The bill CS/HB 397 amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create an exemption from public records requirements for specific personal identifying and location information of current and former employees, board members, and volunteers of crime stoppers organizations. This exemption includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and similar information for their spouses and children, such as their places of employment and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by their children. The bill also establishes that these exemptions are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which mandates periodic evaluation and is set to expire on October 2, 2030, unless renewed by the Legislature.

Additionally, the bill includes a statement of public necessity and allows for retroactive application of the exemption, emphasizing the need for enhanced privacy protections due to potential risks to the safety of crime stoppers personnel and their families from retaliation by individuals involved in criminal activities. The Legislature concludes that the potential harm from disclosing such personal information outweighs any public interest in its release. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 397 Filed: 119.071
H 397 c1: 119.071