This bill amends Section 1003.574 of the Florida Statutes regarding the use of video cameras in public school classrooms, specifically in self-contained classrooms that provide special education services. It removes references to the now-obsolete Video Cameras in Public School Classrooms Pilot Program and establishes a requirement for district school boards to create a policy that allows for the installation of video cameras in self-contained classrooms upon a parent's request. The bill also prohibits schools from concealing the identity of employees in video recordings and mandates that any video recording made available after a request must include accompanying audio.

Additionally, the bill outlines the operational requirements for video cameras, including monitoring capabilities and retention periods for recorded footage. It specifies that recordings must be retained for at least three months or until the conclusion of any related investigations. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of student identities in recordings and provides a process for parents and school employees to view the footage. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 859 Filed: 1003.574
H 859 c1: 1003.574