The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning corrections, particularly focusing on the treatment and legal processes involving prisoners. Key provisions include the establishment of a one-year limitation period for actions related to confinement conditions, a requirement for prisoners to exhaust administrative remedies before filing lawsuits, and a definition for "prisoner." It also stipulates that claims for mental or emotional injury while in custody necessitate a prior showing of physical injury. Additionally, the bill revises the execution of death sentences to allow for methods not deemed unconstitutional and emphasizes informed consent for mental health treatment, outlining the responsibilities of the Department of Corrections in providing care.

Significant changes are made to the mental health treatment framework for inmates, including the requirement for express and informed consent from mentally competent inmates before treatment. The bill allows for involuntary examinations and treatment of inmates with mental health issues, mandating that such processes be completed within 10 days of arrival at a treatment facility. It also addresses self-injurious behaviors among inmates, establishing a legal framework for emergency medical interventions when treatment is refused. Furthermore, the bill outlines the health care decision-making process for incapacitated inmates, requiring evaluations by two physicians and providing for the appointment of health care surrogates or proxies. The act is set to take effect on 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