The bill amends Florida statutes to enhance student safety by expanding the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program to include child care facilities, which are required to cover associated costs unless waived by sheriffs. It also updates reporting requirements for sheriffs and educational institutions, clarifying their responsibilities in training school and child care facility employees as guardians. The legislation removes obsolete language and introduces specific safety measures, such as locking gates and access points during designated times when students are present, while allowing for exemptions in certain areas under specific circumstances.

Additionally, the bill mandates that schools implement new safety protocols, including maintaining at least one locked barrier between classrooms and the open campus, controlling access points, and clearly marking safe areas for students during emergencies. It establishes a reporting protocol for safety violations, requiring reports to be made to the school principal or, if necessary, to higher authorities. Importantly, each substitute teacher must receive all safety protocols and policies before their first day of teaching. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to strengthen safety measures within educational environments across Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1403 Filed: 30.15