FL H0957

Creates section 90.595 of Florida Statutes establishing privilege and protection for communications with crime stoppers organizations, which are private not-for-profit organizations that collect donations for rewards to criminal informants.

Prohibits persons who provide information to crime stoppers, law enforcement crime stoppers coordinators, and crime stoppers board members from being compelled to disclose privileged communications or protected information in criminal cases, proceedings, administrative hearings, or discovery unless disclosure is necessary to protect a defendant's constitutional rights.

Allows defendants to petition courts for in camera inspection of protected information if it provides favorable evidence, relates to guilt or innocence, and non-disclosure would deprive them of constitutional rights; courts may order disclosure while protecting informant identities to the fullest extent possible.

Makes unauthorized disclosure of privileged communications or protected information a third-degree felony, with exceptions for the original informant and law enforcement officers acting within official duties.

Takes effect October 1, 2018.