House Bill 1521 introduces substantial reforms to Florida's criminal justice system, focusing on the treatment of individuals with criminal records, particularly regarding housing and voting rights. The bill establishes a new section, 83.455, which prohibits landlords from asking about a prospective tenant's criminal history before making a "conditional offer" to rent, and limits the types of offenses that can be considered afterward. It also amends existing laws to eliminate the requirement for full payment of financial obligations to restore voting rights and ensures that individuals convicted of felonies have their citizenship rights automatically restored. Additionally, the bill allows for the retroactive application of sentencing laws for trafficking in certain drugs, enabling resentencing for individuals convicted before specified dates.

Moreover, the bill revises sentencing guidelines for drug offenses, imposing mandatory minimum sentences and fines based on the quantity of drugs involved. It also clarifies the process for juvenile offenders, requiring a juvenile court judge to assess the appropriateness of adult sanctions before charges can be filed against a child. A notable provision allows judges to return juvenile offenders to the juvenile division if deemed unfit for adult sanctions, with the rationale documented in writing. The bill mandates the Department of Corrections to provide inmate data for legislative redistricting, ensuring that individuals are counted based on their last known residence. These comprehensive changes aim to enhance the rights of individuals with criminal records and improve the treatment of juvenile offenders within the justice system. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1521 Filed: 940.05, 921.1402, 985.557