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Bill raising minimum penalty for cop killers sent to Senate floor again despite legal concerns
- SB 156 would raise the minimum penalty for officer manslaughter to life in prison, moving the law toward tougher sentencing.
- The bill, named for Officer Jason Raynor, also expands who is considered a protected officer and increases penalties when the victim is an officer.
- Sponsor Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Jessica Baker argue the change clarifies law and reduces street-level disputes over arrest legality.
- Aaron Wayt of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers argues the bill erases distinctions that currently limit certain punishments when manslaughter occurs.
- Wayt notes potential contradictions in the bill’s language regarding resisting arrest and its deletion of stricter prohibitions on malfeasant officers.
- The measure has support from Florida law enforcement associations but faced opposition from a defense lawyers group.
- HB 17 parallels the Senate bill in the House and awaits floor votes after past procedural delays.
- The bill's sponsor cited a 'glitch' in state law that allows lesser sentencing for officer deaths under current language.
- The House version of the bill (HB 17) mirrors the Senate measure and is carried by Rep. Jessica Baker.
- The bill also broadens protections to include correctional and probation officers and those in auxiliary roles.
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