HB 7009 — OGSR/Mental Health Treatment and Services
by Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee and Rep. Griffitts (SB 7034 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 Open Government Sunset Review Act requires the Legislature to review each public record exemption and each public meeting exemption five years after reenactment. If the Legislature does not reenact the exemption, it automatically repeals on October 2nd of the fifth year after enactment.
The Florida Mental Health Act, otherwise known as the Baker Act, provides legal procedures for voluntary and involuntary mental health examination and treatment. A person may be admitted for mental health treatment on a voluntary or involuntary basis. Current law makes all petitions for voluntary and involuntary admission for mental health treatment, court orders, and related records filed with or by a court pursuant to a Baker Act confidential and exempt from public record requirements. The information contained in these court files may only be released to certain entities and individuals.
The bill saves from repeal the public records exemption relating to all petitions for voluntary and involuntary admission for mental health treatment, court orders, and related records that are filed with or by a court pursuant to a Baker Act.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, the bill takes effect October 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 114-0