House Bill 507 amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create a public records exemption for the personal identifying and location information of sexual assault counselors. This includes protections for their home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs, which will no longer be subject to public disclosure. The bill also allows for retroactive application of this exemption to information already collected and includes a statement of public necessity to underscore the importance of safeguarding the identities of those who support victims of sexual assault.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the exemption will be reviewed under the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically expire on October 2, 2030, unless renewed by the Legislature. The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 2025, highlighting the Legislature's commitment to enhancing the safety and privacy of sexual assault counselors, who may face risks of harassment and retaliation due to their critical work.
Statutes affected: H 507 Filed: 119.071