The proposed bill establishes a Substance Abuse Accountability Pilot Program in Hillsborough County, set to run from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The program is designed for individuals convicted of a felony or first-degree misdemeanor who are placed on probation with conditions requiring abstention from alcohol or controlled substances. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the program and must be informed of their potential assignment before entering a plea. The program will include various requirements such as regular testing for substance use, attendance at judicial hearings, and the provision of legal representation. The sheriff of the county, in consultation with relevant officials, will oversee the program's design and implementation.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific procedures for managing participants, including the potential for administrative probation after successful completion of half the program term and penalties for violations. It mandates an evaluation of the program's effectiveness by June 30, 2028, with a report due to key state officials by November 30, 2028. The bill also appropriates $2.5 million from the Opioid Settlement Trust Fund for the program's establishment and administration. The provisions of this section will be repealed on November 30, 2028, ensuring a structured timeline for the pilot program's operation and assessment.