Subcommittee advances "Missy's Law" to remand convicted dangerous offenders pending sentence

Representative Greco introduced CS for HP 445, which he said would require a person convicted of a dangerous crime to be remanded to custody immediately following conviction and remain in custody without the possibility of release on bond or other pre-sentencing release. The bill also expands the definition of "dangerous crime" to include violations related to child exploitation.

Representative Skidmore asked about the fiscal impact; Greco said fiscal effects would likely be limited but could produce marginal increases in county jail bed use from people who previously might have been released pending sentencing. Public proponents included Barney Bishop of the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and Libby Guzzo from the Attorney General's office; both were recorded as supporting the bill.

Committee debate focused on the loss of judicial discretion and the potential fiscal burden on county jails and sheriffs. Representative Gottlieb said he could not support the bill in its current form, citing concerns that it removes judicial discretion for defendants who might otherwise be eligible for alternatives such as mental health court or youthful-offender treatment, and called the potential fiscal effects an "unfunded mandate" for sheriffs. Representative Rainer and Representative Jock urged support, recounting cases where bond and release preceded further violence. Representative Greco closed by telling the committee the bill's namesake, Missy Mogul, was killed after a convicted offender was released; he asked members to support the measure for public safety. The committee reported CS/HP 445 favorably (10 yeas, 3 nays).