The "Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now (HAVEN) Act" establishes the HAVEN Coordinating Council within the Department of Law Enforcement, tasked with providing administrative support, developing a website for victims of domestic and dating violence, and coordinating with local law enforcement. The council will include appointed members from law enforcement, victim services, and advocacy groups, and is required to hold its first meeting by October 1, 2026. It will also provide quarterly reports to local law enforcement and an annual report to the Governor and Legislature starting in 2027. The bill allows counties to create their own HAVEN councils and specifies that it supersedes local regulations, with potential funding through state appropriations and grants. The act is set to be repealed on October 2, 2029, unless reviewed and saved by the Legislature.

Furthermore, the bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance public records exemptions for victims of stalking or aggravated stalking, ensuring their names, addresses, and telephone numbers are not publicly disclosed. Victims must file a sworn statement of stalking with the Office of the Attorney General to qualify for this exemption. The bill also updates guidelines for the treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system, mandating that victims of domestic or dating violence receive information about the address confidentiality program. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 269 Filed: 741.401, 741.408, 741.465, 741.4651, 960.001