2020 Legislative Initiatives

Sexual Battery Prosecution Time Limitation

•       HB 199 filed by Rep. Davis amends Fla. Stat. §775.15, removes statute of limitations on prosecutions for violations of Fla. Stat. §794.011 committed upon victims younger than age 18 at time of crime.

•       Sen. Stewart filed companion bill SB 170.

•       Passed, signed into law by Governor on June 23.

•       Effective for crimes committed on or after 7/1/2020.

Exposure of Sexual Organs

•       HB 675 filed by Rep. Mercado, amends Fla. Stat. §800.03 to increase criminal penalties for exposure of sexual organs for second or subsequent offense.

•       Also authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest with a warrant when they have probable cause to believe that person has unlawfully exposed their sexual organs.

•       Sen. Stewart filed companion bill SB 1018.

•       Passed, signed into law by Governor on June 23.

•       Effective 10/1/2020.

Reproductive Health

•       SB 698 filed by Sen. Book, creates disciplinary and criminal penalties for physicians who intentionally or recklessly inseminate fertility patients with specimens not authorized by the patient.

•       Creates Fla. Stat. §784.086, defining Reproductive Battery, and establishing such as a criminal offense. 

•       Also requires informed consent for pelvic exams, with an exception for forensic exams performed pursuant to a court order.

•       Rep. Jenne filed companion bills HB 1287 and HB 1289

•       Passed, signed into law by Governor on June 18.

•       Effective 7/1/2020.

Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams

•       SB 400 filed by Sen. Gibson creates Fla. Stat. §415.1103 authorizing initiation of community Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams to include advocacy organization(s) for victims of sexual violence.

•       Rep. Driskell filed companion bill HB 253.

•       Passed, signed into law by Governor on June 9.

•       Effective 7/1/2020.