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SB 1010 — False Personation
by Senator Braynon
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
This bill revises the list of officials who are prohibited from being falsely personated to include firefighters and fire or arson investigators of the Department of Financial Services.
For purposes of the prohibition of falsely personating a “watchman,” the bill clarifies that a “watchman” is a security officer licensed under ch. 493, F.S. The bill also removes reference to falsely personating an “officer of the Department of Transportation.” False personation of these officers is covered under the current prohibition against falsely personating an “officer of the Florida Highway Patrol.”
The bill also prohibits the use of badges or indicia of authority bearing in any manner or combination the words “fire department” and the ownership or operation of vehicles marked by the words “fire department.” Further, relevant to these offenses, the bill modifies criminal intent language to require proof that the offender had the intent to mislead or cause another person to believe that:
- The offender is a member of a criminal justice agency or fire department or is authorized by such agency or department to wear or display its badge; or
- The vehicle the offender owns or operates is an official law enforcement vehicle or fire department vehicle and its use by the offender is authorized by such agency or department.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2015.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 114-1