HB 585 Summary

• Creates section 741.50, F.S., establishing criminal offenses for child abuse of a parent, including abuse, aggravated abuse, exploitation of parent's assets, and emotional abuse.

• Defines "child" as a person of any age with a parent-child relationship established by birth certificate, court order, or written agreement, and "parent" as biological, adoptive, or stepparent or guardian with custody.

• Establishes penalties ranging from second-degree misdemeanor for simple abuse to first-degree felony for great bodily harm, with exploitation charges scaled by asset value from $500 to $50,000 or more.

• Permits courts to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors and impose alternative sentencing including probation or specialized intervention programs upon request of state or defense attorney.

• Mandates reporting of parent abuse or asset exploitation to the Department of Children and Families' central abuse hotline and grants immunity from prosecution for good faith reporters and investigation participants.