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The Florida Senate

CS/SB 378 — Juvenile Justice

by Criminal Justice Committee and Senators Garcia, Gibson, Bullard, Smith, and Detert

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 expands juvenile civil citation by allowing law enforcement to issue a civil citation or participation in a similar diversion program to youth who have committed up to three misdemeanors. Use of civil citation or similar diversion programs will no longer only be available to first-time misdemeanor offenders under the bill.

In addition, law enforcement will be authorized to issue a simple warning to the youth or inform the youth’s parents of the misdemeanor, as well as issue a civil citation or require participation in a similar diversion program under the bill.

The bill also states that if an arrest is made, law enforcement must provide written documentation as to why the arrest is warranted.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2015.

Vote: Senate 37-1; House 115-2