This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve the rights and treatment of prisoners, particularly focusing on mental health issues and the imposition of prison sentences for felony offenses. It establishes a one-year limitation for actions concerning conditions of confinement and requires the exhaustion of administrative remedies before legal actions can be initiated. The bill also mandates consecutive terms of imprisonment for offenders convicted of multiple felonies and emphasizes the need for informed consent in mental health treatment, while outlining emergency treatment protocols. Additionally, it introduces new definitions related to mental health treatment and establishes criteria for involuntary placement and treatment of mentally ill inmates.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the health care decision-making process for incarcerated individuals, allowing them to execute advance directives and appoint proxies for health care decisions in case of incapacity. It streamlines the appointment process for the Florida Commission on Offender Review by having members appointed directly by the Governor and Cabinet, and it repeals certain procedural requirements related to the commission. The bill also modifies contract requirements for contractor-operated correctional facilities and removes the necessity for per diem and travel expenses for examining board members. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding prisoner rights, treatment, and the management of correctional facilities, 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