Panel votes to codify recurring funding for Internet Crimes Against Children task forces

CS for HB 709 received unanimous committee approval and was reported favorably by a 14–0 vote.

Representative Kincart Johnson told the committee that last session the Legislature invested $3,000,000 in recurring funds for Florida’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces and that the committee substitute would codify that investment to provide long-term stability for investigations, training, technology and personnel. The bill also updates the online sting operations grant program to align with ICAC priorities and expand allowable uses for local law enforcement, the sponsor said.

Speakers in support included Chris Claben of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Barney Bishop of the Smart Justice Alliance; Bishop urged continued, consistent funding and recounted a recent interstate kidnapping to underscore the bill’s urgency. Turner Lozel, a policy analyst at the James Madison Institute, also addressed the committee in support, calling the bill non-contentious and saying it provides law enforcement with needed resources for child-protection investigations.

With no amendments or debate recorded, Miss Rosa called the roll and the committee recorded 14 yeas and 0 nays. The chair announced CS/HB 709 would be reported favorably and moved forward in the legislative process.