FL S0796

Amends s. 918.13 to enhance criminal penalties for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, making violations a felony of the second degree instead of third degree when related to capital felony cases.

Creates two-tier penalty structure: third-degree felony for general tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and second-degree felony for violations involving capital felony criminal trials, proceedings, or investigations.

Updates s. 921.0022 to reflect new offense severity rankings in the Criminal Punishment Code, placing tampering with physical evidence in capital felony cases at Level 6 as a second-degree felony.

Broadens the statute's language from "thing" to "other item" to clarify that various types of physical evidence are protected under the tampering statute.

Takes effect October 1, 2022.