Representative Kristen Arrington’s (D-Kissimmee) legislation to protect the public records exemptions for certain agency personnel and their spouses and children has passed the Florida House of Representatives this week.
HB 7043 removes the scheduled repeal of exemption from public records requirements for certain personal identifying agency personnel and their spouses and children. This legislation is geared towards agency personnel, but the individuals to which exemptions apply include personnel whose jobs place themselves or their family in harm’s way. These individuals include law enforcement personnel, state attorneys, public defenders, various investigators, code enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.
“After having passed CS/HB 103, it is my honor to have been able to pass another public records bill in HB 7043. The individuals who qualify for this exemption often put themselves on the front lines in our communities. It is now our duty to keep their private information, such as home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth private. This bill also protects both the spouses and children’s information, such as places of employment and names and locations of schools. I am incredibly thankful to have our law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other agency personnel serve on our front lines to keep us all safe and I hope this legislation can keep them safe,” said Representative Arrington.
HB 7043 has passed the House floor unanimously and will head to the Senate floor for the final passage vote.
