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CS/CS/SB 1264 — History of Communism
by Appropriations Committee on Education; Education Pre-K -12 Committee; and Senators Collins, Rodriguez, Harrell, and Avila
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, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, instruction in public schools on the history of communism that is age and developmentally appropriate. The bill specifies topics that must be included in such instruction.
The bill requires the Department of Education (DOE) to prepare and offer standards for the required instruction, and allows the DOE to seek input from victims of communism and organizations dedicated to the victims of communism.
The bill establishes the Institute for Freedom in the Americas (institute) within Miami Dade College (MDC) to preserve the ideals of a free society and promote democracy in the Americas. The institute must:
- Partner with the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom (center) to hold workshops, symposiums and conferences for leaders that promote democracy.
- Enter into an agreement with the center to provide coursework and programs that advance democratic practices and economic and legal reforms.
- Provide educational and experiential opportunities for regional leaders.
The bill requires MDC to establish a direct support organization (DSO) to support the institute and specifies the composition of the five-member DSO board to be appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The bill renames the Adam Smith Center for the Study of Economic Freedom to the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, authorizes the center to offer degrees, and requires the center to partner with the institute to support its mission.
The bill requires the Department of State, in collaboration with the DOE, to consult with state and national stakeholders to provide a recommendation to the Legislature by December 1, 2024, on the creation of a museum focusing on the history of communism.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 25-7; House 106-7