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SB 76

Public Records and Meetings/Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gayle Harrell

SB 76 protects social workers' personal info from public records, aiding Florida's participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact and enhancing license mobility across states.

Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy
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Bill Summary · SB 76

Summary of SB 76: Public Records and Meetings/Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact

Bill Number: SB 76
Introduced: September 24, 2025
Status: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy
Sponsor: Senator Harrell

Purpose and Intent

SB 76 aims to establish exemptions from public records and meetings requirements for certain information related to the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. The bill is designed to facilitate Florida's participation in the compact, which allows for the mutual recognition of social work licenses across member states. By protecting sensitive information, the bill seeks to ensure compliance with federal and state laws while promoting the effective administration of social work licensure.

Key Provisions

  1. Public Records Exemption:

    • The bill creates a new section (s. 491.023, F.S.) that exempts personal identifying information of social workers—excluding their name, licensure status, and licensure number—from public records requirements.
    • This exemption applies to information held by the Florida Department of Health or the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
    • Disclosure of such information is only permitted if authorized by the state that originally reported it.

  2. Public Meetings Exemption:

    • Meetings of the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission or its committees that discuss matters exempted from disclosure by law are exempt from public meetings requirements.
    • Recordings, minutes, and records generated during these exempt meetings are also protected from public records requirements.

  3. Legislative Review:

    • The exemptions established by this bill are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, meaning they will be reviewed and may be repealed by the Legislature by October 2, 2031, unless reenacted.

  4. Public Necessity Statements:

    • The bill includes findings that underscore the necessity of these exemptions to protect sensitive information and facilitate Florida's membership in the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact.

  5. Contingent Effective Date:

    • The act will take effect on the same date that SB 74 or similar legislation takes effect, provided that such legislation is adopted in the same session or an extension thereof.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The bill primarily affects social workers in Florida, the Department of Health, and the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
    • It also impacts the operations of the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission and its ability to conduct meetings without public disclosure of sensitive information.

  • Implementation:

    • By ensuring the confidentiality of certain information, the bill aims to enhance the state's ability to implement the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact effectively, thereby improving the mobility of social workers across state lines.

Conclusion

SB 76 is a legislative effort to align Florida's social work licensure practices with the requirements of the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. By providing necessary exemptions from public records and meetings laws, the bill seeks to protect sensitive information while facilitating the effective administration of social work licensure in the state.

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

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