FL H0023

Creates s. 16.64, F.S., making personal identifying information—including names, dates of birth, driver license numbers, home and mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses—in applications to the Department of Legal Affairs for the Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program confidential and exempt from public records requirements.

Allows the confidential information to be released to the Department of Education solely for the purpose of facilitating the award of standard high school diplomas to compensated victims.

Subjects the exemption to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, with automatic repeal on October 2, 2029, unless reenacted by the Legislature.

Justifies the exemption as a public necessity, finding that disclosure could subject victims to harassment and further trauma and that confidentiality protections may encourage more victims to come forward and apply for compensation.

Takes effect contingent on CS/HB 21 or similar legislation establishing the Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program being adopted in the same legislative session and becoming law.