House Bill 1503, known as the "Protect Our Children Act," aims to enhance protections for minors against harmful content and inappropriate communications through electronic devices. The bill mandates that manufacturers of tablets and smartphones must include a filter that activates upon device activation in Florida, preventing access to material harmful to minors and notifying users when access is blocked. Manufacturers face civil and criminal liabilities for noncompliance, and individuals who disable the filter on devices used by minors may also be held accountable. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions, including issuing subpoenas and seeking penalties for violations. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the luring and enticing of children, increasing penalties for adults who attempt to lure minors under 12 and establishing criminal penalties for inappropriate communications with minors.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new legal language that categorizes "harmful communication with a minor" as a specific offense, with penalties for those who engage in such behavior. It clarifies that medical, educational, or treatment-related conversations by parents or educators are exempt from these prohibitions, provided they are not intended to elicit sexual excitement. The bill also enhances the registration and monitoring requirements for sexual offenders, mandating detailed personal information and specific markings on their identification. It emphasizes public safety by requiring thorough background checks for noninstructional contractors accessing school grounds and establishes penalties for misuse of public records related to sexual predators and offenders. Overall, HB 1503 seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the protection of minors and the regulation of sexual offenders in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1503 Filed: 787.025, 943.0435, 944.606, 944.607