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FL H0837
Bill
Status
Failed
3/8/2024
Primary Sponsor
Christopher Benjamin
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates s. 782.41, F.S., requiring law enforcement agencies to review cold case murders — defined as unsolved murders committed more than 5 years prior with no identified perpetrator and all leads exhausted — upon written application from an immediate family member or their Florida Bar-licensed legal representative
- Reviews must include analysis of missed investigative procedures, witness assessment, examination of physical evidence for additional forensic testing, and case file updates using current standards; a full reinvestigation is required if the review finds potential for new probative leads or suspect identification
- Law enforcement agencies must complete case file reviews within 1 year of receiving an application, with a one-time extension of up to 6 months permitted; full reinvestigations may not be conducted solely by the original investigator, and unsuccessful reinvestigations trigger a 5-year waiting period before a new review unless materially significant evidence emerges
- By October 1, 2025, and quarterly thereafter, law enforcement agencies must report cold case data to the Global Forensic and Justice Center at Florida International University, which must maintain a searchable public website tracking applications, reinvestigations, extensions, and case outcome statistics
- Applies to murders occurring on or after January 1, 1970, is subject to legislative appropriations, and takes effect July 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Cold Case Murders
Last Action
Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
3/8/2024
Committee Referrals
Criminal Justice Subcommittee12/27/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available