HB 705 Summary

• Defines "mental injury" in child abuse cases as multiple instances of injury causing discernible and substantial impairment in a child's functioning, requiring expert testimony from a board-certified psychiatrist with relevant clinical experience.

• Establishes affirmative defenses to child abuse charges: one protecting First Amendment speech that does not incite lawless action, and another protecting domestic violence victims who failed to protect a child from a third-party abuser.

• Reorganizes section 827.03 to consolidate definitions and offense provisions for child abuse, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect, with penalties ranging from third-degree felonies for basic abuse to first-degree felonies for aggravated abuse.

• Updates cross-references throughout Florida Statutes (sections 775.084, 775.0877, 782.07, 921.0022, and 948.062) to reflect the reorganized child abuse statute provisions.

• Expands the definition of "crime" and "victim" in crime victim compensation statutes to include psychiatric or psychological injury to persons under 18 years old, even without physical injury.