Bill > H1535

This bill amends Florida law to require that the penalty for a crime be increased if the crime was committed because of prejudice against the victim for being a disabled adult. This means that if a crime is proven to have been motivated by bias against someone due to their disability, the punishment for that crime will be elevated to the next higher penalty level, for example, a misdemeanor could become a felony. The bill also defines "disabled adult" as an individual 18 years or older who has a physical or mental condition that limits their ability to perform daily activities, such as those resulting from developmental disabilities, brain damage, or mental illness. This change is intended to provide stronger protections for vulnerable adults who are targeted due to their disabilities and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1535