Committee backs bill tightening noncriminal complaint requirements for officers

Representative Fabrizio presented CS for HB 1283 to the Judiciary Committee, saying the bill requires noncriminal complaints against law-enforcement or corrections officers to be made in writing and signed under oath unless accompanied by corroborating evidence, while allowing anonymous complaints that include corroboration.

Appearances on the record included both supporters and opponents: Laurette Phillipson (opposition), Ally McNair (Florida Sheriffs Association, opposition), Barney Bishop (Florida Smart Justice Alliance, support), Jennifer Pritt (Florida Police Chiefs Association, opposition), William B. Smith (Florida PBA, support), and Lisa Henning (Fraternal Order of Police, support). Ranking member Gottlieb said he supported the bill after the sponsor added the anonymous-complaint-with-corroboration provision.

The committee recorded no amendments, held brief debate, and reported CS for HB 1283 favorably by roll call (16 yeas, 0 nays). The measure will advance to the House floor.