House Bill 155 amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former employees of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, as well as their spouses and children. This includes sensitive information such as home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs, which will no longer be publicly accessible. The bill also establishes provisions for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption, with a sunset date set for October 2, 2030, unless the Legislature decides to reenact it.
The bill highlights the necessity of these privacy protections due to the risks faced by employees of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, who have been subject to intimidation and harassment, including threats and online stalking. The Legislature recognizes that the potential harm to these individuals and their families outweighs any public interest in disclosing their personal information. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the security and privacy of those in sensitive judicial roles.
Statutes affected: H 155 Filed: 119.071