2017 legislative report v4 - florida sheriffs association2017 fsa legislative report 1 executive...

FSA Legislative Report 2017One of the primary roles and responsibilities of the Florida Sheriffs Association is to support and monitor legislation that ensures public safety. During the 2017 legislative session, FSA’s legislative team actively worked with lawmakers to ensure the bills that passed are in the best interest of Florida citizens’ safety and Florida’s law enforcement officers.

2017 FSA Legislative Report

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ExecutiveSummaryIntroduction

Duringthe2017legislativesession,3,052billswerefiled;only249(8.2%)passedandmadeittotheGovernor’sdesk.Oneofthemoststrikingnumbersfromthisyear’ssessionisthat2,755billswereneverevenheardincommittee.FindingalegislatorinboththeHouseandSenatetofileapieceoflegislation,gettingitheardandapprovedinthecommitteeprocess,havingbothchamberspassit,andfinallygettingittotheGovernor’sdeskforhisfinalapprovalisnoeasytask.Sheriffswereawareofthesefactsandcreatedasuccessfulplantoworktogethersotheycouldgettheirlegislativeprioritiespassedandensureotherlegislativechanges,thatwouldhavehinderedpublicsafety,didnotpass.Changewasaconsistentthemethroughoutthe2017legislativesession.Twenty-fivenewsheriffstookofficethisyear,andtheirfreshperspectiveandwillingnesstoengageinthelegislativeprocessweregreatlyappreciatedbyFSAPresident,SheriffJerryDemings,andsheriffsservingonFSA’sLegislativeCommittee.Therewerealso66newmembersintheLegislaturethisyear;thatisalmosthalfthemembersgoingthroughtheupsanddownsofsessionforthefirsttime.Intheend,thesenewlegislatorsworkedwithleadershipinbothchamberstopassbothofFSA’slegislativepriorities,authorizeahostofotherpublicpolicyinitiatives,andpassan$83billion-dollarstatebudget.InJune,legislatorswerecalledbacktotheCapitolforabriefSpecialSessiontofinalizeacompromiseoneconomicdevelopment,afeweducationfundinginitiatives,aswellasabilltoimplementthevoterapprovedconstitutionalamendmentformedicalmarijuana.Whenthedustsettledonthe2017legislativesession,thefinalassessmentwasanothersuccessfulyearforsheriffsandpublicsafetyinFlorida.Sheriffs’LegislativePriorities

TheFloridaSheriffsAssociation’stoplegislativeprioritywaspassageofcomprehensivedrugcontrollegislationtoaddressFlorida’srisingheroinandFentanylepidemic.Thewidespreaduseofthesedrugshasdevastatedcommunitiesacrossthestate.Florida’smedicalexaminersreported704peoplediedofaFentanyl-relatedoverdoseduringthefirst6monthsof2016–

DuringtheCounterTerrorismConferenceinOrlando,FSAPresidentSheriffJerryDemings,FDLECommissionerRickSwearingen,alongwithseveralFloridasheriffsandtheexecutivedirectorsfortheNationalSheriffs’AssociationandtheMajorCountySheriffsofAmericajoinedGovernorRickScottashesignedHB457–abilltoaddressterrorismandterroristactivities.


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thesamenumberofFentanyl-relatedoverdosesthatoccurredinallof2015!MuchofthisrecentdamageiscausedbydrugtraffickingorganizationsmixingheroinwithFentanyl,anarcoticdrugprescribedtotreatseverepain,inordertocreateamorepotentdrug;Fentanylis50timesmorepotentthanheroin.HB477createstraffickingpenaltiesforFentanylanditsderivatives,likeCarfentanil,asyntheticopioid100timesmorepotentthanFentanyl,usedastranquilizerforelephantsandotherlargeanimals.ThesestifferpenaltiesarefordrugdealersandtraffickersofFentanyl—notaddictsandusers.ItwasdisappointingthatthispointwasoftentimeslostduringthedebateintheSenate,wheresomesenatorsusedthislegislationasaplatformtodenounceminimummandatorysentencesbyusinginaccuratescenariosofhowdrugtraffickerswouldbeimpactedbythisbill.Thankfully,sheriffsandAttorneyGeneralBondispenttimelobbyingtheSenate.GeneralBondimetwithsenatorsandwasabletovisuallyshowthemwhattheminimumamountofheroin/Fentanylfordrugtraffickinglookedlikeandhowthiscouldnotbeconfusedwithsimpledrugpossession.Attheendoftheday,thesheriffs,GeneralBondi,andourdedicatedbillsponsorsRepresentativeJimBoydandSenatorGregSteube,convincedenoughsenatorsabouttheimportanceofHB477andtheSenatepasseditonthefinaldayofsession.TheFloridaSheriffsAssociationalsosupportedlegislation(HB7059)toaddresshighrecidivistjuvenileoffenders–referredtointhebillasprolificjuvenileoffenders(PJO).Sheriffscollectednumerousaccountsfromacrossthestatewhereasmallnumberofjuvenileoffenderswerecommittingcrimesandnotbeingheldaccountablebecausetheywouldbesenthomefor3months,ormore,beforereportingtosecuredetention.Whileathomeawaitingplacement,manyofthesejuvenileswouldcommitmorecrimeslikeautothefts,vehicleburglaries,robberies,andcarjackings.LedbyFSA’sLegislativeChair,PinellasCountySheriffBobGualtieri,sheriffsbeganworkonlegislationtoclosethisloopholeinthejuvenilejusticesystem.TheresultwasthecreationofHB7059.JuvenilesdeclaredasPJO’swillnowbeonactiveelectronicmonitoringorplacedinsecuredetentionpre-adjudication;theStateAttorney’sOfficemustalsotrythemwithin45days.Thereareotherpartstothislegislation,butthekeycomponentisthattherewillnowbeconsequencesforthesehighrecidivistjuvenileoffenderswhoarecausingcrimeinourcommunities.

WaltonCountySheriffMikeAdkinsontestifiesinaSenatecommitteeonbehalfoftheFloridaSheriffsAssociation.


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TheDepartmentofJuvenileJustice(DJJ)startedimplementingpartsofthebillevenbeforeitbecamelaw,andFSAappreciatesDJJ’seffortsinsupportingHB7059andworkingwithsheriffstoaddressthisrisingproblem.FailedBills

Billsthatfailedtopassincludedanincreaseinthethresholdforretailtheft,abillthatwouldhaveputaconstitutionalamendmentonthe2018ballottoensureallsheriffsareelected,andabillthatwouldmandatetheissuanceofjuvenilecivilcitations,insteadofmakingarrests,forcertaincrimes.FSAopposedthismandate(SB196)becauseitremovedadeputy’sdiscretiontoassessthecrimeathandandreactaccordingly.Lawenforcementofficersexercisediscretioneveryday,andinrecentyearsFloridahasseenanincreaseinthenumberofcivilcitationsbeingissuedtojuveniles.Sheriffswanttoensuretheyremainaccountabletotheircommunitiesandretainthemanagementauthorityneededtocarryoutpublicsafetyresponsibilities.Mandatingcivilcitationsalsoeliminatestheabilityofthecommunitytodecidehowtobesthandlejuvenileoffenses.SheriffssupportedHB205,whichwouldhaveprovidedjuvenileswiththeopportunitytorecoverfromafirst-timeinteractionwiththecriminaljusticesystem.Thisbillenhancedthecurrentexpunctionofacriminalhistoryrecordthroughjuvenilediversionprogramsandprovidedjuvenileswiththeadditionalsafeguardstosimplifytheexpunctionprocess.Acompromisedagreementcouldnotbereachedduringsessionandbothbillsfailedtopass.

SpecialSession&MedicalMarijuana

TheFloridaLegislaturereturnedtoTallahasseeduringthefirstfullweekinJunetocompleteseveralpolicyissues.GovernorScott’sproclamationforspecialsession2017Aincludedseveralkeyeducationfundingandeconomicdevelopmentissues,aswellaslegislationrelatedtotheimplementationofAmendment2–medicaluseofmarijuana.Duringthespecialsession,theHouseandSenatepassedSB8A,whichimplementsthe2016constitutionalamendmentauthorizingtheuseofmarijuanaforcertainmedicalpurposes.Themanyprovisionsofthelegislationincludedtheprohibitionofsmokingmarijuana,numerousregulationsforcreatingediblemarijuanaproducts,limitsonthenumberofdispensingfacilitieseachMedicalMarijuanaTreatmentCentermayoperate,andthecreationandfundingfor55full-timepositionsattheDepartmentofHealthtomonitorandenforcethisnewlaw.


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SheriffsgatheratthestepsoftheOldCapitolBuildingforthe2017SheriffsDayattheCapitol.

Conclusion

Throughteamwork–withsheriffs,theirstaff,andourlobbyteamatSouthernStrategyGroup–FSAwassuccessfulinpassingthesheriffs’topprioritiesandfightingbillsthatthreatenedpublicsafety.ThesuccesswouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthededicationofthemanyindividualscommittedtotheFSA’slegislativeprogram.TheFloridaSheriffsAssociationwillcontinuetokeepsheriffs,ourlawenforcementpartnersandourhonorarymembersup-to-dateonallcriticallyimportantpublicsafetyissuesuntilthenextlegislativesessionbeginsonJanuary9,2018.


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TableofContents

ExecutiveSummary..................................................................................................................1FloridaSheriffsAssociationPriorities.......................................................................................7

Issue: ComprehensiveDrugControl.............................................................................7Issue: ProlificJuvenileOffender....................................................................................8

Prevention&YouthServices....................................................................................................9Issue: DiversionPrograms.............................................................................................9Issue: DiversionPrograms/JudicialResources..............................................................9Issue: JuvenileJustice(DirectFileofJuveniles)...........................................................10

PublicSafety...........................................................................................................................11Issue: OpenCarry........................................................................................................11Issue: ConcealCarry/CourthouseSecurity................................................................11Issue: ConcealCarryinanAirport...............................................................................11Issue: BailBonds.........................................................................................................12Issue: Self-DefenseImmunity.....................................................................................12Issue: JustifiableUseofForce.....................................................................................13Issue: BreachofPeace................................................................................................13Issue: FloridaComprehensiveDrugAbusePreventionandControlAct.....................14Issue: Kratom..............................................................................................................14Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InjunctionsforProtection.....................................14Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:IdentityofaWitnesstoaMurder.........................15Issue: TextingWhileDriving........................................................................................15Issue: SentencinginCapitalFelonies..........................................................................15Issue: ArrestBookingPhotos......................................................................................16Issue: CriminalJusticeReformStudy..........................................................................17Issue: FloridaHighwayPatrolWorkgroup..................................................................17


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LawEnforcement...................................................................................................................18

Issue: BodyCamerasforLawEnforcementOfficers...................................................18Issue: InternetIdentifiers............................................................................................18Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InternetIdentifiers................................................19Issue: EyeWitnessIdentification.................................................................................19Issue: TerrorismandTerroristActivities.....................................................................20Issue: ThreatstoKillorDoBodilyHarm.....................................................................20Issue: VirtualCurrency................................................................................................21Issue: AutismAwarenessTrainingforLawEnforcementOfficers..............................21Issue: PrescriptionDrugMonitoringProgram............................................................21

Gaming...................................................................................................................................22Issue: GamingCompactbetweentheSeminoleTribeandtheStateofFlorida.........22

Administration........................................................................................................................22Issue: EmployerContributiontoFundRetireeBenefits.............................................22Issue: SelectionsandDutiesofSheriff........................................................................23Issue: AwardofAttorneyFeesinPublicRecordEnforcementCases.........................23Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:DepictionsorRecordingsoftheKillingofaPerson....24Issue: HomesteadTaxExemption...............................................................................24Issue: EmergencyResponderDeathBenefits.............................................................25Issue: FloridaWingoftheCivilAirPatrol....................................................................25

Jails,Corrections&Re-Entry..................................................................................................26Issue: FederalImmigrationEnforcement...................................................................26

SpecialSessionA....................................................................................................................27Issue: MedicalMarijuana............................................................................................27

LegislativeScorecard..............................................................................................................29


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FloridaSheriffsAssociationPriorities

Issue: ComprehensiveDrugControl

Outcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-107

Effective: October1,2017

(HB477byRep.Boyd&SB150bySen.Steube)

ThisbillamendstheFloridaComprehensiveDrugAbusePreventionandControlActtoenhanceexistinglawandtocreatenewpenaltiesforunlawfulactsrelatingtoopioids,syntheticcannabinoids,andothercontrolledsubstances.Specifically,thebill:

• AddstoScheduleIcertainfentanylderivativesandfivesubstancesthatwereoriginallydevelopedforlegitimateresearch,butthathaveemergedintheillegaldrugmarket;

• Createstraffickingoffensesforfentanyl,syntheticcannabinoids,andn-benzylphenethylamines,whicharepunishablebymandatoryminimumtermsofimprisonmentandfines(seechart);

Fentanyl

Amount 4<14grams 14<28grams 28grams+

MinimumMandatorySentenceandFine

3years$50,000

15years$100,000

25years$500,000

Syntheticcannabinoids

Amount 280<500grams 500<1,000grams

1,000grams<30kilograms

30+kilograms


3years$50,000

7years$100,000

25years$500,000

25years$750,00

n-benzylphenethylamines

Amount 14<100grams 100<200grams 200<400grams 400+grams


3years$50,000

7years$100,000

15years$500,00

CapitalFelony(ImportationorManufacture)

• Createsafirst-degreefelonyoffenseforthepossessionof10gramsormoreofcertainScheduleII

substances,includingfentanylandothersyntheticopioidanalgesics;


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• Addscodeineandcertainphenethylaminesandphencyclidinestoexistinglawpunishingtraffickinginsuchclassesofcontrolledsubstances;and

• Createsafirst-degreefelonyoffenseforthepossessionof10gramsormoreofcertainScheduleIIsubstances,includingfentanylandothersyntheticopioidanalgesics.

Thebillalsoamendsthemurderstatute,s.782.04,F.S.,toaddfentanylandotherrelatedsyntheticopioidanalgesicstothelistofcontrolledsubstancesforwhichdistributionthatisproventobetheproximatecauseofauser’sdeathispunishableascapitalmurder.Finally,thebillauthorizeslaboratorypersonnelforthestatewidecriminalanalysislaboratorysystemtopossessandadministeremergencyopioidantagonistsusedtotreatopioidoverdoses.ImpacttoSheriffs:Criminalpenaltiescannowbechargedforthecrimeslistedabove.Issue: ProlificJuvenileOffender



(HB7059byRep.Grant&SB1670bySen.Latvala)

Thisbillamendsprovisionsoflawrelatingtojuvenilejusticetoaddressrecidivismoccurringwhenajuveniledelinquentisreturnedtothecommunitywhilenewchargesarependingorwhilethejuvenileisawaitingplacementinaresidentialprogram.Specifically,thebill:

• Establishescriteriatoidentifyanarrowclassofrepeatdelinquents,referredtoas“ProlificJuvenileOffenders,”whomustbeplacedinnonsecureorsecuredetentionuntilthedispositionoftheirpendingcases;

• Requiressecuredetentionforadelinquentawaitingplacementinanonsecureresidentialprogram;• Providesthatnonsecuredetentionperiodsaretolledonthedateaviolationofdetentionisalleged;

and• Specifiesthatdaysservedinanytypeofdetentionbeforeaviolationofdetentiondonotcounttoward

currentlaw’s21-dayand15-daydetentionlimits,sothatdetentionmaybecontinuedbythecourtafteraviolation.

ThebillalsorequirestheDepartmentofHealthtowaivethefeeforbirthcertificatesprovidedtocertaindelinquentsandcreatesanexceptiontoallowapersonwhohashadanadjudicationofdelinquencyforafelonyexpungedtopossessafirearm.ImpacttoSheriffs:JuvenilescategorizedasProlificJuvenileOffenderswillhaveenhancedsupervisionwhileawaitingthedispositionofhisorhercase.


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Prevention&YouthServices

Issue: DiversionPrograms

Outcome: Failed.DiedonHouseCalendar.

(HB205byRep.Ahern)

Thisbillencouragedlocalcommunitiestoimplementprearrestdiversionprograms,suchascivilcitationprograms,foradults.Thebillprovidedaframeworkforamodelcivilcitationprogramandallowedalawenforcementofficer,attheofficer’ssolediscretion,toissueacivilcitationorsimilarnoticetoanadultwhocommitsaqualifyingmisdemeanoroffense,doesnotcontestthatheorshecommittedtheoffense,andmeetsothercriteria.Thebillchangedtheexpunctionprocesssothat:

• Expunctionisavailableforthreeotherprogramtypesinadditiontoprearrest/postarrestdiversionprograms;

• Thesectionoflawensuresaone-timeexpunctionforanyfirst-timemisdemeanorwhentheprogramissuccessfullycompleted.Theagenciesoperatingtheprogramdonothavetoauthorizeexpunction;

• ThediversionprogrammustsubmittoFDLEacertificationforexpunctionwhenajuvenilesuccessfullycompletestheprogram,insteadofrequiringthejuveniletoapplyforexpunction;

• FDLEmaynotassessafeefortheexpunction;and• Ajuvenilemaylawfullydenyorfailtoacknowledgesuccessfulparticipationinadiversionprogramand

expunctionforafirst-timemisdemeanorforpurposesofcriminaljusticeagencyemployment.ThebillalsorequireddiversionprogramstosubmitdataregardingparticipantsandnonparticipantsindiversionprogramstotheDepartmentofJuvenileJustice,whichmustcompileandpublishthedataonitswebsite.

Issue: DiversionPrograms/JudicialResources

Outcome: Failed.Diedonthereturningmessages.

(HB301byRep.White&SB196bySen.Flores)

Thisbillproposedtorequirealawenforcementofficertoissueacivilcitationorrequirethejuvenile’sparticipationinasimilardiversionprogramwhenthejuvenileisunder16yearsofageforthefollowingenumeratedfirst-time“misdemeanoroffenses:”

• Possessionofalcoholicbeveragesbyapersonunderage21;• Battery;• CriminalMischief;• Trespass;


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• Theft;• Retailandfarmtheft;• LoiteringandProwling;• Affraysandriots;• Disorderlyconduct;• Possessionof20gramsorlessofcannabis;• Use,possession,manufacture,delivery,transportation,advertisement,orretailsaleofdrug

paraphernalia;or• Resistinganofficerwithoutviolence.

ThebillrequiredtheDepartmentofJuvenileJusticetoreportannuallyonthebestpracticesofjuvenilecivilcitationorsimilardiversionprogramsandontheparticipationandoutcomesforsuchprogramsfromthepreviouscalendaryear.Finally,thebillrequiredtheSupremeCourttoprovideanannualreportbyOctober15ofeachyearlistingitscaseswithoutadecisionordispositionbeyonda180-dayperiod.ThiswasamendedontothebilllateinsessiontomakethelegislationmorepalatablefortheHousetopassit.

Issue: JuvenileJustice(DirectFileofJuveniles)Outcome: Failed.Diedincommittee.

(HB192byRep.Powell)

Thisbilleliminatedmandatorydirectfileofachildandchangesthediscretionaryprosecutionofchildrenasadultsby:

• Modifyingthelistofcrimesthata14or15-year-oldcanbeprosecutedforasanadult;• Prohibitingtheprosecutionofa16or17-year-oldasanadultfortheoffensesofgrandtheft,burglary

inviolationofs.810.02(3)(b)or(4),F.S.,orpossessionofacontrolledsubstance;• Providingachildtransferredtoadultcourttheopportunitytorequestahearingbeforethecourtto

determineifhisorhercaseshouldremaininadultcourt;and• Requiringthestateattorneytodocumenthisorherdecisiontoprosecuteachildasanadultandfileit

withthecourtatthedispositionofthecase.Thebillremovedinvoluntarymandatorywaiverfromthejudicialwavierprocessandprovidesthatonlyachildof14yearsofageoroldercanbesubjecttoanindictmentbyagrandjury.Thebillprohibitedachildwhoisincompetentandhasnothadcompetencyrestored,orhasapendingcompetencyhearingfrombeingtransferredtoadultcourtuntilhisorhercompetencyisrestored.Thebillalsoprovidedthatachildtransferredtoadultcourtmaybesentencedasanadult,ayouthfuloffenderunderch.958,F.S.,orajuvenile.


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PublicSafety

Issue: OpenCarryOutcome: Failed.Bothbillsdiedincommittee.

(HB779byRep.Combee&SB646bySen.Steube)

Thisbillchangedthepenaltiesthatapplytoanopencarryviolationbyaconcealcarrypermitlicenseholderto:• Anoncriminalviolationwithapenaltyof:

o $25,payabletotheclerkofthecourt,forafirstviolation;oro $500,payabletotheclerkofcourt,forasecondviolation.

• Amisdemeanoroftheseconddegreeforathirdorsubsequentviolation.Apersonwhoisnotalicenseholderwouldcontinuetobesubjecttocurrentlaw’sseconddegreemisdemeanorpenaltyforopencarry.Thebillalsoremovedtheexceptionins.790.053,F.S.,relatingtoabriefandopendisplayofafirearmbyalicensee,tos.790.06(1),F.S.Issue: ConcealCarry/CourthouseSecurity

Outcome: Failed.SBdiedoncalendar.

(SB616bySen.Steube)

Thisbilldefinedtheterm“courthouse,”andauthorizedapersonwhohasaconcealedweaponsandfirearmslicensetocarryaconcealedweaponorfirearmintoacourthouseforaslongasittakeshimorhertoreporttocourthousesecurityormanagement.Then,thelicenseemustfollowsecurityormanagementpersonnel’sinstructionsforremoving,securing,andstoringtheitem,orthelicenseemustsurrendertheitemuntilthelicenseeisleavingthecourthouse.Thebillalsostatedthatanylocalordinance,administrativerule,administrativeorder,orregulationthatconflictswiththestateddefinitionofcourthouseortherighttocarryaweaponorfirearmintoacourthouse,aspermittedbythisbill,ispreemptedtotheLegislature.Further,thebillsubjectedapersonorentitythatenactsorenforcesapreemptedordinance,rule,order,orregulationtopenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedtofinesandremovalfromofficebytheGovernor.Issue: ConcealCarryinanAirportOutcome: Failed.SBdiedincommittee.

(SB618bySen.Steube)

Thisbillproposedtoremovethestatutoryprohibitionagainstconcealedcarrylicenseholderscarryingaconcealedweaponorfirearmintothepassengerterminalofanyairport.Theinsideoftheairport’ssecure


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areaisdifferentiatedfromthepassengerterminalandremainsinthelawasamendedbythebillsothatconcealedweaponsorfirearmsmaynotbecarriedintothesecureareaoftheairport.

Issue: BailBonds


Effective: July1,2017

(HB361bySantiago&SB680byBaxley)

Thebillmakesanumberofchangestoch.903,F.S.,thestatuterelatedtobail,whichinclude:• Removinganybreachofthebondasabasisonwhichaforfeiturecanoccur,andnarrowingittoonlya

failuretoappearbeforethecourtinaproceedingforwhichthesuretybondwasposted;• Revisingthereasonsforwhichaforfeituremaybedischarged;• Expandingthereasonsforwhichtheclerkofcourtmayautomaticallydischargeabondtoinclude

circumstanceswherethedefendantisarrestedandreturnedtothecountyofthejurisdictionofthecourtorhaspostedanewbondforthecaseatissuebeforejudgment;

• Providingthatabondiscanceledwhenaperiodof36monthshaspassedsincethebondwaspostedunlessthebondwaspreviouslyforfeited;and

• Addingplacementinanycourt-orderedprogram,includingaresidentialmentalhealthfacility,tothelistofcircumstancesinwhichanoriginalbondisnotconsideredtoguaranteethedefendant’sappearance.

ImpacttoSheriffs:None.

Issue: Self-DefenseImmunity


Effective: Uponbecominglaw

(HB245byPayne&SB128byBradley)

Thisbillchangestheburdenofproofandwhomustbearitduringpretrialhearingstoevaluateadefendant’sclaimofimmunitybasedonajustifiableuseofforce(commonlyreferredtoasthe“StandYourGround”(SYG)law).Currentlawprovidesadefendantarightofimmunityfromcriminalprosecutionandcivilactionifheorsheisjustifiedinusingforce.However,theprocedurestodetermineaperson’simmunityfromprosecutionarenotincurrentlaw.Asaresult,themajorityoftheSupremeCourtinthe2015opinionofBretherickv.StatesetforthprocedurestodeterminethegrantofimmunitywhichitbelievedwasconsistentwiththeintentoftheLegislature.Underthemajorityopinion,adefendantclaimingimmunitymustprovebyapreponderanceoftheevidencetheentitlementtotheimmunityatapretrialhearing.


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ThedissentingopinioninBretherickinterpretedtheexistingsubstantiverighttoassertimmunityandconcludedthatthestatehastheburdenofproof.ConsistentwiththeBretherickdissent,thebillplacestheburdenofproofonthestateatpretrialimmunityhearings.Additionally,thebillprovidesthatthestatemustproveitsburdenbytheclearandconvincingevidencestandard.ThisprovisionwasamendedlateinsessionanddepartedfromtheSenate’shigherstandardofproofofbeyondareasonabledoubt.ImpacttoSheriffs:Deputiesmaybecalleduponmoreoftentotestifyinpretrialhearingswhenadefendantclaimsimmunitybasedonajustifiableuseofforce.Issue: JustifiableUseofForce


Effective: July1,2017(HB677byByrd&SB1052bySimmons)

Thisbilladdressesinconsistenciesinexisting“StandYourGround”(SYG)law(s.776.013(3),F.S.).Theinconsistencyinexistinglawimpliesthatapersonwhoisinhisorherdwellingorresidencemustbephysicallyattackedbeforeheorshehastherighttoactinself-defense.Thedraftingissuesinexistinglawmightalsobereadtorequireapersontofleefromhisorherhomebeforeactinginself-defenseifthepersonisengagedincriminalactivity.However,aperson’shomehashistoricallybeenviewedashisorhercastleoraplaceofrefugefromwhichnoretreathasbeenrequired.Thebilleliminateslanguageimplyingthatapersoninhisorherdwellingorresidencemustsufferaphysicalattackbeforeactinginself-defense,anditeliminateslanguagethatmightrequireapersontofleefromhisorherhomebeforeactinginself-defense.Additionally,thebillremovestherequirementthatsomeonebein"theirresidence"toinvoketheSYGprovisions.Underthisbill,allonemustdoisbein"anyresidence"andtheymayinvokeSYG.ImpacttoSheriffs:LawenforcementofficersmustbefamiliarwiththisclarificationofexistinglawwheninvestigatingsituationswhereSYGmaybeapplicable.Itisimportanttonotethatapersoncannowbein“anyresidence”andnotnecessarilytheirownhometoinvokeSYG.Issue: BreachofPeace

Outcome: Failed.DiedinSenateCriminalJustice.

(HB6013byByrd&SB1248bySteube)

Thebillrepealss.933.14(3),F.S.,requiringacourtorderpriortothereturnofapistolorfirearmthatwastakenwithoutawarrant,uponviewingabreachofthepeace.Lawenforcementwouldnolongerhavetheauthoritytoretainfirearmsimpoundeduponviewingabreachofthepeace,unlessadifferentlawindependentlyprovidestheauthorityforthefirearm’sretention.


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Issue: FloridaComprehensiveDrugAbusePreventionandControlAct



(HB505byRep.Trumbull&SB1002bySen.Perry)

ThebillremovesioflupaneI123fromthelistofsubstancesthatareclassifiedunderscheduleIIinFlorida’scontrolledsubstanceschedules.Thiswasdonetomirrorfederallaw.EffectiveSeptember11,2015,theU.S.DrugEnforcementAdministrationremovedioflupaneI123fromthatschedulebecausethedrugisnotsubjecttoabuseandcurrentlyhasamedicallyacceptableuseinDaTscan.DaTscanisadrugproductusedtovisualizestriataldopaminetransportersinthebrainsofadultpatientswithsuspectedParkinsoniansyndromes.ImpactonSheriffs:IoflupaneI123isnolongeronthelistofScheduleIIdrugs.

Issue: KratomOutcome: Failed.Bothbillsdiedincommittee.

(HB183byRep.Jacobs&SB424Sen.Rouson)

Thisbillproposedtoaddmitragynineand7-hydroxymitragynine,substancesthatarepharmacologicallyactiveconstituentsoftheplantKratom,toScheduleIofFlorida’scontrolledsubstanceschedules.Thebillalsocreatedafirst-degreemisdemeanorcriminalpenaltyrelatingto:

• Thepossession,sale,manufacture,anddeliveryofKratom;and• ThepossessionwithintenttosellordeliverKratomtoapersonyoungerthan18yearsofage.

Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InjunctionsforProtectionOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-014


(HB239byRep.Lee,Jr.&SB1062bySen.Powell)

Thisbillexemptsfrompublicrecordrequirementsapetition,andthecontentsthereof,foraninjunctionforprotectionagainstdomesticviolence,repeatviolence,datingviolence,sexualviolence,stalking,orcyberstalkingwhenthepetitionis:

• Dismissedwithoutahearing;• Dismissedatanexpartehearingduetofailuretostateaclaimorlackofjurisdiction;or• Dismissedforanyreasonhavingtodowiththesufficiencyofthepetitionitselfwithoutaninjunction

beingissuedonorafterJuly1,2017.

IfsuchaninjunctionforprotectionwasdismissedpriortoJuly1,2017,thepetition,andthecontentsthereof,areexemptonlyiftherespondentrequests.


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ImpactonSheriffs:Apublicrecordexemptionhasbeencreatedregardingapetitionforaninjunctionforprotectionanditscontentswhenthatinjunctionisdismissedforthereasonslistedabove.

Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:IdentityofaWitnesstoaMurder



(HB111byRep.Stafford&SB550bySen.Bracy)

Thisbillcreatesapublicrecordexemptionforcriminalintelligenceorcriminalinvestigativeinformationthatrevealsthepersonalidentifyinginformationofawitnesstoamurderfortwoyearsafterthedateonwhichthemurderisobservedbythewitness.However,thisinformationmaybedisclosedbyacriminaljusticeagency:

• Inthefurtheranceofitsofficialdutiesandresponsibilities;• Toassistinlocatingoridentifyingthewitnessiftheagencybelievesthewitnesstobemissingor

endangered;• Toanothergovernmentalagencyforuseintheperformanceofitsofficialdutiesandresponsibilities;or• Tothepartiesinapendingcriminalprosecutionasrequiredbylaw.

ThispublicrecordexemptioncontinuestoapplytopersonalidentifyinginformationofawitnesstoamurderwhenitisdisclosedindiscoverytoapersonwhoisarrestedormadepartofacourtfileImpactonSheriffs:Apublicrecordexemptionhasbeencreatedregardinginformationthatwouldrevealpersonalidentifyinginformationofawitnesstoamurderofacrimeforaperiodof2years.Thisisapublicrecordexemptionandappliestothedocumentationthatiscreatedanddoesnotapplytopublicstatementsthatmaybemadetothepublic.

Issue: TextingWhileDriving

Outcome: Failed.BothbillsdiedinCommittee.

(HB69byRep.Slosberg&SB144bySen.Garcia)

Thebillauthorizedenforcementofthebanontextingwhiledrivingasaprimaryoffense.

Issue: SentencinginCapitalFelonies


Effective: March13,2017

(HB527byRep.Sprowls&SB280bySen.Bracy)

Inthe2016LegislativeSession,HB7101(2016Act)wasenactedtorequirethesentencingjuryinadeathpenaltycasetounanimouslyfindatleastoneaggravatingfactorbeforethedefendantcouldbeeligiblefora


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sentenceofdeath.The2016Actalsorequiredatleast10ofthe12jurorstoconcurinarecommendationofasentenceofdeathtothecourt.OnOctober14,2016,theFloridaSupremeCourt(FSC)heldinHurstv.Statethatallofthefindingsnecessaryforajurytoimposeasentenceofdeathmustbedeterminedunanimouslybythejuryandthatajury’srecommendationofasentenceofdeathmustalsobeunanimous.Onthatsameday,theFSCissuedPerryv.State,inwhichtheCourtheldthe2016Actunconstitutionalbecauseitdoesnotrequirethejurytounanimouslyrecommendasentenceofdeath.TheFSCstated,“whilemostoftheActcanbeconstruedconstitutionallyunderourholdinginHurst,theAct's10-2juryrecommendationrequirementrenderstheActunconstitutional.”ToaddresstheFSC’sholding,thebillamendsFlorida’sdeathpenaltysentencingprocesstorequirethatajury’srecommendationofasentenceofdeathbeunanimous.Underthebill,ifthejurydoesnotunanimouslydeterminethatthedefendantshouldbesentencedtodeath,thejury’srecommendationmustbeasentenceoflifeimprisonmentwithoutparole.ImpactonSheriffs:None

Issue: ArrestBookingPhotos



(HB857byRep.Plakon&SB118bySen.Steube)

Thisbillprohibitsapersonorentityengagedinthebusinessofpublishingorotherwisedisseminatingarrestbookingphotographsfromsolicitingoracceptingafeetoremoveaphotograph.Underthebill,apersonwhosearrestbookingphotographhasbeenpublished,orhisorherlegalrepresentative,mayrequestinwritingthatthephotographberemoved.Within10calendardaysafterreceiptofsuchwrittenrequest,thepublishermustremovethephotographwithoutcharge.Failuretoremovethephotographmaysubjectthepublishertocivilpenaltiesof$1,000perday,aswellasactualdamagesandpenaltiesundertheFloridaDeceptiveandUnfairTradePracticesAct.Thebilldoesnotapplytoapersonorentitythatpublishesordisseminatesinformationrelatingtoarrestbookingphotographs,unlessthepersonorentitysolicitsoracceptsafeetoremovetheinformation.ThebillalsocontainedaprovisionrequiringthattheFloridaDepartmentofLawEnforcement(FDLE)administrativelysealALLcriminalhistoryrecordsforwhichchargesaredismissed,orwherethecaseresultedinajudgmentofacquittaloraverdictofnotguilty.Priortothislastminutechangeonthefloor,bothbillsallowedforONEsinglesealingofthesametypeofcriminalhistoryrecord.ThisprovisionwasamendedontothebillverylateinsessionandwascontingentuponSB450passingduringthesamesession.SB450didnotpasssotheautomaticsealingoftheserecordsdidnottakeeffect.ImpactonSheriffs:Sheriffs’officescancontinuetopostarrestbookingphotographsontheirwebsites.


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Issue: CriminalJusticeReformStudy

Outcome: Passed,BudgetAppropriation(GovernorVetoed)

(SB2500Line1986B)

TheLegislatureappropriated$300,000innonrecurringfundsforacomprehensivereviewofFlorida’scriminaljusticesystem.Whilenotspecificallylistedinprovisoorimplementingbilllanguage,thestudywilltakeplaceduringtheinterimbeforethe2018LegislativeSessionandwillbeconductedbyHouseandSenatestaff.Issue: FloridaHighwayPatrolWorkgroup

Outcome: Passed,BudgetAppropriation(GovernorVetoed)

(SB2500Lines2612/2616&SB2502Section44)

WithintheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles,therewillbeaworkgrouptoreviewtheFloridaHighwayPatrol’s(FHP)responsetocallsforservice,includingcurrentresourceallocation.TheworkgroupwillalsocompareFHPresourcestothoseoflocallawenforcemententitiesandotherstatehighwaypatrolagenciestodeterminewhetheradditionalresourcesarenecessarytoimprovetheresponsetimetocallsforserviceandtoperformotherdutiesoutlinedinchapter321,FloridaStatutes.Inaddition,theworkgroupwillidentifypotentialpartnershipswithlocallawenforcemententitiesandconsideroptionalfundingsourcesforthoseagenciestoaddressneedsassociatedwithtrafficcrashinvestigations.Theworkgroupwillincludethefollowingmembers:

• ArepresentativeoftheUniversityofSouthFlorida’sCenterforUrbanTransportationResearch,whowillserveasthechairoftheworkgroup.

• ThreerepresentativesoftheFloridaSheriffsAssociation,appointedbytheassociation’sexecutivedirector.

• ThreerepresentativesofFHP,appointedbytheDirectorColoneloftheFHP.• ThreerepresentativesoftheFloridaPoliceChiefsAssociation,appointedbythepresidentofthe

association’sexecutiveboard.• TheexecutivedirectoroftheFloridaAssociationofCounties,orhisorherdesignee.• ThedirectoroftheDivisionofEmergencyManagement,orhisorherdesignee.• ThepresidentoftheFloridaPoliceBenevolentAssociation,orhisorherdesignee.• ArepresentativeoftheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral,appointedbytheAttorneyGeneral.

TheLegislatureappropriatedupto$65,000andupto$75,000innonrecurringfundstocontractwiththeUniversityofSouthFlorida’sCenterforUrbanTransportationResearchtochairtheLawEnforcementWorkGroupandprovideareportontherecommendationsoftheworkgrouptotheGovernor,thePresidentoftheSenate,andtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,onorbeforeJanuary1,2018.


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LawEnforcement

Issue: BodyCamerasforLawEnforcementOfficers



(HB305Rep.Harrison&SB624Sen.Steube)

Thisbillrequiresalawenforcementagencythatpermitstheuseofbodycamerastohaveaprovisionpermittingalawenforcementofficerusingabodycameratoreviewtherecordedfootagefromthebodycamera,uponhisorherowninitiativeorrequest,beforewritingareportorprovidingastatementregardinganyeventarisingwithinthescopeofhisorherofficialduties.Thebillfurtherprovidesthatanofficerhasaninherentdutytoimmediatelydiscloseinformationnecessarytosecureanactivecrimesceneortoidentifysuspectsorwitnesses.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officeswillhavetoupdatetheirpoliciesandproceduresrelatedtobody-worncamerastoallowanofficertoreviewbodycamerafootagebeforewritingareportormakingastatementaboutanincident.

Issue: InternetIdentifiers


Effective: Uponbecomingalaw

(HB699byRep.Mariano&SB684bySen.Baxley)

Duringthe2016RegularSession,theLegislatureamendedthedefinitionof“Internetidentifier”byexpandingittoincludeallidentifiers,suchasusernamesorscreennames,usedforanyInternetcommunication.Beforethelegislationtookeffect,however,agroupofplaintiffsfiledalawsuitarguingthatthenewdefinitionviolatedtheFirstAmendmentandwasoverbroadandvague.Findinginfavoroftheplaintiffs,thecourtgrantedapreliminaryinjunctionprohibitingenforcementofthenewdefinition.Thisbillamendsthedefinitionof“Internetidentifier”torequireregistrationofInternetidentifiersusedtosendorreceive“socialInternetcommunication,”ratherthananyInternetcommunication.Thedefinitionof“socialInternetcommunication”specificallyexcludescommunicationbyaregistrantoncertainnewswebsites,withgovernmentalentities,orthatisprimarilyforspecifiedcommercialtransactions.ThebillalsorequiressexualoffendersandpredatorstoreporteachInternetidentifier’scorrespondingwebsitehomepageorapplicationsoftwarenameaspartofregistrationandrequiresanychangetoanelectronicmailaddress,Internetidentifier,orrelatedinformationortobereportedwithin48hoursafterusingtheaddressoridentifier.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officesmayseeadditionalupdatesrelatedtotheinternetidentifiersofsexualoffendersandpredators.


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Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:InternetIdentifiers

Outcome: Failed.SenatebilldiedinHouseMessages.Housebilldiedincommittee.

(HB701byRep.Mariano&SB686bySen.Baxley)

ThebillprovidedthatelectronicmailaddressesandInternetidentifiersofsexualpredatorsorsexualoffendersareexemptfroms.119.07(1),F.S.,andarticleI,section24(a)oftheStateConstitution,unlessotherwiseorderedbyacourt.Theexemptionappliedtorecordsheldbefore,on,oraftertheeffectivedateofthebill.ThebilldidnotprohibitalawenforcementagencyfromconfirmingthatanelectronicmailaddressorInternetidentifierisregisteredintheFDLEsexualoffenderandsexualpredatorregistry.

Issue: EyeWitnessIdentificationOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-091


(HB643byRep.Harrell&SB312bySen.Baxley)

Thisbillrequireseachlineupconductedbyastate,county,municipal,orotherlawenforcementagencytocomplywiththefollowingrequirements:

• Thelineupmustbeadministeredbyanindependentadministratorwhoisnotparticipatingintheinvestigationandwhoisunawareofwhichpersoninthelineupisthesuspect,orbyanalternativemethoddesignedtoachieveneutraladministrationandpreventthelineupadministratorfromknowingwhichphotographisbeingpresentedtotheeyewitnessduringtheidentificationprocedure.

• Theeyewitnessmustbegivenasetofinstructionsbeforebeingpresentedwiththelineup,whichmustspecifythat:

o Theperpetratormayormaynotbeinthelineup;o Thelineupadministratordoesnotknowthesuspect'sidentity,unlessanalternativemethodof

neutraladministrationisused;o Theeyewitnessshouldnotfeelcompelledtomakeanidentification;o Itisasimportanttoexcludeinnocentpersonsasitistoidentifytheperpetrator;ando Theinvestigationwillcontinuewithorwithoutanidentification.

Failuretocomplywiththerequirementsmustbeconsideredbythecourtwhenadjudicatingamotiontosuppresstheeyewitnessidentificationandmaybeadmittedattrialinsupportofaclaimofeyewitnessmisidentification.


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Finally,thebillrequirestheCriminalJusticeStandardsandTrainingCommissiontoconsultwithFDLEtocreateeducationalmaterialsandprovidetrainingprogramsonhowtoconductlineupsincompliancewiththerequirements.ImpacttoSheriffs:Asheriff’sofficemustreviewtheirpoliciesandprocedurestoensureline-upsareconductedaccordingtothespecificationslistedabove.

Issue: TerrorismandTerroristActivities


Effective: October1,2017(HB457byGonzalez&SB476byBean)

Floridadoesnothaveacrimeofterrorism.Thisbilladdressesterrorismbycreatingacrimeofterrorismandbyalsocreatingcrimesfor:

• Receivingmilitary-typetrainingfromadesignatedforeignterroristorganizationandusingthattrainingtounlawfullyharmanotherpersonordamageacriticalinfrastructurefacility;

• Providingmaterialsupportorresourcestodesignatedforeignterroristorganizations,includingprovidingsuchsupportormaterialstobeusedforcarryingoutspecifiedcrimes;

• Becomingamemberofsuchterroristorganizationandservingunderitsdirectionorcontrolwiththeintenttofurthertheorganization’sillegalacts;and

• Engaginginagroterrorism.Thematerialsupportoffensesandmilitary-typetrainingoffensearepatternedafterfederalterrorismstatutes.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriff’sofficescouldchargeindividualsforterrorismandcrimesincludedinthisnewlaw.Issue: ThreatstoKillorDoBodilyHarmOutcome: Failed.HBdiedoncalendar.SBdiedincommittee.

(HB575byRep.Plasencia&SB260bySen.Steube)

Thisbillprohibitedapersonfrommakingathreattokillordobodilyinjurytoanotherpersoninawritingorotherrecord,includinganelectronicrecord,bysending,posting,ortransmitting,orprocuringthesending,posting,ortransmissionof,thethreatinamannerthatwouldallowanotherpersontoviewthethreat.Thisbillremovedtherequirementthatthewrittenthreatbesenttothepersonthreatenedoramemberofhisorherfamily.Thus,underthebill,awrittenthreattokillordobodilyinjurytoanotherpersonwhichissent,posted,ortransmittedinamannerthatwouldallowanotherpersontoviewthethreat,evenifnotspecificallysenttoorreceivedbythepersonwhoisthetargetofthethreat,willbeprohibited.


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Issue: VirtualCurrencyOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-155


(HB1379byRep.Diaz&SB1626bySen.Bradley)

Thisbilladdsvirtualcurrencytothedefinitionofmonetaryinstruments.Thebillprovidesadefinitionofvirtualcurrencyas"amediumofexchangeinelectronicordigitalformatthatisnotacoinorcurrencyoftheUnitedStatesorothercountry."Theeffectofthesechangesisthatmoneylaunderingusingvirtualcurrencyisillegal.ImpacttoSheriffs:Virtualmoneyisnowillegalincasesofmoneylaundering.

Issue: AutismAwarenessTrainingforLawEnforcementOfficersOutcome: Passed,ChapterNo.2017-043


(HB39byRep.Jenne&SB219bySen.Stafford)

ThisbillrequiresFDLEtoestablishaContinuedEmploymentTraining(CET)componentrelatingtotheAutismSpectrumDisorder.Thetrainingmustinclude,butisnotlimitedto,instructionontherecognitionofthesymptomsandcharacteristicsofanindividualontheautismdisorderspectrumandappropriateresponsestosuchindividuals.Completionofthetrainingmaycounttowardalawenforcementofficer’srequired40hoursofCET.ImpacttoSheriffs:AlawenforcementofficercouldchoosetheAutismAwarenessTrainingasapartoftheirrequired40hoursofCET.

Issue: PrescriptionDrugMonitoringProgram



(HB5203byHealthCareAppropriationsSubcommittee)

PrescriptionDrugMonitoringPrograms(PDMPs)arestate-runelectronicdatabasesusedtotracktheprescribinganddispensingofcertaincontrolledprescriptiondrugstopatients.ThebillconformsstatutestothefundingdecisionsrelatedtothePrescriptionDrugMonitoringProgramincludedintheGeneralAppropriationsAct(GAA)forFiscalYear2017-2018.CurrentlawrequiresthatallcostsincurredbytheDOHinadministeringthePDMPshallbefundedthroughfederalgrantsorprivatefundingappliedfororreceivedbythestate.


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ThebillpermanentlyauthorizestheDOHtousestatefundstoadministerthePDMPtoreflecttheGAAforthe2017-2018FiscalYear.ImpacttoSheriffs:Florida’sPDMPwillnowbeeligibletobesupportedbystatefundingandcancontinuetoexistforlawenforcementtorequestinformationwhentheyhaveactivecriminalinvestigations.

Gaming

Issue: GamingCompactbetweentheSeminoleTribeandtheStateofFlorida

Outcome: Failed.HBdiedincommittee.SBdiedintheconferencecommitteeongaming.

(HB149byRep.Brodeur&SB8bySen.Galvano)

ThisbillproposedtoratifyandapprovetheGamingCompactbetweentheTribeandtheStateofFlorida,whichwasexecutedbyGovernorRickScottandtheTribeonDecember7,2015(the2015Compact),contingentuponrenegotiation.The2015CompactpermitstheTribetoofferthebankedcardgames(suchasblackjack),slotmachines,rafflesanddrawings,livetablegames(suchascrapsandroulette),andanyothergameauthorizedinFlorida.ThebillalsocreatedtheFantasyContestAmusementActtoregulatefantasycontestsandprovidethatthesecontestsinvolvetheskillofcontestparticipants.

Administration

Issue: EmployerContributiontoFundRetireeBenefitsOutcome: Passed


(HB5005byHouseAppropriationsandRep.Corcoran)

Thislegislationsetstheretirementemployercontributionratesforthenormalcost,unfundedactuarialliability(UAL)rates,healthinsurancesubsidy,andtheDeferredRetirementOptionProgram(DROP).


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Theratesforstatefiscalyear2017-2018are:

MembershipClass

EffectiveJuly1,2017

Normal

Cost

UAL

Rate Admin HIS Total

Regular 2.90% 3.30% 0.06% 1.66% 7.92%SpecialRisk 11.86% 9.69% 0.06% 1.66% 23.27%

SpecialRiskAdminSupport 3.83% 29.08% 0.06% 1.66% 34.63%

ElectedOfficers-CountyOfficers 8.54% 35.24% 0.06% 1.66% 45.50%

SeniorManagement 4.29% 16.70% 0.06% 1.66% 22.71%

DROP 4.17% 7.43% N/A 1.66% 13.26%

ImpacttoSheriffs:Eachsheriff’sofficemustpaythetotalemployercontributionratetofundtheretirementbenefitsofemployeesandretirees.Issue: SelectionsandDutiesofSheriff

Outcome: Failed.HBdiedoncalendar.SBdiedincommittee.

(HJR721byRep.Fischer&SJR134bySen.Artiles)

ThisresolutionproposedanamendmenttotheFloridaConstitutiontoremoveauthorityforacountycharterorspeciallawtoprovideforchoosingasheriffinamannerotherthanbyelectionortoalterthedutiesofthesherifforabolishtheofficeofthesheriff.

Issue: AwardofAttorneyFeesinPublicRecordEnforcementCases



(HB163byRep.Burgess&SB80bySen.Steube)

Thisbillprovidesguidancetojudgesindeterminingwhethertograntordenyenforcementcosts,includingreasonableattorneyfees,inactionsthatrequiredagenciestodisclosepublicrecords.Acourtmustassessandawardthereasonablecostsofenforcement,includingreasonableattorneyfees,againsttheresponsibleagencyifitdeterminesthatthe:

• Agencyunlawfullyrefusedtopermitthepublicrecordtobeinspectedorcopied;and• Complainantprovidedwrittennoticeidentifyingthepublicrecordrequesttotheagency’scustodianof

publicrecordsatleast5daysbeforefilingthecivilaction,exceptasprovidedbelow.


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Acourtmaynotassessandawardanyreasonablecostsofenforcement,includingreasonableattorneyfees,againsttheagencyifthecourtdeterminesthattherequesttoinspectorcopythepublicrecordwasmadeprimarilytoharasstheagencyorcauseaviolationofch.119,F.S.Thebillrequirestheagencytoprominentlypostthecontactinformationoftheagency’scustodianofpublicrecordsintheagency’sprimaryadministrativebuildinginwhichpublicrecordsareroutinelycreated,sent,received,maintained,andrequestedandontheagency’swebsite,iftheagencyhasawebsite.Iftheagencyhasnotpostedtheinformation,thecomplainantisnotrequiredtoprovidewrittennoticeoftherequest.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officesmustensurethecontactinformationoftheagency’scustodianofpublicrecordsisprominentlyposted.Issue: PublicRecordsExemption:DepictionsorRecordingsoftheKillingofaPersonOutcome: Failed.Bothbillsdiedincommittee.

(HB1115Rep.Brown&SB968bySen.Bracy)

Currentlawprovidesapublicrecordexemptionforphotographsandvideoandaudiorecordingsheldbyanagencythatdepictorrecordthekillingofalawenforcementofficerwhowasactinginaccordancewithhisorherofficialduties.Thisbillreenactedthispublicrecordexemption,butexpandedtheexemptiontoapplytophotographsandrecordingthatdepictorrecordthekillingofanyperson.Issue: HomesteadTaxExemption

Outcome: Passed

Effective: January1,2019,subjecttoapprovalby60percentofvotersduringthe2018generalelectionorearlierspecialelection

(HJR7105byRep.LaRosa)

ThisjointresolutionproposesanamendmenttotheFloridaConstitutiontoincreasebyupto$25,000thecurrenthomesteadexemptionfromnon-schoolpropertytaxesbyexemptingtheassessedvalueofahomesteadparcelbetween$100,000andupto$125,000.ImpacttoSheriffs:IftheconstitutionalamendmentpassesinNovember2018,sheriffs’offices’budgetsmaydecreaseaslesstaxrevenuewillbecollected.


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Issue: EmergencyResponderDeathBenefits



(HB1379byRep.Diaz&SB1626bySen.Bradley)

ThisbillprovidesthattheDepartmentofLegalServicesmayawarduptoamaximumof$50,000tothesurvivingfamilymembersofanemergencyresponderwho,asaresultofacrime,iskilledansweringacallforserviceinthelineofduty.The$50,000awardisforeachinstanceandmustbeapportionedbetweenmultipleclaimantsatthediscretionofthedepartment."Emergencyresponder"isdefinedasalawenforcementofficer,afirefighter,anemergencymedicaltechnician,oraparamedic.ImpacttoSheriffs:Thesurvivingfamilymembersofadeputycouldreceiveadditionaldeathbenefits.Issue: FloridaWingoftheCivilAirPatrol



(HB635byRep.Combee&SB370bySen.Stargel)

ThisbillprovidesemploymentprotectionsforamemberoftheFloridaWing(FLWG)oftheCivilAirPatrol(CAP)whoisabsentfromhisorherplaceofemploymentduetoserviceortrainingwiththeCAPby:

• RequiringemployerstoprovideunpaidleavetoanemployeeengagedinCAPserviceortraining;• ProhibitingtheterminationofanemployeewhoisabsentfromworkduetoCAPserviceortraining,

exceptforcause;• EntitlinganemployeereturningtoworkfollowingaperiodofCAPserviceortrainingtocertain

seniorityrights;• AuthorizingacauseofactionforamemberoftheFLWGoftheCAPwhoisaffectedbyaviolationofa

provisioninthebill;and• Providesalegislativedeterminationthattheactfulfillsanimportantstateinterest.

ThebillalsoprovidesthatanemployerisnotrequiredtoallowaCAPmembertoreturntoworkuponcompletionofCAPleaveiftheemployercanmeetcertainrequirements.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officesmayhavetoreviewHumanResourcepoliciesandproceduresrelatedtoemployeeswhoaremembersoftheFloridaWingoftheCivilAirPatrol.


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Jails,Corrections&Re-Entry

Issue: FederalImmigrationEnforcementOutcome: Failed.HBpassedtheHouseanddiedinSenateMessages.SBdiedincommittee.

(HB697byRep.Metz&SB786bySen.Bean)

Thisbillproposedthe“RuleofLawAdherenceAct”(Act)torequirestateandlocalgovernmentsandlawenforcementagencies,includingtheirofficialsandemployees,tosupportandcooperatewithfederalimmigrationenforcement.Specifically,thebill:

• Prohibitedastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencyfromhavingalaw,policy,practice,procedure,orcustomwhichimpedesalawenforcementagencyfromcommunicatingorcooperatingwithafederalimmigrationagencyonimmigrationenforcement;

• Prohibitedanyrestrictiononastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagency’sabilitytouse,maintain,orexchangeimmigrationinformationforcertainenumeratedpurposes;

• Requiredastateorlocalgovernmentalentityandlawenforcementagencytocomplywithandsupporttheenforcementoffederalimmigrationlaw;

• Requiredanysanctuarypoliciescurrentlyineffectberepealedwithin90daysoftheeffectivedateoftheAct;

• Authorizedaboardofcountycommissionerstoenactanordinancetorecovercostsforcomplyingwithanimmigrationdetainer;

• RequiredanofficialoremployeeofastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencytoreportaviolationoftheActtotheAttorneyGeneralorstateattorney,failuretoreportaviolationmayresultinsuspensionorremovalfromoffice;

• AuthorizedtheAttorneyGeneralorastateattorneytoseekaninjunctionagainstastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencythatviolatestheAct;

• RequiredastateorlocalgovernmentalentityorlawenforcementagencythatviolatestheActtopayacivilpenaltyofatleast$1,000butnomorethan$5,000foreachdaythepolicywasineffect;

• CreatedacivilcauseofactionforapersoninjuredbytheconductofanalienunlawfullypresentintheUnitedStatesagainstastateorlocalgovernmentalentity,lawenforcementagency,orelectedorappointedofficialwhoseviolationoftheActcontributedtotheperson’sinjury;

• ProhibitedtheexpenditureofpublicfundstoreimburseordefendapublicofficialoremployeewhoviolatestheAct;and

• Waivedsovereignimmunityforactionsbroughtunderthenewly-createdcauseofaction.


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SpecialSessionA

Issue: MedicalMarijuana



(HB5AbyRep.Rodrigues&SB8AbySen.Bradley)

Thebillimplementstheprovisionsofs.29,Art.X,oftheStateConstitution.AfewofthekeyprovisionsofSB8Ainclude:

• Nosmoking,butthepracticeofvapingisallowed.• Useoradministrationofmedicalmarijuanaisprohibitedinastatecorrectionalinstitution,asdefined

ins.944.02,oracorrectionalinstitution,asdefinedins.944.241.• DepartmentofHealth(DOH)mustnotifylocallawenforcementofunlicensedactivityataMedical

MarijuanaTreatmentCenter(MMTC).• Lawenforcementtraining:

o FDLEmustdevelopa4-houronlineinitialtrainingcourse,anda2-houronlinecontinuingeducationcourse,whichwillbemadeavailableforusebyalllawenforcementagenciesinthisstate.Trainingmustcoverthelegalparametersofmarijuana-relatedactivitiesgovernedbyss.381.986and381.988,FloridaStatutes,relatingtocriminallawsgoverningmarijuana.

• GrandfathersinexistingdispensingorganizationsasMMTCsandrequirestheDOHtolicense10newMMTCsbyOctober3,2017,andthenfournewMMTCseachtimetheregistryincreasesby100,000registeredpatients.

o LimitsthenumberofdispensingfacilitieseachMMTCmayoperateto25statewideandperregionbasedonthepercentageofpopulationineachregion.ThetotalnumberofdispensingfacilitieseachMMTCmayoperateincreasesbyfiveper100,000patientsregisteredintheMedicalMarijuanaUseRegistry.MMTCsmayselldispensingfacilityslotstoeachother.ThesecapsexpireonApril1,2020.

• Preemptstheregulationofcultivationandprocessingofmarijuanatothestate.• AcountyormunicipalitymaybanMMTCdispensingfacilitiesfrombeinglocatedwithinitsborders.

o However,ifacountyormunicipalityallowsMMTCdispensingfacilitieswithinitsborders,itmaynotrestrictthenumberofdispensingfacilitiesallowedwithinitsborders,maynotenactordinancesregulatingMMTCdispensingfacilitiesthataremorerestrictivethanitsordinancesregulatingpharmacies,andmaynotchargeanMMTCalicenseorpermitfeeinanamountgreaterthanthefeechargedtopharmacies.

• RequirestheDOHandtheDepartmentofHighwaySafetyandMotorVehicles(DHSMV)toestablisheducationalcampaignsrelatedtothemedicaluseofmarijuana.

• SB8AFunding:o Thebillappropriates55full-timeequivalent(FTE)positionstotheDOHforimplementingthe

requirementsofSB8A.


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o Appropriates$500,000innonrecurringfundsfromtheGeneralRevenueFundtotheDOHtoimplementthestatewidemarijuanaeducationandusepreventioncampaign.

o Appropriates$5,000,000innonrecurringfundsfromtheHighwaySafetyOperatingTrustFundtotheDHSMVtoimplementtheimpaireddrivingeducationcampaign.

o Appropriates$100,000inrecurringfundsfromtheHighwaySafetyOperatingTrustFundtotheDHSMVfortrainingadditionallawenforcementofficersasdrugrecognitionexperts.

o Appropriates$750,000innonrecurringGeneralRevenuefundstoconductmedicalcannabisresearch.

Thebillexemptedmarijuanaformedicalusefromsalestax.Thebillpreemptedtothestatetheregulationofcultivation,processinganddeliveryofmarijuanabutauthorizeslocalordinancesthatdeterminethelocationofdispensingfacilities.ImpacttoSheriffs:Sheriffs’officeswillhavetoworkwithlocalDOHstafftodetermineifMMTCaswellaspatientsarecomplyingwiththelaw.


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LegislativeScorecard

TheFloridaSheriffsAssociationpublishesanannualLegislativeScorecardtohighlighthowlegislatorsvotedonkeyissuesthatareimportanttosheriffs.ThisyearFSA’sprioritybill,theComprehensiveDrugControl,wastakenupbytheSenateaftertheremovalofacontentiousamendmentthatwouldhaveunderminedminimummandatorysentencesfordrugtraffickers.ThisvotetotakeupthebillwithouttheamendmentwascriticaltothepassageofHB477.Thesenatorsthatvotedbelowintheaffirmativeprovidedforthebilltopasswithoutanyadverseamendments.

CS/HB477

Yeas20Nays18NotVoting1

Baxley Bean Benacquisto Book

Bracy Bradley Brandes Braynon

Broxson Campbell Clemens Farmer

Flores Gainer Galvano Garcia

Gibson Grimsley Hukill Hutson

Latvala Lee Mayfield Montford

Passidomo Perry Powell Rader

Rodriguez Rouson Simmons Simpson

Stargel Steube Stewart Thurston

Torres Young PresidentNegron

2017 legislative report v4 - florida sheriffs association2017 fsa legislative report 1 executive...

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