HB 1913 2003
   
1 A bill to be entitled
2          An act relating to the distribution of general reports and
3    newsletters; amending s. 283.30, F.S.; providing
4    definitions; creating s. 283.551, F.S.; prohibiting
5    government agencies from mailing unsolicited general
6    reports and newsletters; permitting such agencies to post
7    general reports and newsletters on the agency's Internet
8    website; providing an effective date.
9         
10          Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
11         
12          Section 1. Subsections (4) through (6) of section 283.30,
13    Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (6) through (8),
14    respectively, and new subsections (4) and (5) are added to said
15    section to read:
16          283.30 Definitions.--As used in this part, unless the
17    context clearly requires otherwise, the term:
18          (4) “General report” means a document containing
19    information about a broad range of issues relating to an agency
20    that is intended to convey general information regarding that
21    agency and its status over a period of time or as of a certain
22    date.
23          (5) “Newsletter” means a brief document issued at regular
24    intervals of less than a year containing news about an agency.
25          Section 2. Section 283.551, Florida Statutes, is created
26    to read:
27          283.551 Distribution of general reports and newsletters.--
28          (1) Except as otherwise provided in chapter 119 or as
29    otherwise authorized by law, an agency is not authorized to mail
30    general reports and newsletters except in response to requests
31    pursuant to chapter 119 or to addresses in publication mailing
32    lists pursuant to s. 283.55. A general report or newsletter may
33    be mailed to persons requesting the general report or newsletter
34    or requesting receipt of all agency general reports or
35    newsletters. However, regulatory newsletters provided to
36    affected persons or reports or newsletters relating to the
37    prevention or treatment of disease or injury may be mailed
38    without a request.
39          (2) An agency may post any general report or newsletter on
40    the agency’s Internet website.
41          Section 3. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.