Florida Today Editorial
December 22, 2017

Access to public records

Every session lawmakers file bills to create exemptions to the Sunshine Law and public records law, which grants access to public documents and meetings. Florida’s laws are among the most transparent in the country. The 2018 session will be no different.

House Bill 653 and Senate Bill 1178 would expand current exemptions for photographs, videos, or audio recordings depicting the killing of a law enforcement officer while on active duty to include images and recordings of the killing of any person.

We understand the sensitive nature of such recordings, but as the First Amendment Foundation, dedicated to protecting public records access, wrote in a letter to bill sponsors:

“Access to such information by citizens and the media is vital to ensure oversight of governmental action and to ensure government officials and employees are held accountable for their actions.” [READ MORE]