Bill > H1313

This bill, also known as "Vassallo's Law," creates a new procedure for law enforcement agencies in Florida when individuals voluntarily come to an agency's office to be taken into custody for a crime they are suspected of committing, even though no arrest warrant has been issued for them. The bill defines a "surrendering person" as someone who enters a law enforcement office and attempts to be taken into custody under these circumstances. It requires law enforcement agencies to establish a process for interviewing these individuals, which includes documenting their information, notifying an officer, and checking if there are any existing alerts for someone matching their description. The officer will then conduct a voluntary interview and, if the person may have committed a crime in another jurisdiction, check for alerts from that jurisdiction. The bill authorizes officers to temporarily detain or arrest a surrendering person if certain legal requirements are met, or to arrest them without a warrant if specific circumstances arise. Furthermore, if the officer believes the surrendering person meets the criteria for an involuntary examination, they must arrange for the person to be taken to a receiving facility for such an examination and document the reasons for taking them into custody. This new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1313