Assembly Bill 1125 aims to establish state-level penalties for disrupting access to reproductive health service facilities and places of religious worship, mirroring existing federal laws. The bill introduces a new statute, 947.016, which categorizes specific actions as criminal offenses, including using force or threats to intimidate individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services, damaging property of such facilities, and obstructing individuals exercising their First Amendment rights at places of worship. Violators face a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a Class I felony for subsequent offenses.

Additionally, the bill allows for civil actions by individuals harmed by these prohibited actions, enabling them to seek injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney fees. The attorney general or district attorneys can also initiate civil actions on behalf of affected individuals. The bill specifies civil forfeitures for violations, with amounts varying based on the nature and frequency of the offense. Notably, it amends existing law regarding third-party complaints and tort claims to exclude actions under the new statute from the $5,000 limit.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 799.01(1)(cr), 799.01