The proposed HAVEN Act establishes the HAVEN Coordinating Council within the Department of Law Enforcement, tasked with supporting victims of domestic and dating violence. This council will develop a website to assist victims, coordinate with local law enforcement, and consist of appointed members from various sectors, including law enforcement and advocacy groups. The council is required to hold its first meeting by October 1, 2026, and will provide quarterly and annual reports on its activities. Additionally, the bill allows counties to create their own HAVEN councils to address local issues, mandates annual reporting from these councils, and specifies that it supersedes local regulations on related matters.

The bill also amends Florida Statutes 960.001 to include victims of dating violence in the address confidentiality program and revises definitions related to domestic and dating violence. It mandates state agencies to develop guidelines that align with the act's objectives, ensuring victims and witnesses receive information about protections against intimidation. The act expands the scope of protection information to include those affected by dating violence and specifies that they should be informed about the address confidentiality program. The HAVEN Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will be reviewed for potential repeal by October 2, 2029, unless renewed by the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
S 296 Filed: 741.401, 741.408, 741.465, 741.4651, 960.001