The bill amends section 775.15 of the Florida Statutes to establish a new statute of limitations for offenses related to required reports concerning children. Specifically, it introduces a provision stating that the limitations period for violations of section 39.201 does not commence until a law enforcement agency or another governmental agency, excluding the institution where the violation occurred, is made aware of the violation. This change aims to ensure that the time frame for prosecuting such offenses is more aligned with the realities of reporting and awareness.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for the implementation of this new legal standard. By modifying the existing statute of limitations, the legislation seeks to enhance the accountability of individuals and institutions responsible for reporting child-related offenses, thereby promoting better protection for children.