The bill amends Section 1008.23 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the confidentiality of examination and assessment instruments held by various educational entities, including public schools, district school boards, Florida College System institutions, state universities, and the Department of Education. It repeals a duplicative exemption from public record requirements and expands the existing exemption to include instruments held by these entities. The State Board of Education and the Board of Governors are required to adopt rules governing the retention and disposal of these records, while also allowing specified entities to disclose exempt information under certain circumstances. The scheduled repeal date for this exemption has been extended to October 2, 2031.

Additionally, the bill includes a statement of public necessity, emphasizing that public disclosure of these examination materials could lead to academic dishonesty and undermine the integrity of educational assessments. The Legislature asserts that the potential harm from releasing such information outweighs any public benefit that might arise from its disclosure. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 7021 Filed: 1008.23