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SB 746

Public Records/Medical Examiners

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clay Yarborough

SB 746 restricted public access to certain medical examiner records in Florida but failed to advance from committee in 2025.

Died in Health Policy
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Bill Summary · SB 746

Legislative bill overview

SB 746 modifies public records access procedures for medical examiner documents and reports in Florida. The bill establishes exemptions or restrictions on which medical examiner records can be publicly accessed under the state's public records law. It was introduced by Sen. Clay Yarborough but died in committee without passage.

Why is this important

Medical examiner records affect transparency in death investigations, autopsy results, and cause-of-death determinations that may be of significant public interest. Restricting access to these records impacts citizens' ability to obtain information about deaths in their communities and can affect families, investigators, and journalists seeking factual information about deaths. This balances transparency against privacy concerns for deceased individuals and their families.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Whether limiting medical examiner records protects family privacy or shields public information that citizens have a constitutional right to access
  • Scope of exemptions: Which specific records should be restricted (autopsy photos, preliminary findings, complete reports) and whether blanket exemptions are too broad
  • Investigation integrity: Whether limiting record access protects ongoing investigations or simply delays public accountability for official findings

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

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