The bill amends existing Florida law to enhance the state's efforts in combating Internet crimes against children. It renames the current Online Sting Operations Grant Program to the Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Program and revises its purpose and authorized uses for grant funds. The bill introduces new definitions, including terms such as "affiliate," "good standing," and "Internet crimes against children task force," which clarify the roles of local law enforcement agencies involved in these efforts. The amended grant program will now support local law enforcement affiliates in their work to combat online child exploitation, allowing for funding of overtime pay, training, and necessary technology.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Funding Program, which aims to provide a stable funding source for task forces recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice. The program will allocate funds appropriated by the Legislature, with 80% distributed equally among the task forces and 20% retained by the department for its own efforts. The department is also authorized to adopt rules for the implementation and administration of this new funding program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 709 Filed: 943.0411
H 709 c1: 943.0411