Bill > S0242

This bill strengthens confidentiality protections for victims of domestic and dating violence by modifying the Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now (HAVEN) Coordinating Council's handling of sensitive information. Specifically, the bill ensures that any confidential or exempt information obtained by the council retains its protected status, including personal identifying details of domestic and dating violence victims. The bill also creates an exemption to public meetings requirements, allowing the council to discuss sensitive information in closed portions of meetings when the discussion involves victim identities, potential physical harm, or prevention strategies. The legislature justifies these provisions by emphasizing that disclosing such sensitive personal information could impede open communication and potentially harm victims. The confidentiality protections are narrowly tailored to protect victim privacy while still maintaining public oversight of the council's broader activities. The bill will take effect on the same date as related legislation (SB 240) if that bill is adopted in the same legislative session.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/242