Education committee reports a package of K–12 bills on virtual learning, safety, special needs and school readiness

The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K–12 advanced a group of bills covering virtual school operations, educator arrest reporting, dropout retrieval and alternative programs, access to school readiness, school safety and health measures, and a new policy for a council’s host institution.

Key bills reported favorably in committee - CS for SB 1122 (Florida Virtual School): The committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably. The bill clarifies administration and reporting requirements for Florida Virtual School, allows revenue from direct support organizations, recognizes international assessments and partnerships, and narrows earlier language on preschool virtual instruction. Melanie Bostic of Florida Virtual School waved in support.

- SB 1374 (school district reporting on educator arrests and misconduct): The bill would require district school boards to adopt policies for temporary removal of instructional personnel from student contact within 24 hours of arrest for certain felony or specified misdemeanor offenses; expand law enforcement notification and self-reporting requirements; and clarify that self-reports are not admissions of guilt. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough said the measure grew from incidents in Duval County aimed at protecting students while due process proceeds. The committee reported the bill favorably.

- CS for SB 1402 (dropout retrieval programs): The substitute clarifies definitions and accountability for dropout retrieval programs, broadens eligibility to students who have withdrawn and are not currently engaged in the system, and permits virtual-only dropout retrieval providers the option to receive a school improvement rating rather than a school grade. The bill takes effect July 1 if enacted.

- CS for SB 430 (automated external defibrillators on school grounds): An amendment consolidating two similar bills was adopted. The measure requires each public school to maintain at least one operational AED in a marked, publicized location, integrate a cardiac emergency response plan with local emergency services, maintain AEDs according to manufacturer guidance and register location with local emergency medical services. The bill also authorizes training for staff in CPR and AED use and contains liability protections for those providing emergency care.

- CS for SB 772 (diabetes management in schools): A delete-all amendment was adopted allowing school districts to request annual glucagon prescriptions from county health departments or licensed providers, accept donated or reduced-price glucagon, and permit trained school nurses or trained nonclinical school staff to store and administer glucagon under a student’s Individualized Diabetes Medical Management Plan in emergencies. The bill includes language limiting liability for districts and employees acquiring and administering the medication.

- SB 1102 (school readiness special needs differential): The bill aims to strengthen supports and training for early learning providers serving children with disabilities, expand eligibility definitions to include children with an Individual Family Support Plan or documentation from a licensed provider, and direct funding through the special needs differential allocation to providers meeting training and assessment requirements.

- SB 1382 (access to school readiness for economically disadvantaged households): The bill revises the definition of economically disadvantaged for school readiness eligibility from 150% of federal poverty guidelines to 65% of State median income, introduces a two-tiered priority for allocation, and requires waitlist data collection to inform future budgeting.

- CS for SB 364 (Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys): A committee amendment moves the council from the Department of Legal Affairs (previous placement discussed) to Florida Memorial University to support research and mentoring programs. The measure was reported favorably.

Votes at a glance CS for SB 1122 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). SB 1374 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). CS for SB 1402 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). CS for SB 430 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). CS for SB 772 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). SB 1102 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). SB 1382 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded). CS for SB 364 — Reported favorably (committee roll call recorded).

What happened in committee Committee members generally supported measures tied to student safety (AEDs, diabetes response) and clarified whether the bills required new funding or changed collective-bargaining obligations. On programmatic reforms (virtual school, dropout retrieval, early learning), sponsors said the bills refine reporting, expand eligibility, or improve accountability. Several members requested follow-up details — including fiscal estimates for AED purchases and training, the mechanics for temporary removal from student contact under SB 1374, and the precise scope and uses of school-readiness differential dollars. Public commenters appeared on SB 140 and expressed strong opposition; healthcare and pediatric groups voiced support for the diabetes and AED bills.

Next steps All bills reported favorably will move forward in the Senate process. Sponsors and staff indicated they will work on follow-up language and fiscal estimates as requested by committee members.