The bill amends Section 843.025 of the Florida Statutes to prohibit individuals from interfering 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 (such as handcuffs). It establishes criminal penalties for those who render these devices useless or prevent officers from defending themselves or summoning assistance. The language of the statute has been updated to replace "depriving officer of means of protection or communication" with "interfering with an officer's means of protection or communication."

In addition to these changes, the bill makes conforming amendments to other sections of Florida Statutes, particularly those related to background screening for peer specialists and other qualified applicants, ensuring that individuals with certain criminal offenses, including those related to interfering with officers, are disqualified from specific roles. The bill also introduces new classifications for certain criminal offenses, designating actions such as the introduction of contraband into correctional institutions and the use of two-way communication devices to facilitate crimes as third-degree felonies. These amendments aim to enhance the protection of law enforcement officers and ensure that individuals in positions of trust do not have a history of offenses that could compromise their responsibilities. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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