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Newly Signed Military Public Records Exemption Bill Now Florida Law

MGN Online

Governor Rick Scott has approved three public records exemptions, and one gives an exemption for military members and their spouses.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach) says he’s happy the Governor signed a measure into law that allows for the exemption of certain personal information about current and past military service members and their spouses. Gaetz says he filed the measure—now law—to deter terrorist groups, like ISIS, from obtaining such information.

“So, now anyone has served this country after September 11th can take their papers to the local property appraiser, the local supervisor of elections, and get their personal information removed from the public records,” said Gaetz.

On Tuesday, the Governor also approved a public records exemption—now law—for court records related to settlement agreements of claims on behalf of a minor. The other exemption—which takes effect next month—exempts the records of agencies investigating violations of the Florida RICO Act, the state’s racketeering law meant to fight organized crime.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.