CS/CS/HB 379 Summary

• Creates section 794.051, F.S., establishing a new felony offense for persons 24 years of age or older who intentionally touch in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks of a person 16 or 17 years of age, or force/entice such a person to touch the perpetrator.

• The offense is classified as a third-degree felony, punishable under sections 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084 of Florida Statutes.

• Exempts individuals 16 or 17 years of age from prosecution if the disability of nonage has been removed under chapter 743.

• Ranks the offense on Level 4 of the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart as section 794.051(1).

• Takes effect October 1, 2022.