This bill amends Florida Statutes to redefine "prison releasee reoffender" by including defendants who commit or attempt to commit felony battery resulting in bodily injury. It establishes enhanced penalties for individuals who commit a second or subsequent battery after a prior conviction for resisting an officer with violence. Specifically, section 775.082 is modified to classify felony battery as an offense that designates a defendant as a prison releasee reoffender, while section 784.03 is updated to impose felony charges on individuals with prior convictions for battery or resisting an officer with violence who commit another battery. The bill aims to strengthen penalties for repeat offenders and enhance public safety by ensuring stricter legal consequences for those with a history of violent behavior.

Additionally, the bill reenacts several sections related to the Florida Career Offender Registration Act, clarifying that a career offender includes habitual violent felony offenders or violent career criminals. It updates the release orientation program under section 944.705 to ensure inmates receive clear notifications about their outstanding sentence terms and potential sentencing if they commit certain felonies within three years of release. The bill also modifies section 943.0584 to specify a comprehensive list of offenses that disqualify individuals from obtaining a certificate of eligibility for expunction or sealing, including serious crimes such as murder and various forms of assault and battery. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 436 Filed: 784.03
S 436 c1: 784.03