The proposed bill establishes a new section, 1000.09, in the Florida Statutes, focusing on the notification of anti-harassment policies and supportive measures in schools. It mandates that schools create comprehensive anti-harassment policies that address issues such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and outlines specific requirements for these policies. Schools are required to notify students, parents, staff, and volunteers about these policies through various means, including handbooks, direct communication, and postings on school websites. The bill also emphasizes the importance of making these policies accessible in frequently encountered languages to ensure that all stakeholders can understand and utilize them.
Additionally, the bill specifies the supportive measures that schools must provide, which include resources such as counseling, victim advocacy, and safety measures. Schools are required to designate individuals responsible for handling reports of harassment and to provide contact information for local support services. The bill also includes provisions for notifying parents of students under 18 years of age about the anti-harassment policies, while allowing for age-appropriate communication with the students themselves. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.