HB 7023 — OGSR/Child Abuse Death Review Committees
by Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee and Rep. Pigman (SB 7002 by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee (CF)
The bill amends s. 383.412, F.S., to save from repeal the current public records and public meetings exemptions for certain identifying information held by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local child abuse death review committee. The duties of the local child abuse death review committees are to:
- Review all deaths suspected to have been caused by child abuse and neglect.
- Collect data on applicable child abuse deaths for the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee.
- Submit written reports to the state committee as directed. The reports are to include information on individual cases, and steps taken by the local committee to implement necessary changes and improve the coordination of services and investigations.
Florida law provides that the identity of the surviving siblings, family members, or others living in the home of a deceased child who is the subject of review by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee is confidential and exempt from public disclosure. Portions of meetings of the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee at which this confidential and exempt information is discussed are exempt from public meeting requirements. The bill removes the scheduled repeal date, resulting in the continuation of the public records and public meetings exemptions.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2020.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 114-0