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CS/HB 1311 — Public Records and Public Meetings/Public Service Commission
by Commerce Committee and Rep. Payne (SB 7066 by Regulated Industries Committee)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)
The bill creates a public meeting and a public record exemption under s. 350.01, F.S., relating to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). Under the bill, portions of a PSC hearing discussing proprietary confidential business information that is confidential or exempt from public record requirements are made exempt from public meeting requirements. The bill provides that the entire hearing, including exempt portions must on the record, recorded, and transcribed.
The bill also creates a public record exemption for the recordings and transcripts. The recordings and transcripts are confidential and exempt from disclosure unless a court of competent jurisdiction, after an in camera review, determines that such portions of the hearing were not restricted to discussion of proprietary confidential business information, under ss. 364.183, 366.093, 367.156, and 368.108, F.S. If such a judicial determination is made, only the portion of the recording and transcript which reveals nonexempt information may be disclosed to a third party.
As required by the State Constitution, the bill provides a statement of public necessity, subjects the exemptions to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, and will stand repealed on October 2, 2026, unless reenacted by the Legislature.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 39-1; House 113-5