The bill establishes a new conditional geriatric release program under section 947.148 of the Florida Statutes, which requires the Florida Commission on Offender Review, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, to create guidelines for this program. Eligibility for the program is set for individuals aged 65 and older who have served a minimum of 15 years of their sentence and are not under a death sentence. The bill allows inmates to apply for consideration of release up to two years before they reach eligibility, but it clarifies that there is no right to conditional geriatric release. The commission will evaluate public safety and other relevant factors, including the inmate's criminal history and rehabilitation, before making a decision on release.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to incorporate provisions related to conditional geriatric release, including the authority of the commission to establish conditions for release and to revoke it if conditions are violated. The amendments to sections 947.13 and 947.141 include references to conditional geriatric release, ensuring that the commission's powers and duties encompass this new category of release. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1547 Filed: 947.141