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SB 7006 — OGSR/Florida Public Service Commission
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)
SB 7006 saves from repeal the current public meeting and records exemptions codified in
s. 350.01(9), F.S., for portions of a hearing conducted by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) wherein proprietary confidential business information that is confidential or exempt from s. 119.07(1), F.S., pursuant to ss. 364.183, 366.093, 367.156, or 368.108, F.S., is discussed. Section 350.01(9), F.S., provides that such exempt portions of a meeting may not be off the record, and the exempt portions of such meetings must be recorded and transcribed. However, such recordings and transcripts are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1), F.S., and
Art. I, s. 24(a) of the State Constitution.
The exemptions allow the PSC to close portions of its meetings where confidential business information is discussed. The exemptions also allow the PSC to continue its specialized role of fact-finding and making decisions in the public interest in utility regulatory matters where the primary aspects of a matter are so inextricably intertwined with confidential information.
The Open Government Sunset Review Act requires the Legislature to review each public record and public meeting exemption five years after enactment. These exemptions are scheduled to repeal on October 2, 2026. The bill removes the scheduled repeals to continue the exempt status of the records and portions of the meetings.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 32-3; House 99-8