The bill CS/HB 949 amends Florida's child welfare laws by redefining "harm" and "neglect" to explicitly include the exposure of children to controlled substances. It establishes that a parent's acute or chronic substance use can compromise their ability to care for and supervise their child, thereby constituting harm. Additionally, the definition of neglect is revised to encompass situations where a child's safety is significantly impaired due to a parent's substance use. These amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child welfare by ensuring that cases of child dependency involving substance abuse are adequately addressed.

Moreover, the bill mandates the appointment of a guardian ad litem for children involved in verified allegations of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, ensuring that the guardian and legal counsel are separate individuals. It also introduces new procedures for school districts regarding parental notification and involvement in students' health matters, prohibits discouragement of parental involvement by school personnel, and requires parental consent for health screenings in early grades. The legislation further restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for younger students. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance child protection measures and reinforce parental rights in educational settings, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 949 Filed: 39.301, 751.02, 751.03, 751.05