SB 294 — Crimes Against Veterans
by Senators Wright and Baxley
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs and Space Committee (MS)
This bill creates the Florida Veterans Protection Act, which amends the White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act. The Florida Veterans Protection Act provides that a person commits an aggravated white collar crime if he or she obtains or attempts to obtain $50,000 or more by committing at least two associated white collar crimes against 10 or more veterans.
A person who violates this act commits a first degree felony ranked at a level 9 out of 10 possible levels for incarceration purposes on the offense severity ranking chart of the Criminal Punishment Code. The person must also pay all court costs and restitution to each victim. Additionally, the court may order payment of a fine of $500,000 or double the value of the pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2020.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 116-0