The bill amends Section 843.025 of the Florida Statutes to make it unlawful for individuals to interfere with law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officers by depriving them of their weapons, radios, digital recording devices (including body-worn cameras), or restraint devices like handcuffs. The new legal language specifies that it is illegal to either deprive these officers of their means of protection or communication or render these devices useless, which could hinder their ability to defend themselves or call for assistance. Violations of this section are classified as a third-degree felony, with penalties outlined in sections 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084.

In addition to the primary amendment, the bill includes conforming amendments to several other sections of Florida Statutes, such as sections 397.417, 420.6241, 435.04, and 921.0022, to ensure that background screenings for peer specialists and other qualified applicants account for offenses related to interfering with officers. The bill also introduces new legal language regarding the definition of "interfering with a law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer's means of protection or communication," replacing the previous term "deprive." These changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to clarify existing laws while enhancing the legal framework surrounding various criminal activities, thereby strengthening law enforcement's ability to address and prosecute these crimes effectively.

Statutes affected:
S 1042 Filed: 843.025, 397.417, 420.6241, 435.04, 921.0022