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CS/HB 447 — Disability History and Awareness Instruction
by Student Academic Success Subcommittee and Rep. Salzman and others (CS/SB 540 by Education Pre-K – 12 Committee and Senators Collins, Burgess, Harrell, Wright, Gaetz, Albritton, Arrington, Avila, Berman, Bernard, Boyd, Bradley, Brodeur, Burton, Calatayud, Davis, DiCeglie, Garcia, Hooper, Ingoglia, Jones, Leek, Martin, McClain, Osgood, Passidomo, Pizzo, Polsky, Rodriguez, Rouson, Sharief, Simon, Smith, Truenow, and Trumbull)
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 designates the act as the “Evin B. Hartsell Act” and modifies the content of disability history and awareness instruction for school districts that choose to provide such instruction during the first two weeks of October.
Specifically, the bill:
- Requires instruction to include grade-specific content for kindergarten through grade–12:
- Grades K–3: Conversations about bullying and activities to teach about physical disabilities.
- Grades 4–6: Information about autism spectrum disorder.
- Grades 7–9: Information about hearing impairments.
- Grades 10–12: Information about learning and intellectual disabilities.
- Authorizes the Department of Education to consult with the Evin B. Hartsell Foundation to further develop the required instructional materials.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 35-0; House 107-0