The bill CS for SB 1470 First Engrossed amends various sections of Florida law to enhance school safety through the establishment of a school guardian program and the responsibilities of sheriffs and security agencies. It mandates that if a school board contracts for security guards, the sheriff must create a guardian program to provide training for these individuals, with the security agency covering all associated training and screening costs. The bill also requires sheriffs to issue school security guard certificates and maintain documentation of training and qualifications, while deleting obsolete reporting requirements to the Department of Law Enforcement and revising the definition of a firearm detection canine.

Additionally, the bill establishes a workgroup to recommend the creation of a Florida Institute of School Safety and mandates that public and charter schools ensure their panic alert systems are connected to a centralized system. It outlines specific safety requirements for school districts, including maintaining locked access points during supervision hours and providing substitute teachers with safety protocols. The bill appropriates $450,000 in recurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to the Department of Education for implementation and emphasizes the importance of training for school personnel on new safety systems. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1470 Filed: 30.15, 1006.07, 1006.121
S 1470 c1: 30.15, 1006.07, 1006.121
S 1470 e1: 30.15, 1006.07, 1006.121