This bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to exemptions from public records requirements for certain conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information. The bill specifically abrogates the scheduled repeal of the exemption that protects this information from public disclosure. The amendment clarifies the definition of "conviction integrity unit" and "conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information," and it specifies that such information is exempt from public records laws during an active investigation of claims of actual innocence until the investigation is no longer viable.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous stipulation that the exemption was subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which would have required it to be reviewed and potentially repealed by October 2, 2026. By eliminating this requirement, the bill ensures that the exemption for conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information remains in effect indefinitely, thereby enhancing the confidentiality of sensitive information during ongoing investigations. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 7004 pb: 119.071