March 6, 2019
The Honorable Audrey Gibson
The Florida Senate
404 South Monroe Street, Room 200 SOB
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Re: SB 454 Exemption/Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams
Dear Senator Gibson:
We are writing in response to SB 454, creating public record exemptions for certain information held by an elder abuse fatality review team. The bill also creates an exemption for portions of public meetings during which such information is discussed.
We are not opposed to the purpose and intent of the proposed exemptions, Senator Gibson. We suggest, however, the bill be amended to require a recording of the closed portions of meetings to allow an opportunity for oversight and accountability of the public board. If an amendment similar to that on your bill SB 450 is adopted, we can take a neutral position on SB 454.
We appreciate your attention to our concerns, Senator. If you or staff have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Petersen, President
Cc: The Honorable Ed Hooper, Chair, Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee