February 18, 2019
The Honorable Tracie Davis
Florida House of Representatives
402 S. Monroe Street, Room 200 HOB
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Re: HB 327 Exemption/Public Meetings – Local Government Utilities
Dear Representative Davis:
We are writing in response to HB 372 which is scheduled for consideration by the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee on Wednesday, February 20.
Currently, s. 119.0713(5), F.S., provides a public record exemption for information related to the security of a public electric utility’s information technology systems. HB 327 would create a public meeting exemption for portions of utility board meetings at which such exempt information is discussed.
We are not opposed to the purpose and intent of the exemption. We suggest, however, the bill be amended to require a recording of the closed portions of meetings. If HB 327 is amended to require the recording, the Foundation will take a neutral position on the bill.
We appreciate your attention to our concerns, Representative Davis. If you or staff have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Petersen, President
Cc: The Honorable Charlie Stone, Chair, House Energy and Utilities
Subcommittee