Senate committee advances broad criminal-justice package including vehicle "kill switch," AI oversight and stricter penalties

Senator Collins presented CS for SB 1444 to the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, saying the bill "does a multitude of things," including a prohibition on devices that allow someone other than the driver to shut off a vehicle and a requirement that artificial intelligence used with body cameras include a human reviewer. Senator Collins said the bill also adds a 25‑year minimum sentence for first‑degree attempted murder of justice‑system personnel and clarifies blood‑testing when officers are exposed on duty.

The bill matters because it bundles several law‑enforcement, sentencing and technology provisions into a single measure that could change how agencies use devices and AI and how some violent crimes against justice personnel are punished.

Key provisions discussed during the committee stop included language addressing motor‑vehicle "kill switches," the channeling of certain highway patrol fees back to the general revenue fund, a minimum sentence proposal for attempted murder against justice personnel, and a human‑in‑the‑loop requirement for artificial‑intelligence functions tied to body cameras. Senator Collins explained that after discussion with law‑enforcement stakeholders the committee took some items out of the bill to streamline it and address outstanding concerns.

A substitute amendment removed several sections after conversations with law‑enforcement: certification‑retention requirements for off‑duty officers, expanded AI language that members said needed more time for a holistic approach, and provisions on false reporting. The substitute amendment also amended motor‑vehicle kill‑switch language, added provisions allowing some first‑responder amputees to continue serving, and added state recognition medals for first responders.

Public and stakeholder testimony included a statement from Aaron Waite (Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers), who asked for technical clarification on a portion of the bill that he said could affect automatic sealing of dismissals (§ lines 9:25–9:34 as read in committee). Captain Andorio (law enforcement) and representatives including William B. Smith, Ali McNair, Chip Denmark and Jennifer Pritt waived in support.

Senator Collins closed the discussion and the committee roll call reported CS for SB 1444 favorably.

The bill will move to the next committee or floor step per regular Senate procedure. Committee members said some items removed from the bill could return in future legislation after additional stakeholder work.