This bill amends sections 501.9984, 501.9985, and 501.9986 of the Florida Statutes to create exemptions from public records requirements for information related to notifications of violations or investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs concerning companion chatbots and bot-related consumer protection violations. It establishes that all information held by the department regarding these violations is confidential and exempt from public disclosure until the investigation is completed or ceases to be active. The bill also allows for the disclosure of certain information during active investigations for specific purposes, such as public notifications or victim identification, while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected after the investigation concludes.
Additionally, the bill defines "proprietary information" and includes provisions for future legislative review and potential repeal of these exemptions, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining confidentiality to protect sensitive personal information and proprietary data. It highlights the risks associated with the premature release of information, including identity theft and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, which could undermine investigations and the law's administration. The confidentiality measures are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, with a review mandated before their expiration on October 2, 2031.