Bill > S0054

This bill establishes new procedures and training requirements related to substances affecting cognitive function, defining "intoxicating substance" as alcohol, controlled substances, or certain chemicals, and "psychotropic drug" as any medication affecting mental state, and "violent offender" as someone suspected of unprovoked violence causing or likely to cause death or serious injury. It mandates that medical examiners performing autopsies on suspected violent offenders consult with the decedent's physicians to gather information on psychotropic drug use and order toxicology screenings for both psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances, reporting these findings to the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, and Agency for Health Care Administration. The bill also allows law enforcement agencies to access relevant medical records, including those pertaining to mental state and psychotropic drug use, when investigating a violent offender, without needing patient authorization. Furthermore, it requires school safety specialists and safe-school officers to undergo training on the adverse effects of these substances, including how to identify and interact with students who may be under their influence, and how to de-escalate potentially violent or suicidal behavior. Finally, it makes a technical correction to a cross-reference within existing law regarding fees for medical record copies.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice (Senate), Criminal Justice (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/54