The bill CS/CS/HB 1283 seeks to enhance Florida's legal framework regarding capital human trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly focusing on the protection of vulnerable individuals, such as children under 12 and those who are mentally incapacitated. 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 facilitate trafficking. The legislation introduces severe penalties, including the possibility of a death sentence, and establishes a new section, 921.1427, detailing sentencing procedures in capital human trafficking cases. It also requires a unanimous jury finding of aggravating factors for a death sentence and mandates automatic Supreme Court review of such sentences.

Additionally, the bill expands the definition of capital offenses to include capital human trafficking and modifies existing statutes to incorporate this new category. It allows the state to appeal sentences in cases where proper sentencing procedures are not followed and updates the admissibility of confessions in sexual abuse cases. The bill also requires courts to document the ages of offenders and victims during sentencing for specific crimes and clarifies eligibility criteria for compensation claims related to crimes. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, aiming to strengthen protections against serious crimes involving human trafficking and sexual offenses against minors.

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