Florida Senate Bill S1346

Florida 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/26
• Refer: 1/16/26
• Failed: 3/13/26

Caption

Public Records/Department of Legal Affairs/Artificial Intelligence Violations

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the landscape of public records in Florida, especially regarding information obtained during investigations linked to artificial intelligence. By creating a layer of confidentiality, it affects how transparency in governance is managed, raising concerns about the balance between public right to know and the need for confidentiality during investigations. This change could also influence how investigations are conducted and how public trust is maintained, depending on how the public perceives the handling of this sensitive information.

Summary

Senate Bill 1346 aims to amend Florida Statutes related to public records, specifically by providing an exemption from public records requirements for information related to investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs concerning violations associated with artificial intelligence. The bill asserts that certain information gathered during investigations should remain confidential until the investigation is either completed or no longer active. This is premised on the belief that releasing such information prematurely could hinder investigations and allow for the disclosure of sensitive personal or proprietary information, potentially leading to identity theft or competitive disadvantages.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 1346 include the implications of keeping investigative information confidential for extended periods, which may diminish accountability by government agencies and give rise to concerns that the bill could be used to obscure wrongful actions. Supporters may argue that the protection of sensitive information is essential to safeguard individuals and companies from potential harm, while detractors would likely emphasize the need for public access to hold government entities accountable for their actions in regulating artificial intelligence.