The bill amends Florida Statutes regarding juvenile justice, specifically sections 985.455 and 985.465. It requires courts to establish a minimum period for a child to remain in a commitment program, mandating that the child must stay until completion of the program. The bill introduces a provision allowing for a maximum of six months for minimum-risk nonresidential commitments for second-degree misdemeanors. Additionally, it stipulates that children must have an objective performance-based treatment plan while in the program, with progress reported to the court quarterly. The bill also clarifies that a child's length of stay may be extended if they do not comply with treatment activities, but not for punitive reasons.

Furthermore, the bill lowers the minimum age for committing a child to a maximum-risk residential facility for serious offenses such as murder or manslaughter from 13 to 10 years of age. This change allows younger children who have been adjudicated for these severe offenses to be placed in a more secure commitment program. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 779 Filed: 985.455