Bill > S1754

This bill creates exemptions from public records and open meeting requirements for the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, and any local committees they establish. These committees review deaths from drug overdoses and suicides, respectively, and the bill aims to protect the privacy of the deceased and their families by making records that identify them confidential. This means that information revealing the identity of a decedent or their family member will not be publicly accessible, though it can be shared between the committees, with government agencies for their duties, or with researchers approved by the Department of Health who agree to strict privacy measures. Portions of committee meetings where this confidential information is discussed will also be closed to the public, but these closed sessions must be recorded and the recordings maintained by the committees. Disclosing this confidential information to unauthorized individuals will be a misdemeanor. The bill also includes provisions for future legislative review and repeal, and states that these exemptions are necessary to protect the reputation and safety of families, prevent emotional distress, and ensure the effectiveness of the review processes, arguing that the potential reduction in deaths outweighs the public benefit of releasing such sensitive information.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1754