The loss of auto racer Dale Earnhart was tragic. But the Florida Legislature should not compound the tragedy by ramming through a bad bill.
Autopsy photos are public record in Florida.
But there was recently a court battle to prevent the Orlando Sentinel from gaining access to Earnhart's pictures. That battle has been resolved. But as a knee-jerk reaction to the controversy, Senate Majority Leader Jim King filed a bill that would greatly restrict public access to autopsy photos. Senate Bill 1356 would essentially require anyone who wants such pictures to file a court order. The Channel 10 Editorials are an important forum used to exchange ideas and challenge viewpoints.