Bill > H7003

This bill amends Florida Statute 119.071 to permanently protect certain information generated by Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs), which are specialized units within state attorney's offices designed to review claims of actual innocence. The bill maintains an existing exemption from public records requirements for "conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information," which includes materials generated during a new investigation after a CIU formally accepts an applicant's case. The exemption applies only during an active, ongoing, and good faith investigation into a claim of actual innocence for a previously convicted person, and remains in effect until the claim can no longer be investigated. Importantly, the bill removes the previous provision that would have automatically repealed this exemption on October 2, 2026, effectively making the information protection permanent. The exemption does not cover initial petitions, pre-existing criminal investigative information, or materials generated while responding to specific legal motions. By removing the scheduled repeal, the legislature is signaling the continued importance of protecting sensitive information during these potentially complex reinvestigations that could lead to exonerations.

Government Affairs, Justice

Government Operations Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/7003