In a year marked by legislative activity, Gov. Ron DeSantis has added another law to the roster, bringing the total to over 80 enacted measures. The latest, HB 757, was signed into law on Friday, introducing significant changes to school safety protocols in Florida.
This newly signed law expands the scope of the Florida Guardian Program, which was originally designed to allow qualified school staff to act as armed guards against active threats on school grounds. The program’s reach will now include public colleges and universities, enabling these institutions to enhance their security measures.
Under the provisions of HB 757, college and university presidents are empowered to designate faculty members as school guardians. This expansion aims to bolster campus safety by allowing higher education institutions to have armed personnel ready to respond to potential threats.
However, the law maintains stringent criteria for those chosen to serve as guardians. All participants must possess a concealed weapons permit, successfully complete a psychological evaluation, and undergo a comprehensive 144-hour training program to ensure they are adequately prepared for their roles.
[RELATED: Florida Gov. DeSantis expresses his views on DEI following the enactment of a new ban]
These developments underscore Florida’s ongoing commitment to enhancing security measures within its educational institutions, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing student and staff safety in the wake of increasing concerns about campus security.
It’s not the only change that HB 757 makes, though. Per legislative analysts, other provisions are as follows:
- NEW CRIME: Prohibits anyone from discharging a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school during school hours or during a sanctioned school activity (punishable as a second-degree felony)
- FORTIFYFL: Requires schools that don’t have a public safety reporting application to promote using FortifyFL and to install/bookmark a link to the tool on certain school devices
- STUDENT RECORDS: Requires certain records related to student behavior, including threat assessment reports and student psych evaluations, to be transferred from a K-12 school to a Florida College System institution or state university upon his/her enrollment
- SAFETY TRAINING: Requires district school safety specialists to explain the purpose and proper execution of specified school safety training protocols
- MORE RULES: Requires schools to:
-
- adopt an active assailant response plan
- annually conduct a security risk assessment
- train faculty to detect and respond to mental health issues
- connect students with mental health services
- establish threat management teams
- adopt policies relating to supports for students, faculty and staff
The law took effect immediately upon being signed.
Meanwhile, you can find the full list of new Florida laws approved so far this year by clicking here.
[RELATED: Staff member reprimanded after Hitler video shown during Osceola High School announcements]
