HB 171 - Criminal Rehabilitation Summary

• Reduces minimum sentence that must be served by defendants from 85% to 65% of their sentence, allowing earlier release through gain-time credits and rehabilitation programs.

• Establishes rehabilitation of offenders and successful transition back to the community as a primary purpose of sentencing, alongside punishment.

• Expands gain-time and credit opportunities including outstanding deed gain-time (1-60 days per deed), good behavior time (10 days per month), and rehabilitation credits for program completion and educational achievements.

• Allows up to 60 additional days of rehabilitation credits for completing high school equivalency diplomas, college degrees, vocational certificates, and approved programs; grants 5 additional days for passing educational courses.

• Takes effect July 1, 2022, and makes conforming amendments to 25+ related Florida statutes regarding sentencing, eligibility requirements, and correctional procedures.