Committee reports SPB 7,020 to reenact aquaculture public-records exemption

Summary

The committee favorably reported SPB 7,020, a Department of Agriculture bill to reenact an expiring public-records exemption covering certain aquaculture shellfish production records and submerged land leases; the department waived in support and the bill was submitted as a committee bill by voice then approved by roll call.

The Florida Senate committee voted to report SPB 7,020 favorably after sponsor explanation and a support appearance from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Chair Grama took up SPB 7,020, which the sponsor, Senator Trudeau, said would reenact a public-records exemption for specified aquaculture production records and submerged land leases that is set to expire this year unless the Legislature reenacts it.

Senator Trudeau told the committee the exemption protects aquaculture producers and helps the department maintain compliance with federal partners and statutory requirements while protecting competitive information. An appearance form was filed in support by Alex Haley of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Senator Burton moved to submit SPB 7,020 as a committee bill; with no objection the motion carried and the clerk recorded 'yes' votes from Senators Bernard, Burton, Roussan, Trudeau and Vice Chair Graw.

The committee reported SPB 7,020 as a committee bill; no amendments or recorded public opposition were entered in the hearing record.