Petition to introduce the Florida Child Protection Enhancement Act

As concerned citizens, we call upon the Florida Legislature to take urgent action to protect our children by passing the Florida Child Protection Enhancement Act. This proposed legislation aims to strengthen penalties for those who exploit and harm children through sexual performance and child pornography offenses, addressing a critical need for tougher laws that better reflect the severity of these crimes.

Why This Act is Needed:
Current laws fall short of adequately punishing repeat offenders and those who possess, promote, or distribute child pornography. The Florida Child Protection Enhancement Initiative seeks to amend existing statutes to reclassify these offenses and establish mandatory minimum sentencing, sending a strong message that Florida will not tolerate crimes against its most vulnerable citizens.

Key Provisions of the Act:

Increased Penalties for Exploitation
This Act reclassifies certain crimes involving the use, promotion, or possession of child pornography, increasing their severity:

• Using or Promoting a Child in Sexual Performances is raised from a second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison) to a first-degree felony, now punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
• Possessing Child Pornography with Intent to Promote is similarly raised from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony, carrying up to 30 years in prison.
• Possession of Child Pornography is reclassified from a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison) to a second-degree felony, now punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences:
For the first time ever, this legislation aims to mandate minimum prison terms for child exploitation offenses for first-time offenders:

• Offenders convicted of using or promoting a child in sexual performances will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for each charge.
• Offenders convicted of possessing child pornography with intent to promote will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for each charge.
• Offenders convicted of possessing, controlling, or intentionally viewing child pornography will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 8 years in prison for each charge.
• Courts can impose sentences longer than these minimums based on the severity of the case.
• Courts will not be able to sentence an offender to a term of imprisonment less than the mandatory minimum for that specific crime.

Enhanced Sentencing for Repeat Offenders:
This Act introduces stricter mandatory sentences for repeat offenders by expanding the dangerous sexual felony offender category to include charges regarding possession of child pornography. Prior to this legislation proposal, the crime of possession of child pornography would not impose mandatory minimums for re-offenders. Now, individuals with prior convictions who are caught possessing, controlling, or intentionally viewing child pornography will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in prison if they reoffend in accordance with the Dangerous Sexual Felony Offender Act that is already in place.

Public Support Needed:
This proposal, the Florida Child Protection Enhancement Act, is currently in the advocacy stage and has not yet been introduced as an official bill in the Florida House of Representatives. We are seeking public support to build momentum and demonstrate to lawmakers that Floridians care deeply about protecting children and holding offenders accountable. By signing this petition, you can help us show legislators that this is a critical issue worthy of their attention and action. Together, we can make a safer Florida for our children.

Our Appeal to Legislators:
This is a call to action to protect the children of Florida from sexual exploitation by ensuring that penalties match the seriousness of these crimes. By supporting the Florida Child Protection Enhancement Initiative, we can help prevent future offenses, deter repeat offenders, and provide justice to victims and their families.