The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to define "medical examiner" and establish an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former medical examiners, as well as their spouses and children. This includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of medical examiners, along with similar information for their families. The exemption is designed to protect sensitive information from public disclosure, thereby enhancing the safety and privacy of these individuals. The bill is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts it.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding this personal information due to the potential security risks associated with the work of medical examiners. It asserts that the potential harm from disclosing such information outweighs any public benefit that may arise from its release. The legislation includes provisions for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption, ensuring ongoing oversight. The act will take effect upon its passage.
Statutes affected: H 21 Filed: 119.071