HB 7071 — Public Corruption
by Rules, Calendar and Ethics Committee and Rep. Workman and others (CS/SB 582 by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and Senators Gaetz and Altman)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee (GO)
This bill amends the laws relating to public corruption. Specifically, the bill:
- Defines “governmental entity” as an agency or entity of the state, a county, municipality, or special district or any other public entity created or authorized by law;
- Defines “public contractor” as any person who has entered into a contract with a governmental entity or any officer or employee of a person who has entered into a contract with a governmental entity;
- Changes the mens rea element for certain public corruption crimes from “corruptly” to “knowingly and intentionally;”
- Expands the application of the official misconduct law in s. 838.022, F.S., to public contractors; and
- Expands the application of the bid tampering law in s. 838.22, F.S., to public contractors who contract to assist a governmental entity in a competitive procurement.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 118-0