Downloads
CS/HB 1073 — School Districts
by Education Administration Subcommittee and Rep. Koster and others (CS/CS/SB 1620 by Rules Committee; Judiciary Committee; and Senators Leek and Gaetz)
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 creates the “District School Board Members’ Bill of Rights” to clarify the rights of school board members in the exercise of their statutory oversight and responsibility. The bill clarifies that district school board members have the right:
- Upon request, to be given free and timely access to all school district documents necessary to fulfill the required constitutional and statutory duties and responsibilities. A request not related to a matter on a publicly noticed meeting of the district school board must be fulfilled within 10 business days after receipt of such request. Any document provided to a district school board member must be offered to all board members.
- To consult with the school district’s chief financial officer on general matters related to the budget, and sources and uses of school district funds, and have reasonable access to district budget and financial transaction information.
- To request any document or information, except for documents or information that the member would be prohibited by law from accessing, from school district staff with the permission of the superintendent or other members of the administration where such permission must not be unreasonably withheld.
- To comment publicly during or outside of district school board meetings on any matter of district school board business, except for student and employee disciplinary hearings.
The bill specifies records that must be kept as a public record with the minutes. The bill prohibits a school district from requiring or otherwise providing incentives to an employee to sign a nondisclosure agreement or confidentiality agreement. Additionally, the school district may not impose any conditions on employment that would circumvent the prohibition against the use of nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements.
The bill defines the term “good cause” as it relates to district school board rejection of an employee nominated for a position as any of the following:
- That the nominated employee fabricated or materially exaggerated his or her credentials or background.
- That the nominated employee does not meet the minimum requirements for the position.
That the nominated employee’s educator certificate has been revoked by another state.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 108-0