FL S0550

Personal identifying information of witnesses to murder is confidential and exempt from public records disclosure for 2 years after the murder is observed by the witness.

Criminal justice agencies may disclose witness information only for official duties, locating endangered witnesses, assisting other governmental agencies, or providing required information to parties in criminal prosecutions.

The exemption applies to criminal intelligence and criminal investigative information made part of court files.

The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and expires October 2, 2022, unless reenacted by the Legislature.

Legislature finds public disclosure of murder witness identities could deter witness cooperation and subject witnesses to intimidation or threats.