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CS/SB 776 — Racketeering
by Criminal Justice Committee and Senator Gainer
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 amends the definition of “racketeering activity” in the Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act to include violations of ch. 379, F.S., and Title 68, F.A.C., relating to the illegal sale, purchase, collection, harvest, capture, or possession of wild animal life, freshwater aquatic life, or marine life, and related crimes. Chapter 379, F.S., and Title 68, F.A.C., are implemented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The effect of this change is that it will allow such unlawful acts to be prosecuted as racketeering if the commission of the acts constitutes racketeering. A criminal violation of the Florida RICO Act is a first degree felony. The Florida RICO Act also provides for civil remedies.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 116-0