This bill amends section 784.07 of the Florida Statutes to include a new definition for "contractor performing state functions," which refers to individuals employed by businesses contracted by the state to perform various functions, such as construction and maintenance. The bill also reclassifies certain offenses committed against these contractors while they are engaged in their duties. Specifically, it adds contractors to the list of personnel whose assault or battery offenses are subject to reclassification, thereby increasing the severity of penalties for such offenses.

Under the proposed changes, if a person is charged with assault or battery against a contractor performing state functions, the offense will be reclassified similarly to those committed against law enforcement officers and other specified personnel. For instance, an assault would be elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, while a battery would be escalated from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.