The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve services for children with developmental disabilities, particularly those with autism. It revises the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to allow the use of grant funds for autism screenings and related services. Additionally, it introduces the Early Steps Extended Option, enabling children to receive services beyond the age of three if they meet specific eligibility criteria. The Department of Health is responsible for seeking federal approval and funding for this option, while local program offices must assist in transitioning children to educational services as they age out of the program.

Moreover, the bill establishes the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, which will manage grants for specialized programs and develop guidelines for grant administration. It allocates funding for the Early Steps Extended Option and mandates the Department of Education to provide data for program evaluation. Key provisions include the appropriation of $720,282 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and the establishment of eligibility requirements for grant recipients, emphasizing community support and detailed implementation plans. The bill also enhances the training of instructional personnel, prohibiting indirect administrative fees charged by host state universities and requiring a review of continuing education curricula, with a report due by December 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 112 Filed: 381.9855, 391.302, 391.308, 1012.585
S 112 c1: 381.9855, 391.302, 391.308, 1012.585
S 112 c2: 381.9855, 391.302, 391.308, 1012.585
S 112 er: 381.9855, 391.302, 391.308, 1012.585