FL H1153

Juvenile detention officers and juvenile probation officers are added to the statutory definition of "officer" under s. 943.10, making them eligible for Medal of Heroism awards, Medal of Valor programs, death benefits ($75,000-$225,000), commemorative service awards, and other protections previously limited to law enforcement and correctional officers.

Counties that fail to pay their required share of juvenile detention costs will have the owed amounts deducted by the Department of Revenue from funds distributed under s. 218.23, with protections for counties with outstanding bond obligations.

The definition of "family in need of services" is expanded to include children whose parent, legal guardian, or custodian is unable to control them, adding "custodian" throughout the relevant provisions.

Children subject to proceedings under Chapter 984 (children/families in need of services) may only be placed in a shelter for contempt of court if alternative sanctions are unavailable, inappropriate, or previously failed—removing the requirement that the child first be adjudicated as a child in need of services.

Employers of law enforcement, correctional, juvenile detention, and juvenile probation officers killed in the line of duty must pay up to $10,000 toward funeral expenses, may pay up to $5,000 for venue costs, and must cover health insurance premiums for surviving spouses and dependent children.