The bill CS/CS/CS/HB 1403 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. It requires sheriffs to establish a guardian program under specific conditions and mandates that security guards meet defined training and screening standards. The costs associated with the program must align with those set by the Department of Education, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. While child care facilities or security agencies are responsible for all program costs, sheriffs can waive costs for child care facilities, excluding initial training for school security guards.

Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for sheriffs, who must report quarterly to the Department of Law Enforcement on upcoming training for school guardians and security guards. It also stipulates that school districts, charter schools, private schools, child care facilities, or security agencies that fail to report required information will be prohibited from operating a school guardian program or employing school security guards for the following school year unless they provide the missing information. The legislation emphasizes ongoing training, compliance, and safety measures, including maintaining locked access points during school hours and ensuring substitute teachers receive safety protocol training before their first day. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1403 Filed: 30.15
H 1403 c1: 30.15
H 1403 c2: 30.15
H 1403 c3: 30.15