Staff Reports
On Thursday, the Florida House advanced a significant move to bolster law enforcement capabilities and crack down on crime.
Sponsored by Englewood Republican Rep. Danny Nix, HB 1371 received strong bipartisan support after getting unanimous backing in both the House Judiciary and Criminal Justice committees.
Touted as a comprehensive measure to support Florida’s first responders, HB 1371 introduces several provisions, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years for attempted first-degree murder of judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and other justice system personnel.
The bill also addresses an emerging technology concern by prohibiting the general use of vehicle “kill switches,” which remotely disable vehicles, while carving out exceptions for lawful use by law enforcement and vehicle owners. Vehicles can use several types of kill switches, primarily targeting the fuel line, battery power, fuse box circuits, or ignition wiring to disable the engine.
Furthermore, it encourages State Attorneys to adopt more rigorous, pro-prosecution policies against individuals who file false crime reports to deter misuse of emergency resources.
“Florida’s law enforcement and first responders deserve more than just words — they deserve action, and that’s what this bill delivers,” Nix said following the vote. He emphasized the bill’s intent to protect officers, improve emergency response, and ensure community safety by providing tangible support systems.
Additional measures within HB 1371 include prohibiting law enforcement agencies from using artificial intelligence to continuously review or monitor officer body camera footage for disciplinary purposes.
It also establishes a Florida “Medal of Valor” for bravery and a “Blue and Red Heart” medal to honor first responders who are injured or killed in the line of duty.
If passed, HB 1371 will also establish the Critical Infrastructure Mapping Grant Program to fund the development of accurate, up-to-date maps of vulnerable locations. These maps will serve as a key resource for first responders during emergencies.
HB 1371, which recently passed the Judiciary, Budget, and Criminal Justice Committees without opposition, will next go to the Senate floor.
Once signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
