FL H0997

Creates section 570.077, Florida Statutes, to exempt criminal or civil intelligence and investigative information held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services from public records requirements when obtained as part of joint or multiagency investigations with state or federal agencies.

Information is confidential and exempt from public disclosure if it is confidential or exempt under the laws or regulations of the partner state or federal regulatory, administrative, or criminal justice agency.

Department may release exempted information in furtherance of its official duties or to another governmental agency for its official duties and responsibilities.

Exemption does not apply to information from independent examinations or investigations conducted solely by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically repeal on October 2, 2020, unless the Legislature reenacts it; effective date is contingent upon enactment of CS/CS/CS/HB 995 or similar legislation.