Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Foster Family Privacy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Subcommittee advances bill to shield foster-family application materials from public records
Summary
The Human Services Subcommittee voted unanimously to report HB 287 favorably, a measure sponsored by Representative McFarland that would exempt foster-family application packages and character statements at DCF from public records disclosure, with supporters saying the change protects families and encourages foster participation.
The Florida House Human Services Subcommittee on Tuesday advanced HB 287, a bill sponsored by Representative McFarland that would create a public-records exemption for applications and character statements used to become a licensed family foster home.
Rep. McFarland, the bill sponsor, told the committee the proposal “shields from public records … applications to be a foster family, any character statements, anything that goes into that foster family application package that sits at DCF.” Proponents said the change is intended to protect sensitive information and avoid deterring prospective foster parents.
With no public testimony and no members requesting debate, the committee recognized the co-prime sponsor for a brief closing about the measure’s human impact. The co-prime sponsor described family experience with the foster program and urged caution not to discourage foster participation.
Clerk Sabrina conducted a roll call after closing remarks. The measure passed by a recorded vote of 16 ayes, 0 nays and was reported favorably to the next stage of consideration.
The bill text and committee discussion focused on privacy for individuals who apply to be foster parents and minimizing any disincentive to serve. The committee did not take up amendments and there were no public commenters recorded in opposition.
HB 287 will proceed from the committee with the subcommittee’s favorable recommendation.
