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HB 387 — Offenses Evidencing Prejudice
by Rep. Stevenson and others (SB 356 by Senators Hutson and Evers)
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)
The bill removes prejudice based on mental or physical disability as a factor for reclassifying a criminal offense or having a civil cause of action under s. 775.085, F.S., Florida’s hate crimes statute. The bill creates a new section of law, s. 775.0863, F.S., which may be cited as “Carl’s Law,” to establish a separate hate crime statute that is substantively identical to s. 775.085, F.S., except that it applies exclusively to crimes evidencing prejudice based on mental or physical disability.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 116-0