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Committee advances bill revising sexual-offense classifications and sentencing
Summary
Subcommittee members advanced CS for HB 1159, which updates Florida criminal law on sexual offenses involving minors and revises sentencing and classifications; sponsor said staff are working to address potential 'Romeo and Juliet' concerns.
Representative Jacques presented CS for HB 1159, describing it as a package of changes to Florida criminal law regarding sexual offenses involving minors and related sentencing. "It also revises sentencing and classifications for those convicted of a ****** crime," he said.
Representative Gottlieb asked whether a "Romeo and Juliet" situation was being addressed; Jacques said staff were working on the issue and that amendments could be considered to ensure those in close-age relationships are not unfairly treated. Public witnesses, including representatives of the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Sheriffs Association, waived in support. No amendments were offered in the subcommittee.
The clerk recorded a 14-0 vote to report the bill favorably. The sponsor said the bill remains under staff review for specific clarifications but that the subcommittee support will allow continued work on language before later committee stops.
