CS/HB 1031 Summary

• Creates section 901.40, Florida Statutes to establish a model prearrest diversion program encouraging local communities and educational institutions to implement civil citation programs for eligible adults.

• Authorizes law enforcement officers at their sole discretion to issue civil citations to adults who commit qualifying nonviolent misdemeanor offenses, admit guilt, have no prior arrests, and whose victims do not object.

• Requires adults receiving civil citations to complete intake, participate in behavioral health services, perform community service hours, and pay victim restitution; those who successfully complete the program have no arrest record associated with the offense.

• Establishes a steering committee composed of law enforcement, program services, public defender, state attorney, circuit court clerk, and other stakeholders to develop program policies, procedures, eligibility criteria, and participant fees.

• Specifies seven qualifying nonviolent misdemeanors including disorderly conduct, petit theft under $50, cannabis possession (20 grams or less), underage alcohol possession, and trespass; effective July 1, 2016.