The bill CS/CS/HB 1405 seeks to reform Florida's juvenile justice system by renaming Chapter 984 of the Florida Statutes to "Children and Families in Need of Services; Prevention and Intervention for School Truancy and Ungovernable and Runaway Children." It emphasizes the need for both judicial and nonjudicial procedures to address status offenses like truancy and runaway behavior, introducing provisions for early truancy intervention, the appointment of counsel in specific circumstances, and requiring certain departments to provide information on their websites. The bill also mandates that parents utilize available health care insurance and outlines conditions for placing children in temporary shelters. Significant deletions include repealing sections related to attorney fees and sheltering unmarried minors, while revisions aim to preserve family ties and ensure children's safety and well-being.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifies existing terms related to child welfare, such as "custodian" and "early truancy intervention." It establishes a framework for providing services based on families' needs and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and community resources. The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families and the rights of juveniles in court proceedings, including the right to legal counsel and the handling of contempt cases. Overall, the bill aims to create a more supportive and rehabilitative environment for children in the juvenile justice system, focusing on education, family involvement, and timely interventions while ensuring due process and fair hearings.

Statutes affected:
H 1405 Filed: 984.01, 984.02, 984.03, 984.04, 984.07, 984.071, 984.09, 984.10, 984.11, 984.12, 984.13, 984.14, 984.15, 984.151, 984.17, 984.18, 984.19, 984.20, 984.21, 984.22, 984.225, 984.226, 985.03, 985.24, 1003.26, 790.22, 985.12, 985.126, 985.25, 985.433, 985.632, 409.2564, 95.11, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618
H 1405 c1: 984.01, 984.02, 984.03, 984.04, 984.07, 984.071, 984.09, 984.10, 984.11, 984.12, 984.13, 984.14, 984.15, 984.151, 984.17, 984.18, 984.19, 984.20, 984.21, 984.22, 984.225, 984.226, 985.03, 985.24, 1003.26, 790.22, 985.12, 985.126, 985.25, 985.433, 985.632, 409.2564, 95.11, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618
H 1405 c2: 984.01, 984.02, 984.03, 984.04, 984.07, 984.071, 984.09, 984.10, 984.11, 984.12, 984.13, 984.14, 984.15, 984.151, 984.17, 984.18, 984.19, 984.20, 984.21, 984.22, 984.225, 984.226, 985.24, 1003.26, 985.12, 985.126, 985.25, 985.433, 985.632, 95.11, 409.2564, 419.001, 744.309, 784.075, 985.618