Downloads
CS/HB 845 — Public Records/Petition for Certain Protective Injunctions
by Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee; and Reps. Hage and Andrade (CS/SB 980 by Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and Senator Harrell)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The bill creates a public records exemption that temporarily blocks public access to any information that can be used to identify a petitioner or respondent in a petition for a protective injunction alleging domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, or cyberstalking filed with the court. The information will be confidential and exempt only until the alleged batterer or stalker is served by a law enforcement officer with a copy of the petition, the notice of hearing, and copies of any affidavits or temporary injunctions.
The bill provides that the temporary exemption is a public necessity as it will ensure the physical safety of alleged victims and their families from retaliation by an abuser, as well as the physical safety of the law enforcement officers serving these petitions.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2019.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 114-0