The Florida House has passed two key legislative bills aimed at enhancing student learning in schools. House Bill 949, spearheaded by Representative Demi Busatta, extends the policy prohibiting phone use during instructional time to cover the entire school day. Exceptions are provided for students with Individualized Learning Plans, 504 Plans, and documented medical needs.
House Bill 1309, introduced by Representative John Snyder, targets literacy improvements by extending professional learning support to school districts and personnel from grades 4-12, including career and technical education centers. The bill emphasizes employing high-quality teachers in grades K-2 and strategically using reading coaches. It also mandates the inclusion of evidence-based interventions for students struggling with reading.
Additionally, House Bill 1255, brought forward by Representative Dana Trabulsy, includes enhancements to teacher preparation programs. The bill, amended in its final committee review, seeks to standardize math content in educator programs and introduces financial literacy requirements and a mathematics endorsement pathway beginning in 2027-2028.
The Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee has passed Senate Bill 742, proposed by Senator Corey Simon. This bill facilitates charter schools’ application for startup or expansion grants for workforce education, while enhancing a money-back guarantee program for Florida College System graduates unable to find relevant employment.
Legislative practices in Florida include combining various educational issues into omnibus bills. This session sees House Bill 1267, sponsored by Representative Demi Busatta, and Senate Bill 1702, sponsored by Senator Danny Burgess, forming such packages. House Bill 1267 addresses expansion in the state’s Schools of Hope Charter school program, amendments to the school grading scale, improvements in rural education, and increased support for students with learning deficiencies.
Senate Bill 1702 includes a pilot program for full-day, phone-free schools, a math endorsement pathway, zoning flexibility for private schools, and allows virtual school students to participate in district athletics. Both bills are set for debate next week, with the Florida Legislature scheduled to end its session on May 2.
