No. SB 402
Filed under Criminal Justice.
Offenses Evidencing Prejudice; Requiring the reclassification of offenses evidencing prejudice based on the political ideology of the victim, etc.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDFlorida law currently enhances penalties for crimes motivated by bias against a victim's race, religion, or other listed traits. This bill adds political ideology to that list of protected characteristics.
A crime that evidences prejudice based on a victim's political ideology will now receive a higher penalty classification than the same crime without that bias element.
The enhancement steps up the offense: a second-degree misdemeanor becomes a first-degree misdemeanor, and a first-degree misdemeanor becomes a third-degree felony.
This change applies to both felonies and misdemeanors, meaning the penalty increase can significantly increase potential jail or prison time for the offender.
AIAdds political ideology to the list of protected characteristics that trigger mandatory penalty reclassification for felonies and misdemeanors.