Public records exemptions discourage First Amendment Foundation

Historic City News has been following Bills moving through the Legislature that would create new public records exemptions for things like voter email addresses, property insurance underwriting policies, and the data that determines 50 percent of teacher evaluations.

“It’s very discouraging to see this constant chipping away” at the Florida’s Sunshine Laws, said Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation. Every year, Florida lawmakers have filed bills that shield more government records from public view.

But for open government advocates, there’s also good news this session.

The Senate this week unanimously approved a bill that would make it easier for the public to track state spending and government contracts. Other bills still in play would guarantee the public’s right to speak at public meetings and increase public access to data on the effectiveness of economic development incentives.

Sunshine highlights:

New public records exemptions proposed:

HB 7161 Would make value-added model data used in teacher evaluations confidential until three years after the evaluation is completed. House bill introduced this week; no Senate companion

SB 1260/HB 249 Would make voter email addresses confidential. House bill ready for floor vote; Senate bill in Rules Committee.

HB 637 Would exempt university searches for presidents, provosts or deans from open meetings and records laws. House bill ready for floor vote; no Senate companion.

SB 1276/HB 359 Would exempt discussions of research funding proposals considered by public universities’ direct support organizations from open meetings laws. The records themselves are already exempt. House bill ready for floor vote; Senate version with two more committee votes.

Expanding open government proposed:

SB 1764/HB 5401 Would increase the availability of state contracting and government spending information online. Senate bill passed unanimously; House bill up for consideration on the floor.

SB 50/HB 23 Would ensure the public’s right to speak at public meetings Senate bill passed unanimously; House bill in State Affairs Committee.

SB 572/HB 563 Would require the Department of Economic Opportunity to publish reports on state spending on economic development incentives. Senate bill in Appropriations Committee; House bill in Economic Affairs Committee.