House Bill 971 amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of certain current and former personnel and commissioners of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. This includes the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of these individuals, as well as similar information for their spouses and children. The bill also clarifies existing exemptions for various public service roles, ensuring that the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by the children of these personnel are also protected from public disclosure. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and is set to expire on October 2, 2030, unless renewed by the Legislature.

The bill emphasizes the necessity of these privacy protections, citing that personnel and commissioners of the Florida Commission on Human Relations may face increased risks of harm due to their public roles. The Legislature recognizes that the potential harm from disclosing personal information outweighs any public benefit from such disclosures. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a provision for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption.

Statutes affected:
H 971 Filed: 119.071