Bill > H1049

This bill strengthens legal protections for court officials by creating new criminal offenses and penalties for threatening, harassing, tampering with, or retaliating against various court personnel. The bill expands the definition of court officials to include not just judges and justices, but also administrative assistants, judicial assistants, magistrates, child support enforcement hearing officers, clerks, bailiffs, and other court-related employees. It establishes specific criminal penalties for actions that intimidate, threaten, or interfere with court officials performing their duties, with penalties varying based on the severity of the offense and the type of investigation or proceeding involved. The bill creates three main new criminal offenses: tampering with a court official (which includes using intimidation, physical force, threats, misleading conduct, or offering benefits), harassing a court official (which involves actions that hinder or prevent an official from performing their duties), and retaliating against a court official for participating in an official investigation or proceeding. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies, with enhanced punishments for actions resulting in bodily injury. The bill also updates related statutes to incorporate these new provisions, ensuring consistency across Florida's legal code.

Justice

Criminal Justice Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1049