FL S0944

Creates a new section 784.079 in Florida Statutes establishing specific criminal penalties for assault or battery on courtroom personnel

Defines "courtroom personnel" as employees or contractors working in courthouses or judicial facilities related to trials, hearings, grand jury proceedings, or other judicial proceedings, including attorneys, court reporters, probation officers, judges, bailiffs, and clerks

Applies when the offender knows or reasonably should know the victim is courtroom personnel acting in their official duties, regardless of whether the offense occurs on courthouse premises

First offense constitutes a third-degree felony; second or subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum 3-year prison term

Effective date of October 1, 2020