Garcia
Gibson Grimsley Hukill Hutson
Latvala Lee Mayfield Montford
Passidomo Perry Powell Rader
Rodriguez Rouson Simmons Simpson
Stargel Steube Stewart Thurston
Torres Young PresidentNegron