This bill amends Section 1008.23 of the Florida Statutes, focusing on the confidentiality of examination and assessment instruments. It deletes a duplicative exemption from public records requirements and expands the existing exemption to include such instruments held by public schools, district school boards, Florida College System institutions, state universities, boards of trustees, and the Department of Education. The bill also requires the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors to establish rules for the retention and disposal of these records, while removing previous provisions related to access to records. Additionally, it allows specified entities to disclose exempt information to one another and mandates that public schools and district school boards disclose confidential information to the Department of Education and other governing bodies upon request.

Furthermore, the bill extends the scheduled repeal of the exemption to October 2, 2031, and includes a statement of public necessity, emphasizing the importance of keeping these examination materials confidential to prevent cheating and maintain the integrity of educational assessments. The Legislature asserts that the potential harm from public disclosure of these instruments outweighs any public benefit, thereby justifying the need for continued confidentiality. The act will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 7022 pb: 1008.23