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 includes protections for home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and similar information for their spouses and children, as well as the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by their children. The exemption will be subject to review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act and is set to expire on October 2, 2030, unless reenacted by the Legislature.

The bill underscores the importance of these privacy protections due to the potential risks faced by individuals involved in crime stoppers, who may be targeted for retaliation by those involved in criminal activities. By safeguarding this sensitive information, the legislation aims to enhance the safety of these individuals and their families while they perform their critical roles in law enforcement and community safety efforts. The new provisions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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