This bill amends Florida Statutes to expand the definition of "domestic violence" to include "coercive control," alongside existing offenses such as assault, battery, and stalking, specifically updating sections 414.0252 and 741.28. It introduces various technical changes related to domestic violence, including provisions for court-ordered batterers intervention programs, minimum imprisonment terms, and the responsibilities of state attorneys in prosecuting domestic violence cases. The bill emphasizes that domestic violence should be treated as a criminal act, mandating that individuals found guilty must attend a batterers intervention program and establishing stricter conditions for pretrial release and investigations.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of child protective investigators in cases of danger to children, requiring the creation of specific safety plans and collaboration with community-based care agencies. It also includes provisions for background screenings to disqualify individuals with domestic violence offenses from certain benefits or positions, mandates continuing education on domestic violence for licensed professionals, and reinforces protections for victims in various legal contexts. The bill aims to enhance legal protections for victims of domestic violence and ensure accountability for offenders, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 844 Filed: 414.0252, 741.28, 741.281, 741.283, 741.29