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 sensitive information such as 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 emphasizes the need for this exemption due to the heightened risks these individuals face in their roles, which involve adjudicating complaints of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, with a repeal date set for October 2, 2030, unless the Legislature takes action to maintain it.

In addition to establishing the exemption, the bill modifies existing language to clarify definitions and expand the list of protected personnel, notably removing county court judges from the exempted individuals while adding current judicial assistants. It also outlines the process for maintaining the exempt status of this information, requiring a written and notarized request from the individual or their employing agency, and mandates custodial agencies to comply by removing the exempt information from public records. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the personal information of those in sensitive positions.

Statutes affected:
H 971 Filed: 119.071