FL H0347

Amends s. 112.313 to add first-degree misdemeanor criminal penalties for public officials who solicit or accept gifts to influence official action, accept unauthorized compensation, or misuse their public position (in addition to existing administrative penalties).

Creates s. 775.0862 to provide for automatic reclassification of felonies and misdemeanors to more serious charges when the offense is furthered or facilitated by someone acting under color of law (e.g., a public official), with misdemeanors elevated one level and felonies elevated one level up to life felonies.

Amends s. 838.022 to define "willfully" as acting intentionally with specific intent to commit an illegal act, and creates a new offense making it unlawful for public servants to willfully deprive individuals or government of honest performance of duties by failing to disclose financial interests or required information.

Amends s. 914.04 to allow use of immunized testimony or evidence produced before a grand jury against a witness for all purposes if the witness is first informed the immunity is withdrawn and advised of Fifth Amendment rights; maintains immunity protections for perjury, falsification, and obstruction of justice committed while testifying.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.