Bill > H7001

This bill amends Florida Statutes regarding the Florida Gaming Control Commission's public records and meetings exemptions by removing the scheduled repeal of existing exemption provisions. The bill maintains protections for confidential information obtained by the commission, allowing such information to retain its exempt status when shared with other governmental agencies. It preserves rules about closed meetings, which require the commission chair to publicly declare the necessity of discussing exempt information, create a written record of this declaration, and fully record any closed sessions. The bill specifies that only commission members, Department of Legal Affairs staff, and other necessary persons can attend exempted portions of meetings, and ensures that any meeting closures are limited to maintain the state's general policy favoring public transparency. Importantly, the bill eliminates the previous provision that would have automatically repealed these exemption rules on October 2, 2026, effectively making the current confidentiality and meeting closure provisions permanent. The act will take effect immediately upon becoming law, continuing the Florida Gaming Control Commission's ability to protect sensitive information while maintaining some level of procedural transparency.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

Government Operations Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/7001