The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the confidentiality protections for crime victims. It expands the public record exemption to include not only the name and personal identification number of the victim but also any information or records that could be used to locate, intimidate, harass, or abuse the victim or their family. Additionally, it establishes that records generated by agencies that handle information concerning crime victims are also confidential. The bill provides specific definitions for terms such as "victim," "officer," and "use of force incident," and outlines the conditions under which these exemptions can be waived or extended.
Furthermore, the bill introduces a confidentiality provision for law enforcement officers involved in use of force incidents, making their identifying information confidential for a period of 72 hours, with the possibility of extension by the employing agency head. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the identities of both crime victims and law enforcement officers to prevent intimidation and harassment. The bill also includes a statement of public necessity, asserting that the confidentiality of such information is crucial for the safety and cooperation of crime victims with law enforcement. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: H 1129 Filed: 119.071
H 1129 c1: 119.071