HB 783 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb783-00
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
A bill to be entitled 1
An act relating to sentencing of veterans with mental 2
health conditions; creating s. 775.37, F.S.; defining 3
the term "modified sentence; providing that a court 4
may impose a modified sentence for a veteran with a 5
mental health condition rather than a set term or 6
mandatory minimum sentence otherwise required by law 7
in certain circumstances; providing requirements; 8
providing an exception for certain offenses; provid ing 9
an effective date. 10
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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 12
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Section 1. Section 775.37, Florida Statutes, is created to 14
read: 15
775.37 Veterans with mental health conditions; 16
modification of sentence. — 17
(1) As used in this sec tion, the term "modified sentence" 18
means a sentence below the required specified term of 19
imprisonment or mandatory minimum term, and may include a waiver 20
of restrictions on the defendant's eligibility for gain -time or 21
release. 22
(2) Notwithstanding any oth er provision of law, when a 23
defendant has been convicted of an offense that requires the 24
imposition of a specified term of imprisonment or mandatory 25
HB 783 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb783-00
Page 2 of 2
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
minimum term of imprisonment, the court may instead impose a 26
modified sentence if the court finds on the re cord that: 27
(a) The defendant is a veteran with a mental health 28
condition that is related to defendant's military service. 29
(b) The required sentence is not necessary for the 30
protection of the public. 31
(3) This section does not apply to a defendant be ing 32
sentenced for an offense enumerated in s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.a.(I). 33
Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025. 34