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 available for use during 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 permitted to utilize existing grants from the School Hardening Grant Program or other available funds to comply with 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 authorized to conduct random audits to ensure compliance with these new safety measures. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 671 Filed: 1001.212