The bill CS/CS/HB 1283 aims to enhance Florida's legal framework regarding capital human trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly focusing on the protection of vulnerable individuals. It amends section 787.06 of the Florida Statutes to define "sexual exploitation" and prohibits individuals aged 18 or older from engaging in activities that lead to the trafficking of children under 12 or those who are mentally defective or incapacitated. The legislation establishes severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty, and requires prosecutors to notify if they intend to seek this penalty. It also introduces a new section, 921.1427, detailing sentencing procedures in capital cases, including the necessity for a unanimous jury finding of at least two aggravating factors for a death sentence to be considered.

Additionally, the bill expands the definition of offenses that can lead to a sexual predator designation and modifies the admissibility of confessions in sexual abuse cases. It emphasizes the importance of victim impact evidence while ensuring that opinions about the crime or defendant are excluded. The bill mandates that courts document the age of both the offender and victim for qualifying offenses and requires law enforcement to verify probation or parole status upon arrest for specific sex offenses. It also clarifies eligibility criteria for compensation claims related to crimes, stating that individuals engaged in unlawful activities at the time of the crime are generally ineligible for awards, with certain exceptions. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1283 Filed: 921.137, 921.141
H 1283 c1: 921.137, 921.141
H 1283 c2: 92.565, 456.51, 775.0877, 775.21, 787.01, 787.02, 921.137, 921.141, 944.606, 944.607, 948.32, 960.065