FL H0197

Amends Florida Statute 27.59 to expand access rights for public defenders, assistant public defenders, criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, and assistant regional counsel to include patients held in facilities licensed under chapter 394 (mental health facilities)

Authorizes specified lawyers to inquire of and provide advice and counsel to patients held in mental health facilities at any time

Exception does not apply to persons who have already engaged private counsel

Takes effect July 1, 2018