Proposed Florida 911 Privacy Bill Dies

The Speaker of Florida’s House of Representatives has withdrawn his support for proposed legislation that would have restricted the public release of 911 call logging tapes, virtually killing the bill. A spokesperson for Larry Cretul said he still believes in the purpose of the bill, but withdrew his support so a political battle over the bill wouldn’t become a “distraction.” Logging tapes in Florida are subject to the state’s open records laws. The proposed changes would have restricted the release of audio tapes, but would have allowed printed transcripts of calls. Newspapers, TV stations and media groups opposed the bill, while the families of some victims supported keeping crisis moments confidential. Interestingly, the family of murder victim Denise Lee opposed the bill, saying it would help conceal errors and misconduct by public safety personnel that should be exposed. Read more here.