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SPB 7004

OGSR/Conviction Integrity Unit Reinvestigation Information

2026 Regular Session

SPB 7004 allows Florida's conviction integrity units to keep reinvestigation information confidential, ensuring thorough investigations for those claiming innocence.

Submitted as Committee Bill and Reported Favorably by Criminal Justice; YEAS 7 NAYS 0
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Bill Summary · SPB 7004

Summary of SPB 7004: OGSR/Conviction Integrity Unit Reinvestigation Information

Purpose and Intent

SPB 7004 is a proposed bill in the Florida Senate aimed at amending existing public records laws related to conviction integrity units. The primary intent of the bill is to provide a continued exemption from public records requirements for certain reinvestigation information generated by these units, which are established to review claims of actual innocence in criminal cases.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Public Records Exemption: The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes, specifically regarding the exemption of "conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information" from public records inspection and copying.

  • Definition of Terms:

    • Conviction Integrity Unit: A specialized unit within a state attorney's office that reviews plausible claims of actual innocence.
    • Conviction Integrity Unit Reinvestigation Information: This includes information generated during a new investigation by a conviction integrity unit after formally accepting a case. However, it excludes:
    • Information generated during investigations responding to specific motions under Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.
    • Petitions submitted by applicants to the unit.
    • Criminal investigative information produced before the commencement of a unit investigation.

  • Duration of Exemption: The exemption for conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information will remain in effect during an active investigation of a claim of actual innocence and until the claim can no longer be investigated.

  • Sunset Review Clause: The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, meaning it will automatically repeal on October 2, 2026, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts it.

Affected Parties

  • Conviction Integrity Units: The bill directly impacts these units by allowing them to conduct investigations without the pressure of public disclosure, which could compromise ongoing cases.
  • Individuals Seeking Exoneration: Those who claim actual innocence and seek reinvestigation of their cases will benefit from the protections afforded by this bill, as it allows for thorough investigations without premature public scrutiny.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on November 10, 2025.
  • Committee Review: It is currently scheduled for consideration by the Criminal Justice Committee on November 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the 37 Senate Building.

Conclusion

SPB 7004 seeks to enhance the integrity of the criminal justice system in Florida by ensuring that conviction integrity units can operate effectively and confidentially during investigations of potential wrongful convictions. By maintaining the exemption from public records for reinvestigation information, the bill aims to protect the integrity of the investigative process and support the pursuit of justice for individuals claiming innocence.

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

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