The bill establishes a Substance Abuse Accountability Pilot Program in Hillsborough County, Florida, set to run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027. It outlines eligibility criteria for participants, specifically targeting 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, in consultation with other officials, will oversee the program's design and implementation.
Additionally, the bill specifies that participants may face penalties for violations, including mandatory jail time for adjudicated violations, and outlines the process for potential administrative probation or discharge from the program after multiple violations. The program will be evaluated for effectiveness by June 30, 2028, with a report due to key state officials by November 30, 2028. The bill also includes provisions for funding, allowing the state courts system to pass through appropriated funds for the program's establishment and administration, which must be used for specific expenses related to the program. The section establishing the program is set to be repealed on November 30, 2028.