This bill amends Section 16.716 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to public records and meeting exemptions for the Florida Gaming Control Commission. The bill removes the scheduled repeal of the exemption, ensuring that any information deemed exempt or confidential and exempt will continue to retain its status indefinitely. The commission is allowed to release such information to other agencies or governmental entities for official duties, provided that these entities maintain the confidentiality of the information.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the procedures for closed meetings where exempt information is discussed. It mandates that the chair of the commission must declare the necessity for a closed session in writing, and all discussions during the closed session must be recorded. Only authorized personnel may attend these closed portions of meetings, and the recordings and minutes from these sessions will remain confidential until the information is no longer exempt. The changes aim to uphold the state's commitment to public meetings while allowing for necessary confidentiality in specific circumstances.

Statutes affected:
S 7008 pb: 16.716