This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance background screening requirements for care providers and athletic coaches, particularly focusing on disqualifying offenses. It introduces additional offenses such as DUI manslaughter and domestic violence while removing the previous definition of domestic violence offenses. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will now be responsible for determining eligibility for criminal history checks submitted to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse starting January 1, 2026. The clearinghouse will also share eligibility determinations with relevant agencies and require them to process exemptions from disqualification. Furthermore, independent sanctioning authorities are recognized as qualified entities for the clearinghouse, and individuals without background screenings may act as athletic coaches under supervision.

The bill also updates requirements for professionals working with vulnerable populations, including elderly and veterans, by mandating specific training and level 2 background screenings for eldercaring coordinators. It emphasizes the need for immediate notification to school authorities when employees are arrested for certain offenses and encourages self-reporting by instructional and administrative personnel regarding disqualifying offenses. Additionally, the bill establishes confidentiality provisions for handling sealed and expunged records in educational settings and requires individuals to enter a plea for criminal offenses within 48 hours after final judgment, excluding minor traffic violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1168 Filed: 435.12, 44.407, 501.9741