House Bill 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 employees, board members, and volunteers of crime stoppers organizations. The bill protects home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs from public disclosure, thereby enhancing the safety and privacy of these individuals and their families. Additionally, the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by the children of these individuals are also exempt from public disclosure. 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 includes a statement of public necessity, highlighting the risks faced by crime stoppers personnel and their families, who may be targeted for retaliation due to their involvement in criminal investigations. By prioritizing the protection of their identities, the Legislature aims to safeguard their safety while still allowing for oversight and potential reevaluation of the exemption in the future. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 397 Filed: 119.071