The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to define "medical examiner" and create 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 exemption includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs, which will not be subject to public disclosure under sections 119.07(1) and 24(a), Article I of the State Constitution. The legislation aims to protect the privacy and safety of these individuals due to the sensitive nature of their work, acknowledging the potential security risks associated with disclosing such information.
Furthermore, the bill incorporates provisions for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption, ensuring oversight through the Open Government Sunset Review Act, with an automatic repeal date set for October 2, 2031, unless reenacted by the Legislature. It also requires written and notarized requests from the individuals concerned to maintain the exempt status of their information. Overall, the bill reflects a commitment to safeguarding the privacy of medical examiners and their families while balancing the public's right to access information.
Statutes affected: S 258 Filed: 119.071