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The Florida Senate

CS/SB 954 — Involuntary Examinations of Minors

by the Fiscal Policy Committee and Senator Garcia

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)

The bill requires immediate notification to the parent, guardian, caregiver, or guardian advocate of a minor or student who has been taken to a receiving facility and held for an involuntary examination.

Specifically, the bill:

  • Requires a public school or charter school principal, or his or her designee, to immediately notify a student’s parent if the student is removed from school, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity for an involuntary examination.
  • Requires a receiving facility to immediately notify a minor’s parent, guardian, caregiver, or guardian advocate after the minor’s arrival at the facility and make repeated attempts at such notification until confirming that notice has been received.
  • Authorizes a public school or charter school principal or receiving facility to delay notification up to 24 hours if deemed to be in the best interests of the minor or student and if a report has been submitted to the Department of Children and Families’ Central Abuse Hotline.
  • Requires each county health department, district school board, and local school health advisory committee to jointly develop a school health services plan that provides for immediate notification.
  • Requires each district school board and charter school governing board to develop policies and procedures for immediate notification.
  • Authorizes the release of a student to a law enforcement officer if emergency assistance is needed for illness or injury while at school.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2015.

Vote: Senate 40-0; House 117-0