This bill amends Florida's child welfare laws by redefining "harm" and "neglect" to explicitly include the exposure of children to controlled substances. The new definition of harm indicates that a parent's acute or chronic substance use can compromise their ability to provide adequate supervision and care for their child. The updated definition of neglect addresses situations where a parent's substance use creates an environment that significantly impairs the child's physical, mental, or emotional safety. The bill also reenacts several sections of Florida Statutes to ensure that references to harm and neglect are consistent with these new definitions, emphasizing the need for assessments and treatment for parents whose substance use has negatively impacted their children.

Additionally, the bill enhances the legal framework for appointing guardians ad litem in cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, specifying that they may act as the next friend of a child but not as an attorney or advocate. It mandates the appointment of a guardian ad litem when there are well-founded allegations of abuse, ensuring their involvement in judicial proceedings. The bill also addresses parental notification and involvement in students' health matters, prohibiting school procedures that discourage parental engagement and restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for younger students. It establishes a process for parents to raise concerns with school districts, including the option for a special magistrate to assist in resolution. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1002 Filed: 39.301, 751.02, 751.03, 751.05