Lawmakers approve bill to crack down on sexual predators, will await DeSantis signature

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis that makes changes to the Sexual Offender and Predator Act aimed to improve public safety.

SB 1230 is sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island. Rep. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville, filed the House bill. The bill passed 116-0 in the House and 35-0 in the Senate.

It requires the sexual offender and predator to respond to address verification correspondence from county or local law enforcement agencies, among other measures.

A sexual predator who “fails to respond to any address verification correspondence from a county or local law enforcement agency can be charged with a third degree felony,” according to the bill’s analysis.

Each time a sexual predator fails to register or report changes to the required registration information constitutes a separate offense.

The bill will allow for sexual predators and sexual offenders to use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s online system to report any changes to vehicles owned.

Bradley said the bill requires that they must notify the department of any international travel “regardless of length.”

If the governor signs off on the bill, it will take effect Oct. 1.