This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to educator certifications and training, specifically focusing on the inclusion of training for mass casualty incidents in teacher preparation programs. It revises the core curricula for state-approved teacher preparation programs to incorporate strategies for identifying, preventing, preparing for, addressing, and responding to mass casualty incidents. Additionally, it mandates that postsecondary educator preparation institutes include similar training in their programs. The bill also updates the eligibility criteria for certified educators to require training in mass casualty incidents and establishes a new section for the Department of Education to develop a list of approved trainings for instructional personnel.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing cross-references in various sections and specifies that beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the Department of Education must integrate the approved mass casualty incident training into current continuing education and inservice training requirements for instructional personnel without increasing the total hours required. The bill also clarifies that no new duty of care or basis of liability is created by the implementation of this training. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 204 Filed: 1004.04, 1012.55, 1012.57