Secret Meetings Bill Headed To Gov. Scott

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Secret meetings could take place among state university foundations under a bill that's headed to Gov. Rick Scott.

The Senate voted 36-2 on Friday to pass the bill. The House passed the bill (HB 115) last month.

People who give money to university foundations can already keep their identities anonymous. But the bill would allow foundation boards to meet in secret if they are discussing research proposals and funding for that research.

Supporters of the bill defended the need for secrecy, saying that some of the research proposals could include trade secrets.

But critics have said it would allow big donors to make secret deals with universities and have called the bill dangerous.

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In:
• Florida Senate
• Florida House
• Rick Scott