FL S0318

Exempts portions of meetings of university direct-support organization boards (and their executive/other committees) from public meeting requirements when discussing research funding proposals or research plans and programs.

The exemption applies only to discussions of proposals seeking research funding from the organization or plans/programs for initiating or supporting research.

Makes organizational records (other than auditor reports and management letters) confidential and exempt from public records requirements under s. 119.07(1).

Subjects the exemption to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, with automatic repeal on October 2, 2019 unless reenacted by the Legislature.

Cites public necessity based on protection of sensitive proprietary research information and alignment with funding practices of the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health; effective October 1, 2014.