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CS/CS/SB 1652 — Public Records/Pleading, Request for Relief, or Other Document Stricken by a Court
by Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; Judiciary Committee; and Senators Grall and Yarborough
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The bill creates a public records exemption for certain information contained in a document that has been stricken by a court in a noncriminal case. For the exemption to apply, the court must find that the matter is immaterial, impertinent, or sham and would defame or cause unwarranted damage to an individual’s good name or reputation or jeopardize his or her safety. This kind of information often appears in court proceedings involving a “vexatious litigant.” A vexatious litigant is a person who has filed multiple lawsuits that are meritless; however, these individuals are also known to submit documents that are considered scandalous or harassing.
The bill also contains a statement of public necessity as required by law.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 35-2; House 115-0