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CS/HB 115 — Public Meetings/University Direct-Support Organization

by Government Operations Subcommittee and Rep. Pigman (CS/SB 318 by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and Senator Stargel)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Education Committee (ED)

The bill exempts portions of meetings of university direct-support organizations (DSO) from public meeting laws when confidential information and documents are discussed. 

Specifically, the bill exempts from public meetings requirements a portion of a meeting of a university DSO board of directors, or the board’s executive committee or other committees of the board, at which research funding proposals or plans or programs for research are discussed. 

The bill provides for repeal of the public meetings exemption pursuant to the Open Government Sunset Review Act on October 2, 2019, unless reviewed and saved from repeal by the Legislature. Additionally, the bill provides a statement of public necessity justifying the exemption as required by the Florida Constitution. 

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2014.

Vote: Senate 36-2; House 83-33