FL H1007

Creates section 11.63, Florida Statutes, requiring bills that create, modify, or increase penalties for criminal offenses to be referred to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research for a minority impact statement before consideration.

Minority impact statements must estimate annual criminal cases affected, effects on racial minority groups and correctional institutions, and include a finding on whether the bill has disparate impact on racial minorities.

Office of Economic and Demographic Research may request assistance from executive agencies, which must promptly provide necessary information.

If disparate impact on racial minorities is found, bill sponsors must consider amending the bill to lessen that impact; if sponsor declines to amend, written reasons must be provided as an appendix to the statement.

Effective date: July 1, 2015.