This bill amends section 775.085 of the Florida Statutes to include political ideology as a basis for reclassifying offenses that evidence prejudice. Specifically, the bill adds "political ideology" to the list of characteristics—such as race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and homeless status—upon which penalties for felonies and misdemeanors can be increased. The reclassification process remains the same, with specific penalties outlined for various degrees of misdemeanors and felonies.

The effective date for this legislation is set for October 1, 2026. The bill aims to enhance the legal consequences for crimes motivated by prejudice, thereby addressing offenses that target individuals based on their political beliefs.

Statutes affected:
S 402 Filed: 775.085