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HB 245

Georgia Educational Opportunity Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lydia Glaize and 5 co-sponsors

HB 245 updates Florida law by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material," enhancing victim privacy and protecting children from offenders in care settings.

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Bill Summary · HB 245

Summary of HB 245: Child Pornography Terminology

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 245
Title: Child Pornography Terminology
Status: Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
Introduced: October 22, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Judicial branch, labor, crimes, criminal procedure and corrections, evidence

The purpose of HB 245 is to amend existing Florida statutes to replace the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material." This change aims to reflect a more accurate understanding of the nature of the offenses related to the exploitation of children.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes amendments to multiple sections of the Florida Statutes, including but not limited to:

  • Terminology Change:

    • All instances of "child pornography" will be replaced with "child sexual abuse material" in relevant statutes, including sections related to criminal history checks, judicial proceedings, and evidence handling.

  • Criminal History Checks:

    • The bill amends section 39.0138 to prevent the placement of children with individuals convicted of offenses involving child sexual abuse material.

  • Judicial Proceedings:

    • Section 92.56 will allow the state to use pseudonyms for victims in cases involving child sexual abuse material, enhancing victim privacy during court proceedings.

  • Prohibition on Reproduction:

    • Section 92.561 will ensure that any materials depicting child sexual abuse remain secured and cannot be reproduced by defendants in criminal proceedings, while still allowing reasonable access for legal representation.

  • Employment Disqualifications:

    • Amendments to section 435.07 will maintain strict disqualifications for child care personnel with any convictions related to child sexual abuse material, ensuring that individuals with such offenses cannot work in child care settings.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB 245 will primarily affect:

  • Legal Terminology:
    The shift in terminology aims to provide a clearer understanding of the severity of crimes involving the exploitation of children.

  • Victims of Child Sexual Abuse:
    By enhancing privacy protections and ensuring stricter handling of evidence, the bill seeks to create a more supportive environment for victims during legal proceedings.

  • Child Care Personnel:
    The bill reinforces the disqualification of individuals with relevant offenses from working with children, thereby aiming to protect vulnerable populations.

Procedural Timeline

  • October 22, 2025: Bill filed.
  • October 28, 2025: Referred to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Health & Human Services Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

Conclusion

HB 245 represents a significant legislative effort to update the language and legal framework surrounding crimes against children. By replacing outdated terminology and enhancing protections for victims, the bill seeks to improve the judicial process and safeguard children from exploitation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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