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, or restraint devices. The new legal language clarifies that it is illegal to either deprive these officers of their means of protection or communication or to render such devices useless, which could hinder their ability to defend themselves or call for assistance. Violations of this provision are classified as a third-degree felony, with penalties consistent with existing statutes.

In addition to the primary amendment, the bill includes conforming changes to several other sections of the Florida Statutes, ensuring that background screenings for various positions incorporate checks for offenses related to the newly defined interference with officers. The bill also introduces new legal language that redefines "interfering" and specifies additional offenses, such as theft of sexually explicit images and encouraging gang recruitment, as third-degree felonies. These changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding these offenses and enhance the protection of law enforcement and correctional officers. The act is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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