On March 25, Gov. Rick Scott signed into law an anti-corruption bill, House Bill 7071, making it easier for prosecutors to prosecute cases alleging bribery, bid rigging and official misconduct.
The anti-corruption bill amends portions of Florida Statutes Chapter 838, including broadening coverage under the law to include employees and officers of companies that pay bribes or offer rewards to any city, county or state official in exchange for a government contract or procuring government business. The new amendments also change the standard of proof required to prove a violation of the anti-corruption law. Specifically, prosecutors now only need to prove a “knowingly and willful” violation instead of showing that a public officer had “corrupt intent” when receiving a payment or steering business to a particular contractor. The new legislative changes go into effect Oct. 1, 2016.
