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HB 1361

Public Records Requests Pertaining to Law Enforcement Officers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marie Woodson

HB 1361 restricts public access to certain law enforcement officer records, shifting the balance between police personnel privacy and government transparency and accountability.

1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
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Bill Summary · HB 1361

Legislative bill overview

HB 1361 modifies Florida's public records law to restrict access to certain records pertaining to law enforcement officers. The bill adjusts which documents related to police personnel are exempt from disclosure requirements under Florida's broad public records statute. Without reviewing the specific exemptions proposed, the bill represents a shift in the balance between transparency and law enforcement personnel privacy.

Why is this important

Public records access is fundamental to government accountability and press freedom. Changes to law enforcement disclosure rules directly affect citizens' ability to investigate police conduct, track disciplinary history, and understand agency practices. This creates tension between protecting officer safety/privacy and maintaining public oversight of law enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of exemptions: Determining which officer records (personnel files, complaint investigations, disciplinary actions) should be withheld affects transparency regarding police accountability and misconduct investigations
  • Balancing interests: Weighing law enforcement officers' privacy/safety interests against the public's right to know about those exercising government authority and using force
  • Consistency with national trends: This may conflict with recent movements toward greater police transparency and public access to complaint/discipline records in response to policing reform demands

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

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