This bill amends Florida Statutes to revise the definition of "domestic violence" to include "coercive control," alongside existing offenses such as assault, battery, and stalking, specifically modifying sections 414.0252 and 741.28. It introduces various technical changes related to domestic violence, including provisions for court-ordered batterers intervention programs, minimum terms of imprisonment, 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 investigation of incidents.

Additionally, the bill outlines new criteria for judges to consider when determining bail for individuals arrested for certain offenses, particularly those related to domestic violence. It imposes a $201 surcharge for domestic violence offenses, which will fund the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and includes provisions for batterers intervention programs as a condition of probation. The bill also mandates that child protective investigators create specific safety plans for both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, ensuring that the victim's plan is not shared with the perpetrator. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for victims, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and create a comprehensive legal framework addressing domestic violence in Florida.

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