The Florida legislature has decided to extend its session until June 6, rather than adjourning on May 2 as initially planned. This extension is to allow more time to finalize the state budget and other pending policies, including the Senate President’s Rural Renaissance initiative. The legislature will take a break during the week of May 5 and reconvene on May 12.
In the closing hours of the scheduled session, House Bill 1105 was sent to Governor Ron DeSantis. Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Kincart-Jonsson, this bill expands the state’s distraction-free learning policy. It mandates that all K-8 schools implement policies limiting cell phone use throughout the school day and initiates a pilot program in select high schools, with data reported to the Department of Education.
The House had earlier passed a broader requirement for all K-12 public schools to limit cell phone use, which aligned with FFF’s preferred policy. However, the Senate opted for a more limited approach.
House Bill 1105 also includes several education-related provisions. These include developing a workforce credential program for students with Autism in collaboration with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and ensuring that additional tax revenue shared through interlocal agreements benefits charter schools as well. It strengthens charter school conversion processes and extends scholarship eligibility for students with disabilities under certain conditions.
Additionally, both chambers approved House Bill 1255 by Representative Dana Trabulsy. This bill requires districts to develop reading plans involving intensive interventions by qualified personnel and outlines priorities for assigning highly effective teachers in early grades. It also abolishes the Florida School for Competitive Academics and expands protections for charter schools against local restrictions.
Another legislative effort led by Representative Alex Rizo and Senator Danny Burgess is House Bill 875, aimed at overhauling educator preparation programs in Florida. This bill seeks to unify certification pathways and establish new curricula standards across teacher preparation programs while creating an institute dedicated to teaching excellence at Miami-Dade College.
Despite progress on several fronts, the Senate did not act on House Bill 1115 related to expanding the Schools of Hope charter school program. Although passed by the House with an amendment from Representative Demi Busatta, it remains pending consideration in potential budget conforming bills.
