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Restoring Academic Freedom HB 899/SB 970

Text of the Bill and a Brief Summary

HB 899 (full text)/SB 970 (full text) restores academic freedom to Florida’s higher education campuses by repealing recent legislation that targeted academic freedom. These bills also affirm the the right constitutional right for postsecondary faculty to engage in collective bargaining. 

What’s Next

  • HB 899 has been referred to the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee where it has yet to be place on an agenda.
  • SB 970 has been referred to the Postsecondary Education Committee where it has yet to be placed on an agenda. 

Vote History

No votes yet.

Talking Points

Coming soon.

Click on any of the headers below to expand the section and receive more information. 

SB 7002 (full text) is one of three bills proposed by the Senate PreK-12 Education Committee that focuses on deregulation of public schools. The focus for SB 7002 is on regulations regarding finance, facilities and oversight.

Some of the specific proposed changes include the following:
  • For districts who are out of compliance with class size laws, this bill removes the requirement for school districts to develop a plan listing the specific actions they will take to get into compliance. (Line 647)
  • Allowing school districts to decide if it is necessary to make up days lost to hurricanes or other emergencies. Currently, that power rests with the State Board of Education. (Line 913)
  • Revises the requirements allowing students to carry essential medical supplies at school with simpler prescription and parent approval processes. (Line 445, Line 455, Line 505, Line 542) 
 
  • 8-0: Senate PreK-12 Education Committee, 11-15-23 (Senators Osgood and Yarborough both had excused absences from the meeting.)

SB 7002 has been referred to the Fiscal Policy Committee for what will likely be its final committee stop before heading for a vote in the full Senate. 

The bill could be heard in the Fiscal Policy Committee as soon as Dec. 5. We’ll know by Nov. 28 if the bill is placed on the agenda for the Dec. 5 meeting. 

Coming soon.

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