House Bill 183 seeks to amend the Criminal Punishment Code in Florida with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation for offenders. The bill revises the legislative intent to prioritize rehabilitation as a key purpose of sentencing and reduces the minimum time a defendant must serve from 85 percent to 72 percent of their sentence. It introduces new provisions for gain-time, including "outstanding deed gain-time," "good behavior time," and "rehabilitation credits," which are intended to encourage positive behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated. The bill also establishes specific requirements for awarding these credits and outlines a framework for calculating tentative release dates based on them.

In addition to enhancing rehabilitation efforts, HB 183 modifies penalties for certain offenses, particularly those against vulnerable road users, and clarifies eligibility for rehabilitation credits. It reclassifies felonies based on the severity of the crime, particularly for aggravated battery and unlawful use of firearms, and eliminates "incentive gain-time" eligibility for specific offenses until minimum sentences are served. The bill also expands circumstances for HIV testing without consent and imposes stricter penalties for serious crimes, including those involving firearms and child pornography. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen public safety and health in Florida while ensuring that offenders serve more of their sentences without the possibility of early release.

Statutes affected:
H 183 Filed: 921.002, 944.275, 316.027, 316.1935, 381.004, 775.084, 775.0847, 775.0861, 775.0862, 775.0875, 777.03, 777.04, 784.07, 794.0115, 810.145, 812.081, 817.568, 831.032, 843.22, 944.281, 944.473, 944.70, 947.005