Bill > H0747

This bill amends Florida's existing law regarding the sealing of criminal history records by expanding the public records exemption to include sealed records of individuals adjudicated guilty of certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses. The bill maintains the confidentiality of sealed criminal history records, making them unavailable to the general public and accessible only to specific entities such as the subject of the record, their attorney, criminal justice agencies, judges, and certain licensing and employment-related organizations. The expanded exemption includes a sunset provision, meaning it will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts it. The bill's rationale emphasizes that limiting public access to sealed records helps individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, and societal reintegration, which can ultimately reduce crime and recidivism. The legislation also includes strict confidentiality requirements, with potential first-degree misdemeanor charges for unauthorized disclosure of sealed record information. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of related legislation (HB 745) in the same legislative session.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/747