The Officer Jason Raynor Act seeks to bolster protections for law enforcement officers and other designated personnel by amending various sections of the Florida Statutes. Key changes include a revision of s. 776.051, which clarifies that individuals cannot use force against officers acting in good faith, along with a new definition for "acting in good faith." The bill also enhances penalties for manslaughter against specified officers under s. 782.065 and expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" in s. 784.07 to encompass a broader range of personnel. Additionally, it amends s. 843.01 to classify resisting or obstructing officers in their official duties as a felony, while updating the offense severity ranking chart in s. 921.0022 to increase penalties for battery against law enforcement.

Beyond these provisions, the bill addresses a range of criminal offenses, including false statements regarding property values, fraudulent use of personal identification, and drug-related crimes, particularly those occurring near sensitive locations like schools. It introduces new legal language that specifies penalties for these offenses, designating certain actions as second or third-degree felonies based on their severity. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a commitment to enhancing public safety and the legal framework surrounding these offenses.

Statutes affected:
S 156 Filed: 776.051, 782.065, 843.01