The bill CS/CS/HB 1283 aims to enhance Florida's legal framework regarding capital human trafficking, particularly focusing on the sexual exploitation 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 bill establishes severe penalties, including the possibility of a capital felony charge, and requires prosecutors to notify if they intend to seek the death penalty. It also introduces a new section, 921.1427, detailing sentencing procedures in capital human trafficking cases, including the necessity for a unanimous jury finding of at least two aggravating factors for a death sentence.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes to clarify the admissibility of confessions in sexual abuse cases and updates the criteria for sexual offender registration to include new offenses related to human trafficking. It mandates that courts document the ages of both the offender and the victim for certain qualifying offenses and outlines specific requirements for law enforcement agencies during investigations. The bill also specifies that individuals engaged in unlawful activities at the time of a crime are ineligible for compensation claims, with certain exceptions. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations and impose stricter consequences for those who exploit them. 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