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 protections for home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs. The bill emphasizes the need for these privacy protections due to the potential risks these employees face from disgruntled litigants, and it allows for retroactive application of the exemption. The exemption will be subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, meaning it will automatically expire on October 2, 2030, unless renewed by the Legislature.

The bill also outlines the process for maintaining confidentiality, requiring a written and notarized request from the individuals concerned to the custodial agency, and mandates compliance from county property appraisers and tax collectors in removing the exempted information from public records. A statement of public necessity is included, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the privacy and security of individuals associated with the Judicial Qualifications Commission, recognizing the sensitive nature of their roles.

Statutes affected:
H 155 Filed: 119.071