Abuse of Power -
Florida Lawmakers Consider Secret Meetings, Votes

Citing the threat of future terrorist attacks, State of Florida lawmakers are poised to give themselves broad powers to meet - and vote - on sensitive security-related issues in secrecy.

Why is this Wrong?

Currently laws put to the scrutiny under the Sunshine provides a remedy for security system meetings and special exemptions….

Security System Meetings:

Meetings relating to the security systems for any property owned by or leased to the state or any of its political subdivision or of any privately owned o4r leased property that is in the hands of an agency are exempt from S. 286, F.S. This statute exempts meetings of a board when the board discusses issues relating to the security systems for any property owned or leased by the board or any property owned or leased by the board or for any privately owned or leased property which is in the possession of the board. The statute does not merely close such meetings; it exempts the meetings from the requirements of S. 286.011, F.S. such as notice. AGO 93-86

Special Exemptions:

Article 1, s. 24 Florida Constitution, limits the Legislature's ability to enact an exemption from the constitutional right of access to open meetings established there under. The Florida Constitution requires that the exemptions enacted must be by general law. Such law must state with specificity the public necessity for the exemption and be no broader than necessary to accomplish the state purpose.

What are the consequences if the public board or commission fails to comply with the Sunshine Law?

Any member of a board or commission or of any state agency or authority of a county municipal corporation, or political subdivision who knowingly violates the Sunshine Law is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Section 286.01 (3) (b), F.S.

Read the full section of the law...more