The bill amends section 784.07 of the Florida Statutes to include a new definition for "contractor performing state functions," which refers to individuals employed by businesses contracted with the state to perform various functions, including construction and infrastructure maintenance. This new legal language is inserted to clarify the scope of individuals protected under this statute. Additionally, the bill reclassifies certain offenses committed against these contractors, aligning their protections with those already afforded to law enforcement and other specified personnel.
Specifically, the bill stipulates that if a person commits an assault or battery against a contractor performing state functions while they are engaged in their official duties, the offense will be reclassified to a higher degree, resulting in more severe penalties. For instance, an assault would be elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, while a battery would escalate from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.