FL S0678

Creates s. 985.702, F.S. to prohibit employees from inflicting cruel or inhuman treatment on juvenile offenders, with first-degree misdemeanor penalties for violations not causing serious injury and third-degree felony penalties when great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement results.

Mandates employees who witness cruel or inhuman treatment of juvenile offenders immediately report incidents to the department's hotline and submit a written report to their supervisor detailing the nature, location, time, and persons involved.

Establishes first-degree misdemeanor penalties for employees who knowingly or willfully fail to report incidents, prevent others from reporting, or submit false information; third-degree felony penalties for coercing or threatening witnesses to alter testimony or reports.

Specifies that violations constitute sufficient cause for dismissal from employment and permanently bars violators from future employment in the juvenile justice system.

Amends s. 985.701, F.S. to define "juvenile offender" for purposes of sexual misconduct prohibitions as any person of any age detained, supervised by, or committed to the custody of the department.