Bill > S0894

This bill modifies Florida's existing law regarding batterers' intervention programs by allowing these programs to offer voluntary, supplemental faith-based activities to participants. Specifically, the bill amends section 741.325 of Florida Statutes to explicitly permit batterers' intervention programs to include optional faith-based activities, while explicitly prohibiting these activities from being mandatory for program participation. Batterers' intervention programs are typically court-mandated educational and counseling services designed to help individuals who have committed domestic violence learn to manage aggressive behaviors and prevent future violent incidents. The key provision ensures that while faith-based activities can be offered as an additional resource or support mechanism, participants cannot be compelled to engage in these activities as a condition of completing the program. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving programs time to adapt to the new guidelines.

Justice

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/894