Legislative Update 2025 - Flipbook - Page 38
HB 317 Representative Fabricio
Complaints Against Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers
Law Enforcement Champion and steadfast supporter of Florida’s first responders,
Representative Tom Fabricio, successfully passed House Bill 317 out of the House of
Representatives this week. This important legislation strengthens procedural protections
for law enforcement and correctional officers under investigation for misconduct.
Under HB 317, officers must receive a copy of any signed, sworn complaint before an
interrogation can begin. The bill prohibits dismissals, demotions, or other personnel
actions unless the officer has received the signed complaint. It also guarantees officers
the right to review the complete investigative file and formally respond to its findings
before any disciplinary decision is finalized. Furthermore, if an investigation concludes
without disciplinary action, the file may not be included in the officer’s personnel record
or used to hinder future career advancement.
The bill sparked intense debate on the House floor, drawing criticism from some
political leaders and organizations—including opposition from both the Florida Sheriffs
Association (FSA) and Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA). Despite the controversy,
several lawmakers stood firm in defense of due process and fairness for law
enforcement officers.
In a notable bipartisan move, 12 House Democrats broke with their party and voted in
favor of the bill: Representatives J. Alvarez, Casello, Cross, Daley, Edmonds, Franklin,
Gottlieb, Hunschofsky, Skidmore, Spencer, Tant, and Woodson.
The remaining Democratic members—including Antone, Campbell, Chambliss, Driskell,
Eskamani, Gantt, Harris, Hinson, Joseph, J. Lopez, Nixon, Rayner, F. Robinson, Rosenwald,
and Tendrich—voted against the bill.
All House Republicans voted in support.
The legislation passed the House of
Representatives and was sent to the
Florida Senate in messages. It currently
resides in the Senate Rules Committee,
and we are working to try and get it
moved to the floor.
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