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 allows funds from this trust to be utilized for grants aimed at improving first responder mental health. It also increases fines associated with certain traffic violations to generate additional funding for the First Responders Trust Fund, specifying that a portion of these increased fines will be allocated to support mental health initiatives and trauma services.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new court cost of $135 for driving or boating under the influence offenses, with $25 of this fee directed to the First Responders Trust Fund. The remaining amounts from this court cost will be allocated to other funds, including the Department of Law Enforcement's Operating Trust Fund and the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Trust Fund. The bill aims to create a more robust financial framework to support first responders in Florida, particularly in addressing mental health challenges, while ensuring that funds are appropriately allocated for emergency medical services and related programs. 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