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 potentially 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 introduces specific definitions for terms such as "victim," "officer," and "use of force incident," and it provides a framework for the confidentiality of records related to law enforcement officers involved in use of force incidents, which will be exempt for a period of 72 hours post-incident.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the extension of confidentiality beyond the initial 72 hours if deemed necessary by the employing agency head. It also includes provisions for waivers of confidentiality by victims and law enforcement officers, as well as a statement of public necessity emphasizing the importance of protecting victims from intimidation and harassment. The bill is subject to future legislative review and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1129 Filed: 119.071
H 1129 c1: 119.071