The proposed bill, titled the "Stop the Sale of Enslavement Records Act," aims to prohibit the commercial sale, resale, auction, or distribution for profit of historical records that document the sale and trade of enslaved individuals in Florida. The legislation outlines the ethical handling and preservation of such records, emphasizing the need to honor the dignity of those affected and their descendants. It establishes penalties for violations, including civil penalties up to $10,000, seizure of the records, and potential additional penalties determined by the Attorney General. The bill also mandates the Department of State to oversee compliance and coordinate with law enforcement, as well as to create an online reporting system for suspected violations.
The act includes specific exceptions, allowing for the donation or transfer of these historical records to accredited institutions for educational purposes, and their display in museums or archives without financial transactions. The Department of State is required to utilize existing resources for implementation and enforcement of the act, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.