The bill enhances school safety in Florida by expanding the existing Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program to include child care facilities. It requires sheriffs to establish a guardian program with specific training and screening standards for security guards, while child care facilities or security agencies will bear the associated costs, subject to a cap that sheriffs may waive. The legislation also outlines training requirements for school guardians, including firearm proficiency and psychological evaluations, and mandates reporting obligations for sheriffs and educational institutions regarding guardian training schedules. Additionally, it introduces penalties for non-compliance with reporting requirements, which could prevent entities from operating school guardian programs or employing security guards.

Moreover, the bill establishes new safety protocols for school districts and charter schools, including the requirement that all gates and access points to a school's "exclusive zone" remain closed and locked during school hours, with exceptions for staffed access points. It defines "exclusive zone" and "nonexclusive zone" to clarify safety requirements on school property. The legislation also details the qualifications and responsibilities of school security guards, emphasizing the need for collaboration between school districts and law enforcement to ensure safe-school officers are present at each facility. Substitute teachers are required to receive safety protocol training before their first day. 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
S 1470 e2: 30.15, 1006.07
S 1470 er: 30.15, 1006.07