Committee advances charter governance changes; members press for clarity on student code of conduct and hair policies

The Committee on Education Pre‑K–12 adopted an amendment to CS/ SB 822 and reported the measure favorably after members questioned how the bill would affect student codes of conduct and parental participation in their development.

Sponsor Senator Rodriguez said the amendment limits certain sponsor actions, allows high‑performing charter schools to assume charters, clarifies that charter schools can adopt rules stricter than their sponsors, and requires school districts and the Department of Education to promptly share student and assessment data with charter schools and educational service providers.

Senator Osgood pressed the sponsor on whether the changes could permit a charter school to enact hair‑style rules that would ban twists or braids; Senator Rodriguez said she believed the provision pertained to clothing rather than hair but said she would confirm the point. Senator Davis asked how parents would be involved in developing and approving a school's code of conduct; the sponsor said she expected parents to be involved but did not describe a specific process and suggested a speaker from the charter sector could address details.

The committee recorded the amendment’s adoption and later reported CS/ SB 822 favorably. Supporters on the appearance forms included officials from Academica, the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools and the Florida Charter Schools Alliance.

Votes and action: amendment barcode 327032 was adopted; CS/ SB 822 was reported favorably by roll call with Senator Davis recorded as voting no.