(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Crime stoppers organization” means a private not-for-profit organization that collects and expends donations for rewards to persons who report to the organization information concerning criminal activity, and forwards that information to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

(b) “Privileged communication” means the act of providing information to a crime stoppers organization for the purpose of reporting alleged criminal activity.

(c) “Protected information” includes the identity of a person who engages in privileged communication with a crime stoppers organization and any records, recordings, oral or written statements, papers, documents, or other tangible items provided to or collected by a crime stoppers organization, a law enforcement crime stoppers coordinator or his or her staff, or a law enforcement agency in connection with such privileged communication.

(2)(a) Except pursuant to criminal discovery or as provided in paragraph (b), a person who discloses a privileged communication or protected information or any information concerning a privileged communication or protected information commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) This subsection does not apply to:

1. The person who provides the privileged communication or protected information; or

2. A law enforcement officer or an employee of a law enforcement agency or the Department of Legal Affairs when he or she is acting within the scope of his or her official duties.

(c) This subsection does not limit the right of any criminal defendant to criminal discovery.

History.—s. 2, ch. 2019-167.