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SB 7004

OGSR/Conviction Integrity Unit Reinvestigation Information

2026 Regular Session

Keeps the public records exemption for materials from a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit during reinvestigations of actual innocence claims permanent, removing the sunset

Chapter No. 2026-152
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Bill Summary · SB 7004

Summary: SB 7004 — OGSR/Conviction Integrity Unit Reinvestigation Information

Aims to preserve (not sunset) a public records exemption for materials from a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit (CIU) during reinvestigations of cases involving claims of actual innocence.

Purpose and Context

  • The bill targets the public records exemption found in section 119.071(2)(q), Florida Statutes, which covers information or materials generated by a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit while reinvestigating cases of previously convicted persons to review plausible claims of actual innocence.
  • Under current law, this exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act (OGSRA) and would automatically repeal on October 2, 2026 unless reenacted.
  • SB 7004 would remove the sunset date, effectively saving the exemption from repeal and continuing its protections.

What the Bill Would Do

  • Save the existing public records exemption from automatic repeal by deleting the scheduled sunset date (October 2, 2026).
  • Maintain that materials generated by a state attorney’s CIU during reinvestigations of potential innocence claims remain exempt from public disclosure.
  • The exemption continues to be evaluated under the OGSR framework to ensure it serves a public purpose and is no broader than necessary.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Subject of exemption: Information or materials produced by a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit during reinvestigations seeking to review plausible claims of actual innocence.
  • Sunset correction: The scheduled OGSR sunset date (October 2, 2026) would be removed, preventing automatic repeal.
  • Effect: The exemption would persist as a public records exemption beyond the sunset date, pending any future legislative action.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Affected Records: Documents, data, and other materials generated by a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit during reinvestigations related to potential actual innocence claims.
  • Affected Parties: State attorneys’ offices and CIUs; the public would generally be denied access to these reinvestigation materials, consistent with the exemption’s existing protections.
  • Public policy context: Aligns with OGSR by requiring periodic review of exemptions, though the bill results in a long-term continuation of the exemption rather than its expiration.

Timing and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduction and Committee Action:
    • Introduced: November 10, 2025
    • Referred to Criminal Justice Committee (and later to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules)
    • Committee Bill SPB 7004 and SB 7004 Filed November 18, 2025; reported Favorably by CJ Committee (YEAS 7 NAYS 0)
  • Effective Date: Upon becoming law
  • Open Government Sunset Review: The bill addresses the sunset provision under OGSR by permanently extending the exemption, rather than reenacting it anew.

Fiscal Impact

  • Staff analysis indicates no known fiscal impact from the bill.

Status (as of the provided information)

  • 2025-11-21: Referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules
  • 2025-11-18: CJ Committee reported favorably; filed
  • 2025-11-10: Introduced; on Criminal Justice Committee agenda (11/18/25)

Notes: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions and procedural context of SB 7004 as described in the accompanying analyses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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