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CS/CS/SB 1278 — Public Records/Office of Financial Regulation
by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Banking and Insurance Committee; and Senator Richter
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Banking and Insurance Committee (BI)
The bill creates a public records exemption for informal enforcement actions of the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) and trade secrets held by the OFR in accordance with its statutory duties with respect to the Financial Institutions Codes. In addition, the bill defines:
- Examination report,
- Informal enforcement action,
- Working papers, and
- Personal financial information.
The OFR regulates and charters banks, trust companies, credit unions, and other financial institutions pursuant to the Financial Institutions Codes (codes), chapters 655 to 667, Florida Statutes. The OFR ensures Florida-chartered financial institutions’ compliance with state and federal requirements for safety and soundness. Currently, s. 655.057, F.S., exempts certain records held by the OFR relating to the supervision and regulation of financial institutions chartered in Florida.
The bill provides for repeal of the exemption for informal enforcement actions and trade secrets on October 2, 2019, unless reviewed and saved from repeal by the Legislature pursuant to the Open Government Sunset Review Act. Because this bill creates a new public records exemption, the bill provides a statement of public necessity as required by the State Constitution.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect on the same date that CS/CS/SB 1012 or similar legislation takes effect, if such legislation is adopted in the same legislative session or an extension thereof and becomes a law.
Vote: Senate 35-0; House 115-0