House Bill 1591 amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance support for first responders, particularly focusing on mental health initiatives. The bill renames the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund to the First Responders Trust Fund and establishes that funds from this trust can be allocated for grants aimed at improving first responder mental health. It also revises fines associated with certain traffic violations, increasing them to generate additional revenue for the First Responders Trust Fund. Specifically, fines for failing to stop at traffic signals will now include increased amounts that will be directed to the trust fund, providing a sustainable funding source for mental health initiatives and other support services for first responders.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the administration of funds within the newly named First Responders Trust Fund, ensuring that any balance at the end of the fiscal year remains available for its intended purposes. It specifies that proceeds from certain traffic violation fines and license taxes will support trauma centers and emergency medical services. The bill also modifies section 938.07 to direct a portion of court costs from DUI fines to the First Responders Trust Fund, with $25 allocated from the $135 court cost. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1591 Filed: 401.113, 401.345, 316.0083, 316.061, 316.192, 20.435, 316.306, 318.14, 320.0801, 320.08058, 395.401, 401.2715, 401.34, 401.411, 401.421, 401.465, 938.07