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HB 7019 — OGSR/Human Trafficking Victims

by Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee and Rep. Shoaf and others (SB 7036 by Criminal Justice Committee)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)

The bill amends ss. 943.0583 and 119.071, F.S., to save from repeal the current exemptions from public records disclosure for certain criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information that reveals the identity of victims of human trafficking.

The original public necessity statement for the bill provides that the identity of victims of human trafficking is of a sensitive personal nature. Without this exemption, the release of identifying information may cause further trauma or cause unwarranted damage to the good name or reputation of the victim. Furthermore, victims of human trafficking who have been convicted of crimes committed at the direction of their traffickers are themselves victims of crime. Without the public records exemption these victims face barriers to employment and other life opportunities.

Sections 943.0583 and 119.071(2)(h), F.S., relating to information regarding victims of human trafficking, is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and stands repealed on October 2, 2020, unless reviewed and saved from the repeal through reenactment by the Legislature. This bill removes this repeal language.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2020.

Vote: Senate 39-0; House 117-0