The bill amends existing Florida statutes to enhance school safety by requiring both public and private schools, including charter schools, to equip their campuses with specific safety equipment. Each school must have at least one ballistic shield and one breaching tool to be used in emergencies such as active shooter situations. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Law Enforcement, is tasked with establishing minimum specifications for this equipment. Schools are authorized to utilize existing grants from the School Hardening Grant Program or other available funds to meet these requirements.

Additionally, the bill mandates that at least one school employee or the school's safe-school officer must receive annual training on the proper use of the safety equipment. Schools are also required to report annually to the Office of Safe Schools, confirming that the necessary equipment is present, functional, and accessible. The Office of Safe Schools is granted the authority to conduct random audits to ensure compliance with these new safety standards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 671 Filed: 1001.212