House Bill 287 amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to enhance privacy protections for individuals associated with family foster homes and certain public officials. The bill introduces exemptions from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former owners and operators of family foster homes, as well as their spouses and children. This aims to safeguard sensitive information, such as home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and places of employment, from public disclosure, thereby protecting these individuals and their families from potential harm.
In addition to the privacy protections, the bill establishes definitions for key terms related to family foster homes and outlines the process for maintaining the exempt status of the information. It also includes provisions for the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which ensures that these exemptions will be reviewed and may be repealed after specific dates unless reenacted by the Legislature. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, reflecting the Legislature's commitment to prioritizing the safety and privacy of those involved in the foster care system and public service roles.
Statutes affected: H 287 Filed: 119.071