FL S0706

Creates section 90.595, F.S., establishing a privilege for communications with crime stoppers organizations and protecting the identity of persons reporting criminal activity to such organizations.

Prohibits crime stoppers organization employees, law enforcement crime stoppers coordinators, and persons who report to crime stoppers from disclosing privileged communications or protected information in testimony, subpoena, criminal proceedings, or discovery unless failure to disclose would violate an accused person's constitutional rights.

Allows a person charged with a criminal offense to petition for in camera inspection of protected information if it provides favorable evidence, relates to determining innocence or guilt, and non-disclosure would deprive the defendant of constitutional rights.

Permits courts to order disclosure of protected information while protecting the identity of crime reporters to the fullest extent possible when all criteria in the petition are satisfied.

Makes it a third-degree felony for persons other than the original reporter to disclose privileged communication or protected information to anyone other than law enforcement officers or agency employees.

Effective October 1, 2018.