Sen. Joe Gruters R-Sarasota, and Rep. Margaret Good D-Sarasota, filed SB 1346/HB 1071 in a bipartisan effort to protect homeless records from public information requests.
The bill will exclude from public record homeless individuals’ information gathered during counts and audits of homeless populations. Florida Sunshine law requires that any records gathered by a public agency are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by the Florida Legislature.
Annual homeless “Point-in-time” counts survey those living in shelters and on the streets. They identify whether a person is a member of a family, or an unaccompanied youth under the age of 18. It also tracks disabilities and length of homelessness.
Currently, that information is public record, which could be used to discriminate against an individual looking for services and employment. Exempting this information would also protect their identifying information from being used for identity theft or fraud.
“The bill makes sure that information gathered during the count is only used for its intended purpose,” said Representative Good. “Participation in the count is voluntary. If we are able to assure those counted that their information will not become public, participation will increase, counts will be more accurate, and our communities will be better equipped to serve those in need.”
“In order to best serve our community, we need to have an accurate number of individuals who are dealing with homelessness. Individuals who have fallen on hard times should not be penalized or put at risk from theft,” said Sen. Gruters. “This bill will prevent information being shared with the public and protect those who are extremely vulnerable.”
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