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HB 1479

Pub. Rec./Lethality Assessment Forms

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Baker and 1 co-sponsor

Florida bill shields domestic violence lethality assessment forms from public disclosure while preserving law enforcement and authorized access for victim safety purposes.

Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/SB 1640 (Ch. 2025-89)
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Bill Summary · HB 1479

Legislative bill overview

HB 1479 makes lethality assessment forms used in domestic violence cases confidential public records, shielding them from general public disclosure while maintaining access for law enforcement and authorized parties. The bill was superseded by its companion bill CS/CS/SB 1640, which passed and was signed into law (Chapter 2025-89).

Why is this important

Lethality assessment forms are critical tools used by domestic violence advocates and law enforcement to identify cases with highest risk of homicide. Classifying them as confidential balances victim safety and privacy concerns against public records transparency, potentially protecting sensitive information about vulnerable individuals while preserving law enforcement access for safety purposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. privacy trade-off: Confidential classification limits public oversight of how risk assessments inform police response, potentially reducing accountability
  • Scope of authorized access: Determining which parties (prosecutors, victim advocates, courts) should access forms could affect case outcomes and victim services
  • Precedent for other domestic violence records: Confidentiality could extend to related documents, further restricting public insight into system responses to abuse cases

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

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