CS for SB 7020 - Corrections

• Creates a new Florida Corrections Commission with nine members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor, with duties including conducting investigations, inspecting correctional facilities, monitoring inmate violence and contraband, and submitting annual reports to state leadership.

• Revises the Secretary of Corrections appointment process to require Governor appointment with concurrence of three Cabinet members and Senate confirmation, changing from the previous sole Governor appointment method.

• Establishes the State Operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund with an annual deposit cap of $5 million to fund inmate programs including education, faith-based services, substance abuse treatment, and recreation equipment.

• Expands use-of-force protections by requiring reports signed under oath, establishing tracking systems for use-of-force episodes, mandating annual public reporting on the agency website, prohibiting employees with multiple inappropriate force notations from mental health unit assignments, and creating criminal penalties for willfully withholding food, water, and essential services.

• Requires specialized training for correctional officers in nonforceful management of mentally ill inmates and crisis intervention, expands sexual abuse reporting procedures, allows independent medical evaluations arranged by inmate families, and extends conditional medical release eligibility to elderly and infirm inmates over age 70.