The proposed bill introduces significant changes to the legal framework surrounding the age of victims in certain criminal offenses. It establishes a new section, 787.001, which clarifies that ignorance, misrepresentation, or a bona fide belief regarding a victim's age cannot be used as defenses in cases where the victim's age is a critical element, with an exception noted for section 787.30. Additionally, the bill amends section 787.025 to raise the age threshold for luring or enticing a child from under 12 to under 14 years old, while also increasing penalties for such offenses and revising the affirmative defense related to lawful purposes. The offense severity ranking chart in section 921.0022 is updated to classify luring or enticing a child as a third-degree felony for first offenses and a second-degree felony for subsequent offenses or those with specified prior convictions.

Moreover, the bill proposes amendments to laws concerning drug trafficking and sexual offender reporting requirements. It establishes new penalties for trafficking specific substances, including cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids, with detailed weight thresholds. Stricter penalties are also introduced for sexual offenders who fail to comply with reporting requirements, such as not reporting changes in residence or providing false information. Enhanced penalties are specified for drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of designated locations like schools and parks. These changes aim to strengthen legal protections for minors, enhance penalties for offenders, and improve public safety by ensuring compliance with reporting regulations. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1136 Filed: 787.025, 921.0022
S 1136 c1: 921.0022