House Bill 1301 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance child welfare by expanding the authority of the Office of Statewide Prosecution to investigate and prosecute violations related to child dependency and abuse. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "legal custodian," which includes sponsors of unaccompanied alien children, and allows individuals to petition the court to disclose the identity of reporters in cases of false abuse reports. It also establishes a new section for protective investigations involving military families and outlines requirements for agreements between the Department of Children and Families and military installations. Additionally, the bill authorizes law enforcement to take children into custody under specific circumstances and modifies requirements for the Department to petition for special immigrant juvenile status.

The bill further enhances training and operational standards for child care personnel and facilities, including exemptions from training requirements for those with certain educational qualifications. It mandates additional training in early literacy and language development, as well as basic training for serving children with disabilities. The bill also addresses licensing standards for family foster homes and residential child-caring agencies, establishing a fee schedule for out-of-home care and clarifying regulations for community residential homes. It modifies the requirements for child care facility director credentials and emergent literacy training for prekindergarten instructors, ensuring that successful completion of certain credentials satisfies overlapping requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1301 Filed: 16.56, 39.01, 39.401, 39.5075, 39.905, 402.305, 937.0201, 937.021, 402.30501, 1002.59