This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve the rights and treatment of prisoners, particularly focusing on mental health care and the management of correctional facilities. It establishes a one-year limitation for actions concerning conditions of confinement and requires prisoners to exhaust administrative remedies before filing lawsuits. The bill introduces a definition for "prisoner" and sets conditions for dismissing lawsuits, including the necessity of demonstrating physical injury for certain claims. Additionally, it mandates informed consent for mental health treatment and outlines emergency treatment protocols, including provisions for involuntary treatment under specific circumstances.

Moreover, the legislation enhances penalties for offenders convicted of certain felonies involving firearms, requiring consecutive sentences for multiple convictions and establishing minimum terms of imprisonment. It also streamlines the appointment process for the Florida Commission on Offender Review by removing the requirement for a qualifications committee and allows the Governor and Cabinet to directly appoint members. The bill further clarifies contract requirements for contractor-operated correctional facilities and eliminates the need for substantial minority participation in contracts unless impractical. Overall, the bill aims to balance the rights of incarcerated individuals with the need for effective management and safety within correctional institutions, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1604 Filed: 57.085, 775.087, 922.10, 922.105, 945.41, 945.42, 945.43, 945.44, 945.45, 945.47, 945.48, 945.49, 947.02, 947.021, 947.12, 957.09
S 1604 c1: 57.085, 775.087, 922.10, 922.105, 945.41, 945.42, 945.43, 945.44, 945.45, 945.47, 945.48, 945.49, 947.02, 947.021, 947.12, 957.09, 20.32
S 1604 c2: 57.085, 945.41, 945.42, 945.43, 945.44, 945.45, 945.47, 945.48, 947.02, 947.021, 957.09, 20.32