The proposed bill, titled the "Child Protection at Time of Parental Arrest Act," aims to enhance the protection of minor children during the arrest of their parents or guardians. It amends sections 901.04 and 901.15 of the Florida Statutes to authorize law enforcement officers designated by the sheriff to execute warrants and mandates that they ask specific questions regarding the presence and safety of minor children at the time of an arrest. If a minor child is identified, officers are required to verify the child's safety, notify the central abuse hotline if necessary, and follow established procedures for taking the child into custody if deemed unsafe. Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for terms such as "guardian," "minor child," and "safe."

Furthermore, the bill requires the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to develop statewide policies and procedures addressing the special needs of minor children at the scene of arrests, which will be incorporated into law enforcement training. It also mandates that basic skills courses for law enforcement include instruction on the responsibilities of officers regarding minor children during arrests. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 83 Filed: 901.04, 901.15, 943.172