DeSantis signed bills creating new laws we need to be aware of.
Yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a legislative package “aimed at cracking down on sexual predators, enhancing protections for children and vulnerable individuals, and addressing the growing threat of digital sexual exploitation.”
One of the central pieces of the package is House Bill 777, which expands the scope of existing laws to make it a felony to lure or entice any child under the age of 14 from a home, vehicle, or other structure. It also removes common defenses, such as claims of not knowing the child’s true age. What was once treated as a misdemeanor offense will now result in a felony charge, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Another major reform was House Bill 1351. Registrants must now report detailed employment information, such as their job role and place of business, and notify law enforcement of any travel or residence change within 48 hours. The law also mandates more frequent in-person verification of addresses—annually for offenders and every 90 days for predators. Note that most of these are already in place.
House Bill 1455 directly targets repeat sexual offenders by imposing mandatory minimum prison sentences. Under this law, individuals with prior convictions who commit new sexual offenses are no longer eligible for early release—unless through limited exceptions like medical release or a pardon. Judges must impose sentences that meet or exceed the minimum term, even if it surpasses the statutory maximum (TBD how that plays out for anyone receiving that sentence).
And finally another law named after someone. “Brooke’s Law” (House Bill 1161), which confronts the misuse of artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit deepfake images.
One bill, Senate Bill 1804, did not get signed but will in the coming day, introduces a new capital felony for human trafficking offenses involving children under 12 or individuals who are mentally incapacitated. Convictions under this statute can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Overall, while it’s a really harsh year for people who commit sexual offenses, we’re not committing sex offenses, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about here.
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What’s behind bill 1351? Why do they needs such specifics? Sounds to me like they are wanting this excessive Information to give to the public. There is no reason for this requesting this data.
@ART
If they start posting where people work, there will be a LOT of people “Out of work”.
That happened to me when someone who recognized me and posted to social media and guess what, I was “No longer needed”. This even as the boss was informed (By me) of my past. But once a customer (someone who lived on my street) called the manager and said if they didn’t fire me, that she and her neighbors would come and protest in front of the building.
My boss did not want to let me go but said he had no choice. So for the past 10 years, I sit at home and post on F.A.C. I don’t get paid but I have met some good people. I was going to meet one of them for lunch sometime but sadly, the Captain passed away before we could meet.
Art
As a model citizen .I do want to know where offenders work(name, business they do) especially for Handyman jobs.
@A
Here’s the problem with that. We lose our jobs over this, then we become homeless living in the woods behind your and other people’s houses. When law enforcement runs them off, they make a new camp somewhere else.
Be careful what you wish for. No one who is working at a store is going to hurt you or anyone else because there is literally 100s of customers and witnesses there. But when someone is out of work, some have nothing to lose. Think about the consequences, they can be downright something you didn’t wish for.
* Not saying it could never happen in a store but very rare. But when someone has nothing and nothing to lose, some of those who give up because of all the restrictions on us, finally snap and that is when someone can hurt someone. Us having a decent job is the best thing for the public and the person who needs to feed their family.
Sometimes wishes backfire.
Yes I want to know if a handyman coming into my home is a predator. Being in a public workplace is one thing but coming into my home, snooping around, being around my kids, family, pets is another!! Don’t tell me that’s not a danger. And I don’t want to hear the usual answer that most registrants 99% don’t reoffend and all that jazz. It takes only 1% and that ONE GUY or ONE WOMAN to do something while in my home being a handyman.
@Kash
See this is the problem, not all of us are listed as a predator, but an offender.
Many of us were in our teens or twenties when we were arrested. My crime was almost 40 years ago with no problems since then.
Cherokee
I think societies problem is not Offenders. it’s The Predators. Their the ones we have to watch out for.
The idea that a stranger is going to sexually abuse your child. A family member is whom you need to be afraid of.
The majority of the people here know that by personal experience. That’s why they’re here.
You don’t need to know where they work to see them on the registry all you need is their name. Just ask for the name who is coming to your home. It’s much easier to find out that way than trying to deduce it by where they work.
A
Please quit trolling.
Bwj
Stop attacking me I’m entitled to my opion.If you don’t like it..ignore
A
It’s not an opinion. It’s a trolling statement. And I am entitled to my opinion, so please take your own advice
I can see FAC is no longer a place to post any more.
Art
Sad to see you go.🤤
Do you ask them if they have a DUI conviction? do you ask them if the are a Wife Beater? Do you ask their Religion? DO you ask them if they drove buzzed before? DO ask them if they ever smoked pot before?
Cj
No need
A
And why not?
If your flyer says PREDATOR, guess what, you ain’t comin to my home to do any handyman or landscaping stuff.
You didn’t answer the question as to why there is no need to ask about other convictions. Not too mention that not all on the registry are listed as predator.
There really isn’t a need to no know where PFRs work. If you their name you can look them up. It’s just a law to placate the vocal Karen’s who never get enough fear mongering and gossip.
Anonymous
Absolutely
Bwj
Predator is the worse kind…PERIOD
All ask again, What has changed we already have to report our Place of employment (Name, Address, and phone.)
The one that irks me in Michigan are the stings where police officers pose as 15 year old girls online. Met several young men in prison who fell into that. They add on a charge of using a computer to commit a crime, which carries a 20 year max. Where is the crime if there was never a 15 year old girl? Notably, they never seem to find any evidence on the perpetrators phones of other incidents of trying to entice real underage girls.
@Gerald
I never could understand that. I see people chat with a cop (Thinking it is an underaged person) and they get more time in prison than someone who had a real encounter with an underage person.
Makes no sense. Someone who did a sting that was fake should at most get probation. Also depends on the judge you get. One thing that is not up for debate is, ALL of us go on the registry and thrown into a group of offenders or predators and regardless, in Florida it is for life. And, to make it worse, it was made retroactively with no due process.
@What happed to Declaration of Independence and the Organic Bill of Rights
CherokeeJ…if you get this email then they have not banned me again
CJ
Didn’t realize you were banned. Interesting
Posting here is like Forrest Gump opening up a Box of Chocolates; “you Neva Know What U going to get….”
Cj
Ain’t that fun?🍫🍬
@CJ
They are saying there will be a Forrest Gump 2
Is Forrest Gump 2 confirmed?
Yes, Forrest Gump 2 has been officially confirmed, with a release date set for July 18, 2025.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
CJ its your turn to buy the popcorn
The question here is why the judges do not rule it an entrapment as the LEO’s violate the Terms of Service of the website(s) creating a ficticious person that is under 18 yrs old…these websites require you to be 18 years or older to sign up for the service……..
Anyone want to add to this?
Joseph P, please charm in!
Intent, I think. I’m trying to recall exactly what my lawyer said thirteen years ago.
So I am confused on 1351. My guy already comes to the house twice a year so does that mean he will only come once a year now? Also we already have to report employment address so what is the change?
Any insight on this?
With those ever increasing demands placed on law enforcement that are already short staff and over worked. There can never be too many laws and restrictions for RSO’s!
These laws are the reason we need to get involved.
Chaplain Rob
Especially with the rampant child abuse in the church. Of course most of those aren’t on the registry yet.
K
So what was the point in saying what you said? Help me understand. I may have mistook you for kt..
Cherokee
Your story sounds familiar. I’m 6’4 and generally got along with people. I had more problems at VCBJ than prison. Mostly due to immature youngsters who didn’t know how to behave. The COs at the Gulf always reminded of the hillbillies from Deliverance. My higher power, my sponsor, family and education got me through those 17 months.