FL S1766

Creates section 90.595, F.S. establishing a privilege for communications with crime stoppers organizations that protects the identity of tipsters and related records from disclosure in criminal proceedings, administrative hearings, and discovery.

Allows persons charged with criminal offenses to petition courts for in camera inspection of protected information only if it provides exculpatory evidence, is specifically related to guilt or innocence, and non-disclosure would deprive them of constitutional rights.

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

Specifies permissible uses for Crime Stoppers Trust Fund grants including rewards for arrests, recovery of stolen property, illegal narcotics, homicide victims, trafficking victims, illegal firearms on school campuses, terrorist prevention, and solving cold homicides without viable leads.

Authorizes reallocation of up to 50 percent of unencumbered funds from previous grant years to other judicial circuits for special Crime Stoppers initiatives, as determined jointly by the department and Florida Association of Crime Stoppers.