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 legislative findings that highlight the commodification of trauma associated with slavery and the need for ethical handling of such sensitive historical records. It establishes penalties for violations, including civil penalties up to $10,000, seizure of the records, and additional penalties as determined by the Attorney General.
The bill also mandates the Department of State to oversee compliance and coordinate with law enforcement to enforce these prohibitions. It allows for exceptions, such as donations to accredited institutions for educational purposes and the display of records in museums that do not involve financial transactions. Furthermore, the Department of State is required to utilize existing resources for implementation and to create an online reporting system for the public to report suspected violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.