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Subcommittee approves narrow records exemption for predesignation terrorism notices amid transparency concerns

Florida House Government Operations Subcommittee · February 11, 2026

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Summary

HB 1473 would exempt portions of the chief of domestic security’s notice and findings to the governor and cabinet from public records if disclosure would reveal information "critical to state or national security." The bill passed the subcommittee 13-4 after extensive testimony from both sponsors and transparency advocates who called the exemption too vague.

Representative Cassell told the committee that HB 1473 protects only portions of the chief of domestic security’s written notice and findings that would reveal information critical to state or national security when an organization is being considered for designation as a domestic terrorist organization. Cassell emphasized that the measure, as amended, removed a blanket "confidential and exempt" designation and instead makes specifically security-sensitive information exempt from public disclosure.

Members probed what qualifies as "critical to state or national security" and who would make that determination. Cassell and others said the determination is fact-specific, and that each receiving office (for example, the governor’s office or Florida Department of Law Enforcement) would be responsible for responding to public records requests they receive; FDLE and the chief of domestic security were cited as typical decision-makers. Cassell also said the bill preserves due process: a 7‑day notice and public hearing before designation and an appeal to circuit court within 30 days after designation.

Common Cause, the First Amendment Foundation and other transparency and civil‑liberties groups opposed the bill, arguing it lacks adequate standards and safeguards. "The exemption is not specific," Common Cause told the committee, and the First Amendment Foundation warned the bill does not demonstrate the public necessity required to override Florida’s Sunshine laws. Civil-rights and community groups said the bill could shield executive decision-making and prevent organizations from learning the reasons for serious designations that carry penalties and reputational harm.

Sponsor Cassell defended the measure as narrowly tailored to protect genuine security information—sources, methods and ongoing operational details—while preserving judicial review for organizations after designation. After debate and a technical amendment, the subcommittee voted 13-4 to report the bill favorably.