House Bill 1331 seeks to improve child welfare in Florida by establishing new definitions and requirements for child-serving organizations and accredited child safety organizations. It introduces the definition of "accredited child safety organization" as one certified by a qualified accrediting organization recognized by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill revises the definition of "institutional child abuse or neglect" to encompass abuse or neglect by employees or volunteers at these organizations. It mandates annual child protection training for employees, approved by DCF, and outlines the accreditation process for organizations providing this training. Additionally, the DCF is tasked with collecting and analyzing abuse reports from these organizations and a study on the affordability of liability insurance for them is required, with a report due by July 1, 2027.

The bill also amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to child dependency and welfare, including requirements for parents whose actions have harmed a child to undergo substance abuse assessments and comply with treatment as part of court dispositions. It updates definitions of harm and sexual exploitation, emphasizing the court's authority to ensure compliance with treatment and impose sanctions for noncompliance. Furthermore, it modifies definitions of terms like "abandoned," "abuse," and "neglect" to align with the new statutory language and reinforces the need for trauma-informed services for children who have experienced sexual exploitation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aiming to strengthen the legal framework for child protection and welfare in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1331 Filed: 39.101, 39.302, 39.521, 39.6012, 394.495, 934.255, 960.065