Bill > H0143

This bill amends Florida Statutes Section 775.085 to expand the list of characteristics that can trigger enhanced criminal penalties when an offense is committed with prejudice, specifically adding "political ideology" to the existing list of protected characteristics. Currently, the law allows for reclassification of criminal offenses to a more serious level if the crime demonstrates prejudice based on factors like race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or other specified attributes. Under this bill, if a crime is found to be motivated by the victim's political ideology, the offense would be automatically "reclassified" to a higher degree - for example, a misdemeanor of the second degree would be elevated to a misdemeanor of the first degree, or a felony of the third degree would be elevated to a felony of the second degree. This means that offenders who target victims specifically because of their political beliefs would face more severe legal consequences. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, giving time for legal systems and law enforcement to prepare for the expanded definition of prejudice-based offenses.

Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/143