Downloads
CS/SB 7006 — OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by a Unit of Local Government
by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Regulated Industries Committee; and Senator Hooper
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)
The bill amends s. 119.0713(5), F.S., to save from repeal the public record exemption for the following information held by a utility owned or operated by a unit of local government (i.e., municipal utility):
- Information related to the security of the technology, processes, or practices that are designed to protect the utility’s networks, computers, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access, which information, if disclosed, would facilitate the alteration, disclosure, or destruction of such data or information technology resources.
- Information related to the security of existing or proposed information technology systems or industrial control technology systems, which, if disclosed, would facilitate unauthorized access to, and alteration or destruction of, such systems in a manner that would adversely impact the safe and reliable operation of the systems and the utility.
- Customer meter-derived data and billing information in increments less than one billing cycle.
Thus, the public record exemption established in s. 119.0713(5), F.S., will continue. However, the public records exemptions relating to cybersecurity will be subject to a repeal date of October 2, 2027. This will correspond with the repeal date for the review and repeal date for the general cybersecurity exemptions under ch. 119, F.S.
The bill also amends s. 286.0113(3), F.S., to save from repeal the exemption from public meeting requirements for any portion of a meeting that would reveal the protected information specified above. Recordings or transcripts of the exempt portions of meetings will also remain protected pursuant to that subsection. These exemptions will also be subject to a repeal date of October 1, 2027.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect October 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 115-0