The proposed bill, titled the "Florida First Responder and Florida Public Safety Act," aims to enhance public safety measures in Florida by establishing a Counterterrorism/Counterintelligence Unit within the Department of Law Enforcement. This unit will focus on proactively addressing terrorist threats and foreign intelligence efforts, consisting of seven teams located regionally throughout the state. Additionally, the bill revises definitions related to first responders to include prosecutors and crime scene technicians, and it mandates the establishment of peer support provisions for these personnel. It also introduces new requirements for reporting missing persons, ensuring timely communication and data management across law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, the bill provides exemptions from certain law enforcement training requirements for individuals with prior experience as intelligence or counterintelligence officers. It mandates basic skills training in resilience for law enforcement officers, allows first responder amputees to continue serving without accommodations, and creates the Florida Medal of Valor and the Florida Blue/Red Heart Medal to honor first responders who demonstrate exceptional service or are injured in the line of duty. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1211 Filed: 365.171, 937.022, 943.131
H 1211 c1: 937.022, 943.131