Bill Text: FL S1180 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Certified Domestic Violence Service Providers

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Failed) 2022-03-14 - Died in Children, Families, and Elder Affairs [S1180 Detail]

Download: Florida-2022-S1180-Introduced.html
       Florida Senate - 2022                                    SB 1180
       
       
        
       By Senator Bracy
       
       
       
       
       
       11-00943-22                                           20221180__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to certified domestic violence service
    3         providers; amending s. 39.902, F.S.; defining the term
    4         “domestic violence service provider”; creating s.
    5         39.9051, F.S.; requiring the Department of Children
    6         and Families to certify domestic violence service
    7         providers; providing requirements for certified
    8         domestic violence service providers; authorizing the
    9         department, under certain circumstances, to deny,
   10         suspend, or revoke certification of a service
   11         provider; providing for the expiration, renewal, and
   12         temporary extension of such certification; authorizing
   13         domestic violence service providers to be certified
   14         throughout this state if certain criteria are met;
   15         providing requirements for certified domestic violence
   16         service providers to receive state funds; authorizing
   17         certified domestic violence service providers to enter
   18         into subcontracts approved by the department;
   19         authorizing certified domestic violence service
   20         providers to carry forward certain funds; providing
   21         requirements for funds that are carried forward;
   22         amending s. 39.0121, F.S.; conforming a provision to
   23         changes made by the act; amending s. 39.903, F.S.;
   24         requiring the department to adopt certain rules;
   25         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
   26         amending s. 39.9057, F.S.; providing criminal
   27         penalties for the unlawful disclosure of certified
   28         domestic violence service provider locations; amending
   29         ss. 39.906, 90.5036, 381.0072, 383.402, 414.065,
   30         414.095, 415.1103, 456.031, 490.014, 491.014, 741.29,
   31         741.30, 741.316, 784.046, 784.0485, 944.705, 960.198,
   32         984.071, and 1002.81, F.S.; conforming provisions to
   33         changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
   34          
   35  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   36  
   37         Section 1. Present subsection (3) of section 39.902,
   38  Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (4), and a new
   39  subsection (3) is added to that section, to read:
   40         39.902 Definitions.—As used in this part, the term:
   41         (3)“Domestic violence service provider” means an agency
   42  that provides nonsheltered services to victims of domestic
   43  violence, dating violence, and stalking as its primary mission.
   44         Section 2. Section 39.9051, Florida Statutes, is created to
   45  read:
   46         39.9051Domestic violence service providers.—
   47         (1)In order to expand the services available to victims of
   48  domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, the department
   49  shall certify domestic violence service providers to monitor and
   50  regulate nonsheltered services and protections for those who
   51  seek such services and protections from domestic violence
   52  service providers. The department and certified domestic
   53  violence service providers shall serve as partners and provide a
   54  coordinated response to address victim safety, hold batterers
   55  accountable, and prevent future violence in this state.
   56         (2)Domestic violence service providers certified under
   57  this part shall:
   58         (a) Provide services to victims of domestic violence,
   59  dating violence, or stalking, and the minor children and other
   60  dependents of such victims. However, services provided by
   61  certified domestic violence service providers may not include
   62  sheltering in a facility the victim of domestic violence, dating
   63  violence, or stalking, or the minor children and other
   64  dependents of such victim. Services may be designed to serve
   65  culturally or ethnically specific populations or reach
   66  underserved communities.
   67         (b) Receive the annual written endorsement of local law
   68  enforcement agencies.
   69         (c) Establish and maintain a board of directors composed of
   70  at least three citizens.
   71         (d) File with the department a list of the names of the
   72  domestic violence advocates who are employed by or who volunteer
   73  with the domestic violence service provider and who may claim a
   74  privilege under s. 90.5036 to refuse to disclose a confidential
   75  communication between a victim of domestic violence, dating
   76  violence, or stalking and the advocate regarding the incident of
   77  such violence or stalking. The list must include the title of
   78  the position held by the domestic violence advocate whose name
   79  is listed and a description of the duties of that position. A
   80  domestic violence service provider must file amendments to this
   81  list as necessary.
   82         (e) Demonstrate local need and ability to sustain
   83  operations through a history of 18 consecutive months’ operation
   84  as a domestic violence service provider and a business plan that
   85  addresses future operations and funding of future operations.
   86         (f) If the domestic violence service provider is a new
   87  service provider applying for certification, demonstrate that
   88  the services provided address a need identified in the most
   89  current statewide needs assessment approved by the department.
   90  If the service provider applying for initial certification
   91  proposes providing services in an area that has an existing
   92  certified domestic violence center or another certified domestic
   93  violence service provider, the service provider applying for
   94  initial certification must demonstrate the unmet need in that
   95  service area and describe its efforts to avoid duplication of
   96  services.
   97         (g) Establish procedures to facilitate persons subject to
   98  domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to seek services
   99  from domestic violence service providers.
  100         (h) Comply with rules adopted under this part.
  101         (3) If the department finds that there is failure by a
  102  domestic violence service provider to comply with the
  103  requirements provided, or rules adopted, under this part, the
  104  department may deny, suspend, or revoke the certification of the
  105  service provider.
  106         (4) A domestic violence service provider certification
  107  shall automatically expire on June 30 of each state fiscal year
  108  unless the service provider applies for renewal and the
  109  department renews the certification or temporarily extends it to
  110  allow the service provider to implement a corrective action
  111  plan.
  112         (5) Domestic violence service providers may be certified
  113  throughout this state when private, local, state, or federal
  114  funds are available and a need is demonstrated.
  115         (6) To receive state funds, a domestic violence service
  116  provider must obtain certification under this part and enter
  117  into a contract with the department which ensures the
  118  availability and geographic accessibility of services throughout
  119  the service area. For this purpose, a service provider may
  120  distribute funds through subcontracts if approved by the
  121  department. However, the issuance of a certificate does not
  122  obligate the department to enter into a contract or provide
  123  funding to a service provider.
  124         (7) A certified domestic violence center may carry forward
  125  from 1 fiscal year to the next during the contract period
  126  documented unexpended state funds in a cumulative amount that
  127  does not exceed 8 percent of its total contract with the
  128  department.
  129         (a) The funds carried forward may not be used in a manner
  130  that would increase future recurring obligations or for any
  131  program or service that is not authorized by the existing
  132  contract.
  133         (b) Expenditures of funds carried forward must be
  134  separately reported to the department.
  135         (c) Any unexpended funds that remain at the end of the
  136  contract period must be returned to the department.
  137         (d) Funds carried forward under this subsection may be
  138  retained through any contract renewals as long as the same
  139  certified domestic violence service provider is retained by the
  140  department.
  141         Section 3. Subsection (14) of section 39.0121, Florida
  142  Statutes, is amended to read:
  143         39.0121 Specific rulemaking authority.—Pursuant to the
  144  requirements of s. 120.536, the department is specifically
  145  authorized to adopt, amend, and repeal administrative rules
  146  which implement or interpret law or policy, or describe the
  147  procedure and practice requirements necessary to implement this
  148  chapter, including, but not limited to, the following:
  149         (14) Injunctions and other protective orders, domestic
  150  violence-related cases, and certification of domestic violence
  151  centers and domestic violence service providers.
  152         Section 4. Subsections (2), (4), and (9) of section 39.903,
  153  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  154         39.903 Duties and functions of the department with respect
  155  to domestic violence.—The department shall:
  156         (2) Receive and approve or reject applications for initial
  157  certification of domestic violence centers and domestic violence
  158  service providers, and annually renew the certification
  159  thereafter.
  160         (4) Promote the involvement of certified domestic violence
  161  centers and certified domestic violence service providers in the
  162  coordination, development, and planning of domestic violence
  163  programming in the circuits.
  164         (9) Adopt by rule procedures to administer this section,
  165  including:
  166         (a) Developing criteria for the approval, suspension, or
  167  rejection of certification of domestic violence centers and
  168  developing minimum standards for domestic violence centers to
  169  ensure the health and safety of the clients residing in the
  170  centers; and
  171         (b)Developing criteria for the approval, suspension, or
  172  rejection of certification of domestic violence service
  173  providers and developing minimum standards for domestic violence
  174  service providers to ensure the health and safety of persons
  175  receiving services.
  176         Section 5. Section 39.9057, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  177  read:
  178         39.9057 Unlawful disclosure of certified domestic violence
  179  center or service provider location; penalties.—Any person who
  180  maliciously publishes, disseminates, or discloses any
  181  descriptive information or image that may identify the location
  182  of a domestic violence center certified under s. 39.905 or a
  183  domestic violence service provider certified under s. 39.9051 or
  184  who otherwise maliciously discloses the location of a center or
  185  service provider commits a:
  186         (1) Misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided
  187  in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
  188         (2) Felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in
  189  s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, upon a second or
  190  subsequent conviction.
  191         Section 6. Section 39.906, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  192  read:
  193         39.906 Referral to centers and service providers; notice of
  194  rights.—Any law enforcement officer who investigates an alleged
  195  incident of domestic violence shall advise the victim of such
  196  violence that there are is a domestic violence centers and
  197  domestic violence service providers center from which the victim
  198  may receive services. The law enforcement officer shall give the
  199  victim immediate notice of the legal rights and remedies
  200  available under in accordance with the provisions of s. 741.29.
  201         Section 7. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
  202  90.5036, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  203         90.5036 Domestic violence advocate-victim privilege.—
  204         (1) For purposes of this section:
  205         (a) A “domestic violence center” is any public or private
  206  agency that offers assistance to victims of domestic violence,
  207  as defined in s. 741.28, and their families. The term includes a
  208  domestic violence service provider as defined in s. 39.902.
  209         Section 8. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
  210  381.0072, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  211         381.0072 Food service protection.—
  212         (2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
  213         (c) “Food service establishment” means detention
  214  facilities, public or private schools, migrant labor camps,
  215  assisted living facilities, facilities participating in the
  216  United States Department of Agriculture Afterschool Meal Program
  217  that are located at a facility or site that is not inspected by
  218  another state agency for compliance with sanitation standards,
  219  adult family-care homes, adult day care centers, short-term
  220  residential treatment centers, residential treatment facilities,
  221  homes for special services, transitional living facilities,
  222  crisis stabilization units, hospices, prescribed pediatric
  223  extended care centers, intermediate care facilities for persons
  224  with developmental disabilities, boarding schools, civic or
  225  fraternal organizations, bars and lounges, vending machines that
  226  dispense potentially hazardous foods at facilities expressly
  227  named in this paragraph, and facilities used as temporary food
  228  events or mobile food units at any facility expressly named in
  229  this paragraph, where food is prepared and intended for
  230  individual portion service, including the site at which
  231  individual portions are provided, regardless of whether
  232  consumption is on or off the premises and regardless of whether
  233  there is a charge for the food. The term includes a culinary
  234  education program where food is prepared and intended for
  235  individual portion service, regardless of whether there is a
  236  charge for the food or whether the program is inspected by
  237  another state agency for compliance with sanitation standards.
  238  The term does not include any entity not expressly named in this
  239  paragraph; nor does the term include a domestic violence center
  240  or domestic violence service provider certified and monitored by
  241  the Department of Children and Families under part XII of
  242  chapter 39 if the center or service provider does not prepare
  243  and serve food to its residents and does not advertise food or
  244  drink for public consumption.
  245         Section 9. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
  246  383.402, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  247         383.402 Child abuse death review; State Child Abuse Death
  248  Review Committee; local child abuse death review committees.—
  249         (3) LOCAL CHILD ABUSE DEATH REVIEW COMMITTEES.—At the
  250  direction of the State Surgeon General, a county or multicounty
  251  child abuse death review committee shall be convened and
  252  supported by the county health department directors in
  253  accordance with the protocols established by the State Child
  254  Abuse Death Review Committee.
  255         (a) Membership.—The local death review committees shall
  256  include, at a minimum, the following organizations’
  257  representatives, appointed by the county health department
  258  directors in consultation with those organizations:
  259         1. The state attorney’s office.
  260         2. The medical examiner’s office.
  261         3. The local Department of Children and Families child
  262  protective investigations unit.
  263         4. The Department of Health Child Protection Team.
  264         5. The community-based care lead agency.
  265         6. State, county, or local law enforcement agencies.
  266         7. The school district.
  267         8. A mental health treatment provider.
  268         9. A certified domestic violence center or certified
  269  domestic violence service provider.
  270         10. A substance abuse treatment provider.
  271         11. Any other members that are determined by guidelines
  272  developed by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee.
  273  
  274  To the extent possible, individuals from these organizations or
  275  entities who, in a professional capacity, dealt with a child
  276  whose death is verified as caused by abuse or neglect, or with
  277  the family of the child, shall attend any meetings where the
  278  child’s case is reviewed. The members of a local committee shall
  279  be appointed to 2-year terms and may be reappointed. Members
  280  shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement
  281  for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of
  282  their duties as provided in s. 112.061 and to the extent that
  283  funds are available.
  284         Section 10. Paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of section
  285  414.065, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  286         414.065 Noncompliance with work requirements.—
  287         (4) EXCEPTIONS TO NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTIES.—Unless otherwise
  288  provided, the situations listed in this subsection shall
  289  constitute exceptions to the penalties for noncompliance with
  290  participation requirements, except that these situations do not
  291  constitute exceptions to the applicable time limit for receipt
  292  of temporary cash assistance:
  293         (c) Noncompliance related to treatment or remediation of
  294  past effects of domestic violence.—An individual who is
  295  determined to be unable to comply with the work requirements
  296  under this section due to mental or physical impairment related
  297  to past incidents of domestic violence may be exempt from work
  298  requirements, except that such individual shall comply with a
  299  plan that specifies alternative requirements that prepare the
  300  individual for self-sufficiency while providing for the safety
  301  of the individual and the individual’s dependents. A participant
  302  who is determined to be out of compliance with the alternative
  303  requirement plan shall be subject to the penalties under
  304  subsection (1). The plan must include counseling or a course of
  305  treatment necessary for the individual to resume participation.
  306  The need for treatment and the expected duration of such
  307  treatment must be verified by a physician licensed under chapter
  308  458 or chapter 459; a psychologist licensed under s. 490.005(1),
  309  s. 490.006, or the provision identified as s. 490.013(2) in s.
  310  1, chapter 81-235, Laws of Florida; a therapist as defined in s.
  311  491.003(2) or (6); or a treatment professional who is listed
  312  registered under s. 39.905(1)(g), is authorized to maintain
  313  confidentiality under s. 90.5036(1)(d), and has a minimum of 2
  314  years’ years experience at a certified domestic violence center
  315  or certified domestic violence service provider. An exception
  316  granted under this paragraph does not automatically constitute
  317  an exception from the time limitations on benefits specified
  318  under s. 414.105.
  319         Section 11. Paragraph (g) of subsection (9) of section
  320  414.095, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  321         414.095 Determining eligibility for temporary cash
  322  assistance.—
  323         (9) OPPORTUNITIES AND OBLIGATIONS.—An applicant for
  324  temporary cash assistance has the following opportunities and
  325  obligations:
  326         (g) To receive information regarding services available
  327  from certified domestic violence centers, certified domestic
  328  violence service providers, or other organizations that provide
  329  counseling and supportive services to individuals who are past
  330  or present victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or
  331  stalking or who are at risk of domestic violence, dating
  332  violence, or stalking and, upon request, to be referred to such
  333  organizations in a manner which protects the individual’s
  334  confidentiality.
  335         Section 12. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
  336  415.1103, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  337         415.1103 Elder abuse fatality review teams.—
  338         (1)
  339         (b) An elder abuse fatality review team may include, but is
  340  not limited to, representatives from any of the following
  341  entities or persons located in the review team’s judicial
  342  circuit:
  343         1. Law enforcement agencies.
  344         2. The state attorney.
  345         3. The medical examiner.
  346         4. A county court judge.
  347         5. Adult protective services.
  348         6. The area agency on aging.
  349         7. The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
  350         8. The Agency for Health Care Administration.
  351         9. The Office of the Attorney General.
  352         10. The Office of the State Courts Administrator.
  353         11. The clerk of the court.
  354         12. A victim services program.
  355         13. An elder law attorney.
  356         14. Emergency services personnel.
  357         15. A certified domestic violence center or certified
  358  domestic violence service provider.
  359         16. An advocacy organization for victims of sexual
  360  violence.
  361         17. A funeral home director.
  362         18. A forensic pathologist.
  363         19. A geriatrician.
  364         20. A geriatric nurse.
  365         21. A geriatric psychiatrist or other individual licensed
  366  to offer behavioral health services.
  367         22. A hospital discharge planner.
  368         23. A public guardian.
  369         24. Any other persons who have knowledge regarding fatal
  370  incidents of elder abuse, domestic violence, or sexual violence,
  371  including knowledge of research, policy, law, and other matters
  372  connected with such incidents involving elders, or who are
  373  recommended for inclusion by the review team.
  374         Section 13. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
  375  456.031, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  376         456.031 Requirement for instruction on domestic violence.—
  377         (1)(a) The appropriate board shall require each person
  378  licensed or certified under chapter 458, chapter 459, part I of
  379  chapter 464, chapter 466, chapter 467, chapter 490, or chapter
  380  491 to complete a 2-hour continuing education course, approved
  381  by the board, on domestic violence, as defined in s. 741.28, as
  382  part of every third biennial relicensure or recertification. The
  383  course shall consist of information on the number of patients in
  384  that professional’s practice who are likely to be victims of
  385  domestic violence and the number who are likely to be
  386  perpetrators of domestic violence, screening procedures for
  387  determining whether a patient has any history of being either a
  388  victim or a perpetrator of domestic violence, and instruction on
  389  how to provide such patients with information on, or how to
  390  refer such patients to, resources in the local community, such
  391  as domestic violence centers, domestic violence service
  392  providers, and other advocacy groups, that provide legal aid,
  393  shelter, victim counseling, batterer counseling, or child
  394  protection services.
  395         Section 14. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
  396  490.014, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  397         490.014 Exemptions.—
  398         (2) No person shall be required to be licensed or
  399  provisionally licensed under this chapter who:
  400         (a) Is a salaried employee of a government agency; a
  401  developmental disability facility or program; a mental health,
  402  alcohol, or drug abuse facility operating under chapter 393,
  403  chapter 394, or chapter 397; the statewide child care resource
  404  and referral network operating under s. 1002.92; a child-placing
  405  or child-caring agency licensed pursuant to chapter 409; a
  406  domestic violence center or domestic violence service provider
  407  certified pursuant to chapter 39; an accredited academic
  408  institution; or a research institution, if such employee is
  409  performing duties for which he or she was trained and hired
  410  solely within the confines of such agency, facility, or
  411  institution, so long as the employee is not held out to the
  412  public as a psychologist pursuant to s. 490.012(1)(a).
  413         Section 15. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section
  414  491.014, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  415         491.014 Exemptions.—
  416         (4) No person shall be required to be licensed,
  417  provisionally licensed, registered, or certified under this
  418  chapter who:
  419         (a) Is a salaried employee of a government agency; a
  420  developmental disability facility or program; a mental health,
  421  alcohol, or drug abuse facility operating under chapter 393,
  422  chapter 394, or chapter 397; the statewide child care resource
  423  and referral network operating under s. 1002.92; a child-placing
  424  or child-caring agency licensed pursuant to chapter 409; a
  425  domestic violence center or domestic violence service provider
  426  certified pursuant to chapter 39; an accredited academic
  427  institution; or a research institution, if such employee is
  428  performing duties for which he or she was trained and hired
  429  solely within the confines of such agency, facility, or
  430  institution, so long as the employee is not held out to the
  431  public as a clinical social worker, mental health counselor, or
  432  marriage and family therapist.
  433         Section 16. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 741.29,
  434  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  435         741.29 Domestic violence; investigation of incidents;
  436  notice to victims of legal rights and remedies; reporting.—
  437         (1) Any law enforcement officer who investigates an alleged
  438  incident of domestic violence shall assist the victim to obtain
  439  medical treatment if such is required as a result of the alleged
  440  incident to which the officer responds. Any law enforcement
  441  officer who investigates an alleged incident of domestic
  442  violence shall advise the victim of such violence that there is
  443  a domestic violence center or domestic violence service provider
  444  from which the victim may receive services. The law enforcement
  445  officer shall give the victim immediate notice of the legal
  446  rights and remedies available on a standard form developed and
  447  distributed by the department. As necessary, the department
  448  shall revise the Legal Rights and Remedies Notice to Victims to
  449  include a general summary of s. 741.30 using simple English as
  450  well as Spanish, and shall distribute the notice as a model form
  451  to be used by all law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
  452  The notice shall include:
  453         (a) The resource listing, including telephone number, for
  454  the local certified area domestic violence center and local
  455  certified domestic violence service provider, if any, designated
  456  by the Department of Children and Families; and
  457         (b) A copy of the following statement: “IF YOU ARE THE
  458  VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, you may ask the state attorney to
  459  file a criminal complaint. You also have the right to go to
  460  court and file a petition requesting an injunction for
  461  protection from domestic violence which may include, but need
  462  not be limited to, provisions which restrain the abuser from
  463  further acts of abuse; direct the abuser to leave your
  464  household; prevent the abuser from entering your residence,
  465  school, business, or place of employment; award you custody of
  466  your minor child or children; and direct the abuser to pay
  467  support to you and the minor children if the abuser has a legal
  468  obligation to do so.”
  469         (2) When a law enforcement officer investigates an
  470  allegation that an incident of domestic violence has occurred,
  471  the officer shall handle the incident pursuant to the arrest
  472  policy provided in s. 901.15(7), and as developed in accordance
  473  with subsections (3), (4), and (5). Whether or not an arrest is
  474  made, the officer shall make a written police report that is
  475  complete and clearly indicates the alleged offense was an
  476  incident of domestic violence. Such report shall be given to the
  477  officer’s supervisor and filed with the law enforcement agency
  478  in a manner that will permit data on domestic violence cases to
  479  be compiled. Such report must include:
  480         (a) A description of physical injuries observed, if any.
  481         (b) If a law enforcement officer decides not to make an
  482  arrest or decides to arrest two or more parties, the officer
  483  shall include in the report the grounds for not arresting anyone
  484  or for arresting two or more parties.
  485         (c) A statement which indicates that a copy of the legal
  486  rights and remedies notice was given to the victim.
  487  
  488  Whenever possible, the law enforcement officer shall obtain a
  489  written statement from the victim and witnesses concerning the
  490  alleged domestic violence. The officer shall submit the report
  491  to the supervisor or other person to whom the employer’s rules
  492  or policies require reports of similar allegations of criminal
  493  activity to be made. The law enforcement agency shall, without
  494  charge, send a copy of the initial police report, as well as any
  495  subsequent, supplemental, or related report, which excludes
  496  victim/witness statements or other materials that are part of an
  497  active criminal investigation and are exempt from disclosure
  498  under chapter 119, to the nearest local locally certified
  499  domestic violence center and local certified domestic violence
  500  service provider, if any, within 24 hours after the agency’s
  501  receipt of the report. The report furnished to the domestic
  502  violence center and domestic violence service provider must
  503  include a narrative description of the domestic violence
  504  incident.
  505         Section 17. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2), paragraph (a)
  506  of subsection (6), and subsection (7) of section 741.30, Florida
  507  Statutes, are amended to read:
  508         741.30 Domestic violence; injunction; powers and duties of
  509  court and clerk; petition; notice and hearing; temporary
  510  injunction; issuance of injunction; statewide verification
  511  system; enforcement; public records exemption.—
  512         (2)
  513         (c)1. The clerk of the court shall assist petitioners in
  514  seeking both injunctions for protection against domestic
  515  violence and enforcement for a violation thereof as specified in
  516  this section.
  517         2. All clerks’ offices shall provide simplified petition
  518  forms for the injunction, any modifications, and the enforcement
  519  thereof, including instructions for completion.
  520         3. The clerk of the court shall advise petitioners of the
  521  opportunity to apply for a certificate of indigence in lieu of
  522  prepayment for the cost of the filing fee, as provided in
  523  paragraph (a).
  524         4. The clerk of the court shall ensure the petitioner’s
  525  privacy to the extent practical while completing the forms for
  526  injunctions for protection against domestic violence.
  527         5. The clerk of the court shall provide petitioners with a
  528  minimum of two certified copies of the order of injunction, one
  529  of which is serviceable and will inform the petitioner of the
  530  process for service and enforcement.
  531         6. Clerks of court and appropriate staff in each county
  532  shall receive training in the effective assistance of
  533  petitioners as provided or approved by the Florida Association
  534  of Court Clerks.
  535         7. The clerk of the court in each county shall make
  536  available informational brochures on domestic violence when such
  537  brochures are provided by local certified domestic violence
  538  centers or local certified domestic violence service providers.
  539         8. The clerk of the court in each county shall distribute a
  540  statewide uniform informational brochure to petitioners at the
  541  time of filing for an injunction for protection against domestic
  542  or repeat violence when such brochures become available. The
  543  brochure must include information about the effect of giving the
  544  court false information about domestic violence.
  545         (6)(a) Upon notice and hearing, when it appears to the
  546  court that the petitioner is either the victim of domestic
  547  violence as defined by s. 741.28 or has reasonable cause to
  548  believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of
  549  domestic violence, the court may grant such relief as the court
  550  deems proper, including an injunction:
  551         1. Restraining the respondent from committing any acts of
  552  domestic violence.
  553         2. Awarding to the petitioner the exclusive use and
  554  possession of the dwelling that the parties share or excluding
  555  the respondent from the residence of the petitioner.
  556         3. On the same basis as provided in chapter 61, providing
  557  the petitioner with 100 percent of the time-sharing in a
  558  temporary parenting plan that remains in effect until the order
  559  expires or an order is entered by a court of competent
  560  jurisdiction in a pending or subsequent civil action or
  561  proceeding affecting the placement of, access to, parental time
  562  with, adoption of, or parental rights and responsibilities for
  563  the minor child.
  564         4. On the same basis as provided in chapter 61,
  565  establishing temporary support for a minor child or children or
  566  the petitioner. An order of temporary support remains in effect
  567  until the order expires or an order is entered by a court of
  568  competent jurisdiction in a pending or subsequent civil action
  569  or proceeding affecting child support.
  570         5. Ordering the respondent to participate in treatment,
  571  intervention, or counseling services to be paid for by the
  572  respondent. When the court orders the respondent to participate
  573  in a batterers’ intervention program, the court, or any entity
  574  designated by the court, must provide the respondent with a list
  575  of batterers’ intervention programs from which the respondent
  576  must choose a program in which to participate.
  577         6. Referring a petitioner to a certified domestic violence
  578  center or certified domestic violence service provider. The
  579  court must provide the petitioner with a list of certified
  580  domestic violence centers or certified domestic violence service
  581  providers in the circuit which the petitioner may contact.
  582         7. Awarding to the petitioner the exclusive care,
  583  possession, or control of an animal that is owned, possessed,
  584  harbored, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a
  585  minor child residing in the residence or household of the
  586  petitioner or respondent. The court may order the respondent to
  587  have no contact with the animal and prohibit the respondent from
  588  taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming, or
  589  otherwise disposing of the animal. This subparagraph does not
  590  apply to an animal owned primarily for a bona fide agricultural
  591  purpose, as defined under s. 193.461, or to a service animal, as
  592  defined under s. 413.08, if the respondent is the service
  593  animal’s handler.
  594         8. Ordering such other relief as the court deems necessary
  595  for the protection of a victim of domestic violence, including
  596  injunctions or directives to law enforcement agencies, as
  597  provided in this section.
  598         (7) The court shall allow an advocate from a state
  599  attorney’s office, an advocate from a law enforcement agency, or
  600  an advocate from a certified domestic violence center or
  601  certified domestic violence service provider who is registered
  602  under s. 39.905 to be present with the petitioner or respondent
  603  during any court proceedings or hearings related to the
  604  injunction for protection, provided the petitioner or respondent
  605  has made such a request and the advocate is able to be present.
  606         Section 18. Paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of section
  607  741.316, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  608         741.316 Domestic violence fatality review teams;
  609  definition; membership; duties.—
  610         (1) As used in this section, the term “domestic violence
  611  fatality review team” means an organization that includes, but
  612  is not limited to, representatives from the following agencies
  613  or organizations:
  614         (d) Certified domestic violence centers or certified
  615  domestic violence service providers.
  616         Section 19. Subsections (11) and (12) of section 784.046,
  617  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  618         784.046 Action by victim of repeat violence, sexual
  619  violence, or dating violence for protective injunction; dating
  620  violence investigations, notice to victims, and reporting;
  621  pretrial release violations; public records exemption.—
  622         (11) Any law enforcement officer who investigates an
  623  alleged incident of dating violence shall assist the victim to
  624  obtain medical treatment if such is required as a result of the
  625  alleged incident to which the officer responds. Any law
  626  enforcement officer who investigates an alleged incident of
  627  dating violence shall advise the victim of such violence that
  628  there are is a domestic violence centers or domestic violence
  629  service providers center from which the victim may receive
  630  services. The law enforcement officer shall give the victim
  631  immediate notice of the legal rights and remedies available on a
  632  standard form developed and distributed by the Department of Law
  633  Enforcement. As necessary, the Department of Law Enforcement
  634  shall revise the Legal Rights and Remedies Notice to Victims to
  635  include a general summary of this section, using simple English
  636  as well as Spanish, and shall distribute the notice as a model
  637  form to be used by all law enforcement agencies throughout the
  638  state. The notice shall include:
  639         (a) The resource listing, including telephone number, for
  640  the local certified area domestic violence center or local
  641  certified domestic violence service provider, if any, designated
  642  by the Department of Children and Families; and
  643         (b) A copy of the following statement: “IF YOU ARE THE
  644  VICTIM OF DATING VIOLENCE, you may ask the state attorney to
  645  file a criminal complaint. You also have the right to go to
  646  court and file a petition requesting an injunction for
  647  protection from dating violence which may include, but need not
  648  be limited to, provisions that restrain the abuser from further
  649  acts of abuse; direct the abuser to leave your household; and
  650  prevent the abuser from entering your residence, school,
  651  business, or place of employment.”
  652         (12) When a law enforcement officer investigates an
  653  allegation that an incident of dating violence has occurred, the
  654  officer shall handle the incident pursuant to the arrest policy
  655  provided in s. 901.15(7), and as developed in accordance with
  656  subsections (13), (14), and (16). Whether or not an arrest is
  657  made, the officer shall make a written police report that is
  658  complete and clearly indicates that the alleged offense was an
  659  incident of dating violence. Such report shall be given to the
  660  officer’s supervisor and filed with the law enforcement agency
  661  in a manner that will permit data on dating violence cases to be
  662  compiled. Such report must include:
  663         (a) A description of physical injuries observed, if any.
  664         (b) If a law enforcement officer decides not to make an
  665  arrest or decides to arrest two or more parties, the grounds for
  666  not arresting anyone or for arresting two or more parties.
  667         (c) A statement which indicates that a copy of the legal
  668  rights and remedies notice was given to the victim.
  669  
  670  Whenever possible, the law enforcement officer shall obtain a
  671  written statement from the victim and witnesses concerning the
  672  alleged dating violence. The officer shall submit the report to
  673  the supervisor or other person to whom the employer’s rules or
  674  policies require reports of similar allegations of criminal
  675  activity to be made. The law enforcement agency shall, without
  676  charge, send a copy of the initial police report, as well as any
  677  subsequent, supplemental, or related report, which excludes
  678  victim or witness statements or other materials that are part of
  679  an active criminal investigation and are exempt from disclosure
  680  under chapter 119, to the nearest local locally certified
  681  domestic violence center and local certified domestic violence
  682  service provider, if any, within 24 hours after the agency’s
  683  receipt of the report. The report furnished to the domestic
  684  violence center and domestic violence service provider must
  685  include a narrative description of the dating violence incident.
  686         Section 20. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2), paragraph (a)
  687  of subsection (6), and subsection (7) of section 784.0485,
  688  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  689         784.0485 Stalking; injunction; powers and duties of court
  690  and clerk; petition; notice and hearing; temporary injunction;
  691  issuance of injunction; statewide verification system;
  692  enforcement.—
  693         (2)
  694         (c)1. The clerk of the court shall assist petitioners in
  695  seeking both injunctions for protection against stalking and
  696  enforcement of a violation thereof as specified in this section.
  697         2. All offices of the clerk of the court shall provide
  698  simplified petition forms for the injunction and any
  699  modifications to and the enforcement thereof, including
  700  instructions for completion.
  701         3. The clerk of the court shall ensure the petitioner’s
  702  privacy to the extent practicable while completing the forms for
  703  an injunction for protection against stalking.
  704         4. The clerk of the court shall provide a petitioner with a
  705  minimum of two certified copies of the order of injunction, one
  706  of which is serviceable and will inform the petitioner of the
  707  process for service and enforcement.
  708         5. The clerk of the court and appropriate staff in each
  709  county shall receive training in the effective assistance of
  710  petitioners as provided or approved by the Florida Association
  711  of Court Clerks and Comptrollers.
  712         6. The clerk of the court in each county shall make
  713  available informational brochures on stalking when such a
  714  brochure is provided by the local certified domestic violence
  715  center, local certified domestic violence service provider, or
  716  local certified rape crisis center.
  717         7. The clerk of the court in each county shall distribute a
  718  statewide uniform informational brochure to petitioners at the
  719  time of filing for an injunction for protection against stalking
  720  when such brochures become available. The brochure must include
  721  information about the effect of giving the court false
  722  information.
  723         (6)(a) Upon notice and hearing, when it appears to the
  724  court that the petitioner is the victim of stalking, the court
  725  may grant such relief as the court deems proper, including an
  726  injunction:
  727         1. Restraining the respondent from committing any act of
  728  stalking.
  729         2. Ordering the respondent to participate in treatment,
  730  intervention, or counseling services to be paid for by the
  731  respondent.
  732         3. Referring a petitioner to appropriate services. The
  733  court may provide the petitioner with a list of certified
  734  domestic violence centers, certified domestic violence service
  735  providers, certified rape crisis centers, and other appropriate
  736  referrals in the circuit which the petitioner may contact.
  737         4. Ordering such other relief as the court deems necessary
  738  for the protection of a victim of stalking, including
  739  injunctions or directives to law enforcement agencies, as
  740  provided in this section.
  741         (7) The court shall allow an advocate from a state
  742  attorney’s office, a law enforcement agency, a certified rape
  743  crisis center, or a certified domestic violence center, or a
  744  certified domestic violence service provider who is registered
  745  under s. 39.905 to be present with the petitioner or respondent
  746  during any court proceedings or hearings related to the
  747  injunction for protection if the petitioner or respondent has
  748  made such a request and the advocate is able to be present.
  749         Section 21. Subsection (4) of section 944.705, Florida
  750  Statutes, is amended to read:
  751         944.705 Release orientation program.—
  752         (4) Any inmate who claims to be a victim of domestic
  753  violence as defined in s. 741.28 shall receive, as part of the
  754  release orientation program, referral to the nearest domestic
  755  violence center and domestic violence service provider, if any,
  756  certified under chapter 39.
  757         Section 22. Subsection (2) of section 960.198, Florida
  758  Statutes, is amended to read:
  759         960.198 Relocation assistance for victims of domestic
  760  violence.—
  761         (2) In order for an award to be granted to a victim for
  762  relocation assistance:
  763         (a) There must be proof that a domestic violence offense
  764  was committed;
  765         (b) The domestic violence offense must be reported to the
  766  proper authorities;
  767         (c) The victim’s need for assistance must be certified by a
  768  certified domestic violence center or certified domestic
  769  violence service provider in this state; and
  770         (d) The center certification must assert that the victim is
  771  cooperating with law enforcement officials, if applicable, and
  772  must include documentation that the victim has developed a
  773  safety plan.
  774         Section 23. Subsection (2) of section 984.071, Florida
  775  Statutes, is amended to read:
  776         984.071 Resources and information.—
  777         (2) The department, in collaboration with organizations
  778  that provide expertise, training, and advocacy in the areas of
  779  family and domestic violence, shall develop and maintain updated
  780  information and materials describing resources and services
  781  available to parents and legal custodians who are victims of
  782  domestic violence committed by children or who fear that they
  783  will become victims of such acts and to children who have
  784  committed acts of domestic violence or who demonstrate behaviors
  785  that may escalate into domestic violence. Such resources and
  786  services shall include, but are not limited to, those available
  787  under this chapter, domestic violence services available under
  788  chapter 39, and juvenile justice services available pursuant to
  789  chapter 985, including prevention, diversion, detention, and
  790  alternative placements. The materials shall describe how parents
  791  and legal custodians may access the resources and services in
  792  their local area. The department shall post this information on
  793  its website and make the materials available to certified
  794  domestic violence centers, certified domestic violence service
  795  providers, other organizations serving victims of domestic
  796  violence, clerks of court, law enforcement agencies, and other
  797  appropriate organizations for distribution to the public.
  798         Section 24. Paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of section
  799  1002.81, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  800         1002.81 Definitions.—Consistent with the requirements of 45
  801  C.F.R. parts 98 and 99 and as used in this part, the term:
  802         (1) “At-risk child” means:
  803         (e) A child in the custody of a parent who is considered a
  804  victim of domestic violence and is receiving services through a
  805  certified domestic violence center or certified domestic
  806  violence service provider.
  807         Section 25. This act shall take effect July 1, 2022.

feedback