The bill amends Florida Statutes to rename the existing Online Sting Operations Grant Program to the Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Program, reflecting a broader focus on combating online child exploitation. It defines key terms, including "affiliate" and "task force," and specifies that the grant program will support local law enforcement affiliates in their efforts to combat Internet crimes against children. The bill outlines the authorized uses for grant funds, which include covering expenses related to overtime pay, training, and technology purchases, and mandates that funds be awarded to local law enforcement affiliates if appropriated.

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

Statutes affected:
H 709 Filed: 943.0411