The Florida Senate

A.  Learning Services Generally

B.  Student Food and Health Services

C.  Student Discipline
and School Safety

D.  Student Extracurricular
Activities and Athletics

E.  Transportation of
Public K-12 Students

F.  Instructional Materials for
K-12 Public Education

1006.02  Provision of information to students and parents regarding school-to-work transition.

1006.03  Diagnostic and learning resource centers.

1006.035  Dropout reentry and mentor project.

1006.04  Educational multiagency services for students with severe emotional disturbance.

1006.051  Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program.

1006.02  Provision of information to students and parents regarding school-to-work transition.--

(1)  All public K-12 schools shall document the manner in which they have prepared students to enter the workforce, including information regarding the provision of accurate, timely career and curricular counseling to students. This information shall include a delineation of available career opportunities, educational requirements associated with each career, educational institutions that prepare students to enter each career, and student financial aid available to enable students to pursue any postsecondary instruction required to enter that career. This information shall also delineate school procedures for identifying individual student interests and aptitudes which enable students to make informed decisions about the curriculum that best addresses their individual interests and aptitudes while preparing them to enroll in postsecondary education and enter the workforce. This information shall include recommended high school coursework that prepares students for success in college-level work. The information shall be made known to parents and students annually through inclusion in the school's handbook, manual, or similar documents or other communications regularly provided to parents and students.

(2)  The information required by this section shall delineate the availability of applied instruction that uses concrete, real-world examples to elicit demonstrated student competence comparable to the student performance standards delineated for corresponding traditional college-preparatory courses, and shall also delineate the support services available for students who need assistance to successfully complete instruction necessary to enroll in postsecondary education or enter the workforce.

(3)  The information required by this section shall delineate the availability of instruction that enables students to acquire the technical skills associated with specific clusters of occupations as well as employability skills that apply to most occupations, and shall describe and identify the availability of workplace-based learning experiences. Any school that conducts secondary career education programs shall identify any agreements through which each program articulates into corresponding postsecondary programs.

(4)  Prior to each student's graduation from high school, the school shall assess the student's preparation to enter the workforce, in accordance with the commissioner's identification of the employability skills associated with successful entry into the workforce, and shall provide the student and the student's parent or guardian with the results of this assessment.

History.--s. 266, ch. 2002-387.

1006.03  Diagnostic and learning resource centers.--

(1)  The department shall maintain regional diagnostic and learning resource centers for exceptional students, to assist in the provision of medical, physiological, psychological, and educational testing and other services designed to evaluate and diagnose exceptionalities, to make referrals for necessary instruction and services, and to facilitate the provision of instruction and services to exceptional students. The department shall cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services in identifying service needs and areas.

(2)  Within its identified service area, each regional center shall:

(a)  Provide assistance to parents, teachers, and other school personnel and community organizations in locating and identifying exceptional children and planning educational programs for them.

(b)  Assist in the provision of services for exceptional children, using to the maximum, but not supplanting, the existing facilities and services of each district.

(c)  Provide orientation meetings at least annually for teachers, principals, supervisors, and community agencies to familiarize them with center facilities and services for exceptional children.

(d)  Plan, coordinate, and assist in the implementation of inservice training programs, consistent with each district's program of staff development, for the development and updating of attitudes, skills, and instructional practices and procedures necessary to the education of exceptional children.

(e)  Assist districts in the identification, selection, acquisition, use, and evaluation of media and materials appropriate to the implementation of instructional programs based on individual educational plans for exceptional children.

(f)  Provide for the dissemination and diffusion of significant information and promising practices derived from educational research, demonstration, and other projects.

(g)  Assist in the delivery, modification, and integration of instructional technology, including microcomputer applications and adaptive and assistive devices, appropriate to the unique needs of exceptional students.

(3)  Diagnostic and resource centers may provide testing and evaluation services to private school students and other children who are not enrolled in public schools.

(4)  Diagnostic and learning resource centers may assist districts in providing testing and evaluation services for infants and preschool children with or at risk of developing disabilities, and may assist districts in providing interdisciplinary training and resources to parents of infants and preschool children with or at risk of developing disabilities and to school readiness programs.

History.--s. 267, ch. 2002-387.

1006.035  Dropout reentry and mentor project.--

(1)  There is created a dropout reentry and mentor project to be coordinated on a pilot basis by the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University National Alumni Association and implemented in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and Miami.

(2)  The project shall identify 15 black students in each location who have dropped out of high school but were not encountering academic difficulty when they left school. Students chosen to participate may not have a high school diploma, be enrolled in an adult general education program which includes a GED program or an adult high school, or be enrolled in a technical school. Students may be employed but must be able to adjust their work schedules to accommodate classes and project sessions. Priority must be given to students who have dropped out of school within the last 3 years.

(3)  In identifying participants, the following factors must be considered:

(a)  The student's performance in school before dropping out.

(b)  The student's performance on aptitude and achievement tests.

(c)  The student's desire to reenter school.

(4)  In each of the four locations, the project shall identify 15 high-achieving minority students to serve as one-on-one mentors to the students who are being reentered in school. An alumnus of Bethune-Cookman College, Florida Memorial College, Edward Waters College, or Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University shall be assigned to each pair of students. Student mentors and alumni must serve as role models and resource people for the students who are being reentered in school.

(5)  Selected project participants shall be evaluated and enrolled in a GED program, regular high school, technical school, or alternative school. In conjunction with school guidance personnel, project staff shall design a supplemental program to reinforce basic skills, provide additional counseling, and offer tutorial assistance. Weekly, project staff shall monitor students' attendance, performance, homework, and attitude toward school.

(6)  The project shall use tests to identify students' interests and academic weaknesses. Based on the test results, an individualized study program shall be developed for each reentry student.

(7)  The 15 alumni at each location must meet with their assigned reentry students and high achievers, together, at least once per week. All reentry students must meet as a group at least once per week for structured, organized activities that include instruction in test-taking skills, positive attitude, coping, study habits, budgeting time, setting goals, career choices, homework assistance, and conflict resolution.

(8)  Followup interviews with both the reentry students and high achievers must be conducted after 1 year to determine the project's impact.

History.--s. 268, ch. 2002-387.

1006.04  Educational multiagency services for students with severe emotional disturbance.--

(1)(a)  An intensive, integrated educational program; a continuum of mental health treatment services; and, when needed, residential services are necessary to enable students with severe emotional disturbance to develop appropriate behaviors and demonstrate academic and career education skills. The small incidence of severe emotional disturbance in the total school population requires multiagency programs to provide access to appropriate services for all students with severe emotional disturbance. District school boards should provide educational programs, and state departments and agencies administering children's mental health funds should provide mental health treatment and residential services when needed, forming a multiagency network to provide support for students with severe emotional disturbance.

(b)  The program goals for each component of the multiagency network are to enable students with severe emotional disturbance to learn appropriate behaviors, reduce dependency, and fully participate in all aspects of school and community living; to develop individual programs for students with severe emotional disturbance, including necessary educational, residential, and mental health treatment services; to provide programs and services as close as possible to the student's home in the least restrictive manner consistent with the student's needs; and to integrate a wide range of services necessary to support students with severe emotional disturbance and their families.

(2)  The department may award grants to district school boards for statewide planning and development of the multiagency network for students with severe emotional disturbance. The educational services shall be provided in a manner consistent with the requirements of ss. 402.22 and 1003.57.

(3)  State departments and agencies may use appropriate funds for the multiagency network for students with severe emotional disturbance.

History.--s. 269, ch. 2002-387.

1006.051  Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes the need for school districts to be able to respond to critical workforce shortages in nursing. The Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program is created to provide grants to school districts on a competitive basis to fund all or some of the costs associated with establishing an exploratory program in nursing at the middle school level or a comprehensive career and technical education program within a high school that provides a program of study in nursing that will provide a seamless transition to appropriate postsecondary education or employment.

(a)  A comprehensive career and technical education program within a high school that provides a program of study in nursing must be certified or endorsed by the Florida Board of Nursing to ensure that all components of the program are relevant and appropriate to prepare the student for further education and employment in nursing.

(b)  For career and technical education programs in which high school credit is articulated to a related postsecondary education program, there must be an articulation agreement that ensures seamless transition from one level to the next without a loss of credit for the student.

(c)  Participation in work-based learning experiences, as defined in rule by the Department of Education, shall be required in career and technical education programs at the high school level.

(2)  Funds awarded for a Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant may be used for instructional equipment, laboratory equipment, supplies, personnel, student services, or other expenses associated with the development of a program in nursing.

(3)  The Department of Education shall accept applications from middle schools and high schools for grants under the Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program.

(a)  Applications shall contain projected enrollments and projected costs for the Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grants.

(b)  Schools shall be selected based on existing infrastructure that would ensure success of the program. The department shall consider statewide geographic disbursement of grant funds in ranking the applications.

(c)  Methods for evaluating the success of the grant program, including student recruitment, retention, and program completion, must be included in the application.

History.--s. 4, ch. 2002-230.

1006.06  School food service programs.

1006.0605  Students' summer nutrition.

1006.061  Child abuse, abandonment, and neglect policy.

1006.062  Administration of medication and provision of medical services by district school board personnel.

1006.063  Eye-protective devices required in certain laboratory courses.

1006.06  School food service programs.--

(1)  In recognition of the demonstrated relationship between good nutrition and the capacity of students to develop and learn, it is the policy of the state to provide standards for school food service and to require district school boards to establish and maintain an appropriate private school food service program consistent with the nutritional needs of students.

(2)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules covering the administration and operation of the school food service programs.

(3)  Each district school board shall consider the recommendations of the district school superintendent and adopt policies to provide for an appropriate food and nutrition program for students consistent with federal law and State Board of Education rule.

(4)  The state shall provide the state National School Lunch Act matching requirements. The funds provided shall be distributed in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of the National School Lunch Act.

(5)(a)  Each district school board shall implement school breakfast programs in all elementary schools that make breakfast available to all students in kindergarten through grade 6 in each district school, unless the elementary school goes only through grade 5, in which case the requirement shall apply only through grade 5. Each district school board shall implement breakfast programs in all elementary schools in which students are eligible for free and reduced price lunch meals, to the extent specifically funded in the General Appropriations Act. A district school board may operate a breakfast program providing for food preparation at the school site or in central locations with distribution to designated satellite schools or any combination thereof.

(b)  The commissioner shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that any school designated a "severe need school" receives the highest rate of reimbursement to which it is entitled pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s. 1773 for each free and reduced price breakfast served.

(c)  The department shall calculate and distribute a school district breakfast supplement for each school year by multiplying the state breakfast rate as specified in the General Appropriations Act by the number of free and reduced price breakfast meals served.

(d)  The Legislature shall provide sufficient funds in the General Appropriations Act to reimburse participating school districts for the difference between the average federal reimbursement for free and reduced price breakfasts and the average statewide cost for breakfasts.

History.--s. 271, ch. 2002-387.

1006.0605  Students' summer nutrition.--

(1)  Each district school superintendent shall report to the department any activity or initiative that provides access to a food service program during school vacation periods of over 2 weeks to students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The report shall include any developed or implemented plans for how the school district will sponsor, host, or vend the federal Summer Food Service Program.

(2)  The district school superintendent shall submit the report to the department by February 1, 2004. Prior to submitting the report to the department, the district school superintendent shall report this information to the district school board.

(3)  By March 1, 2004, the department shall submit to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairs of the education committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education a report compiling the school district information.

History.--s. 272, ch. 2002-387.

1006.061  Child abuse, abandonment, and neglect policy.--Each district school board shall:

(1)  Post in a prominent place in each school a notice that, pursuant to chapter 39, all employees and agents of the district school board have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect; have immunity from liability if they report such cases in good faith; and have a duty to comply with child protective investigations and all other provisions of law relating to child abuse, abandonment, and neglect. The notice shall also include the statewide toll-free telephone number of the central abuse hotline.

(2)  Require the district school superintendent, or the superintendent's designee, at the request of the Department of Children and Family Services, to act as a liaison to the Department of Children and Family Services and the child protection team, as defined in s. 39.01, when in a case of suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect or an unlawful sexual offense involving a child the case is referred to such a team; except that this does not relieve or restrict the Department of Children and Family Services from discharging its duty and responsibility under the law to investigate and report every suspected or actual case of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect or unlawful sexual offense involving a child.

History.--s. 273, ch. 2002-387.

1006.062  Administration of medication and provision of medical services by district school board personnel.--

(1)  Notwithstanding the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act, part I of chapter 464, district school board personnel may assist students in the administration of prescription medication when the following conditions have been met:

(a)  Each district school board shall include in its approved school health services plan a procedure to provide training, by a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459, or a physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459, to the school personnel designated by the school principal to assist students in the administration of prescribed medication. Such training may be provided in collaboration with other school districts, through contract with an education consortium, or by any other arrangement consistent with the intent of this subsection.

(b)  Each district school board shall adopt policies and procedures governing the administration of prescription medication by district school board personnel. The policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:

1.  For each prescribed medication, the student's parent shall provide to the school principal a written statement which grants to the school principal or the principal's designee permission to assist in the administration of such medication and which explains the necessity for the medication to be provided during the school day, including any occasion when the student is away from school property on official school business. The school principal or the principal's trained designee shall assist the student in the administration of the medication.

2.  Each prescribed medication to be administered by district school board personnel shall be received, counted, and stored in its original container. When the medication is not in use, it shall be stored in its original container in a secure fashion under lock and key in a location designated by the school principal.

(2)  There shall be no liability for civil damages as a result of the administration of the medication when the person administering the medication acts as an ordinarily reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.

(3)  Nonmedical district school board personnel shall not be allowed to perform invasive medical services that require special medical knowledge, nursing judgment, and nursing assessment, including, but not limited to:

(a)  Sterile catheterization.

(b)  Nasogastric tube feeding.

(c)  Cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy and deep suctioning of a tracheostomy.

(4)  Nonmedical assistive personnel shall be allowed to perform health-related services upon successful completion of child-specific training by a registered nurse or advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 464, a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459, or a physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459. All procedures shall be monitored periodically by a nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or physician, including, but not limited to:

(a)  Intermittent clean catheterization.

(b)  Gastrostomy tube feeding.

(c)  Monitoring blood glucose.

(d)  Administering emergency injectable medication.

(5)  For all other invasive medical services not listed in this subsection, a registered nurse or advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 464, a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459, or a physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459 shall determine if nonmedical district school board personnel shall be allowed to perform such service.

(6)  Each district school board shall establish emergency procedures in accordance with s. 381.0056(5) for life-threatening emergencies.

(7)  District school board personnel shall not refer students to or offer students at school facilities contraceptive services without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. To the extent that this subsection conflicts with any provision of chapter 381, the provisions of chapter 381 control.

History.--s. 274, ch. 2002-387.

1006.063  Eye-protective devices required in certain laboratory courses.--

(1)  Eye-protective devices shall be worn by students, teachers, and visitors in courses including, but not limited to, chemistry, physics, or chemical-physical laboratories, at any time at which the individual is engaged in or observing an activity or the use of hazardous substances likely to cause injury to the eyes. Activity or the use of hazardous substances likely to cause injury to the eye includes:

(a)  Heat treatment; tempering or kiln firing of any metal or other materials;

(b)  Working with caustic or explosive materials; or

(c)  Working with hot liquids or solids, including chemicals which are flammable, caustic, toxic, or irritating.

(2)  District school boards shall furnish plano safety glasses or devices for students, may provide such glasses to teachers, and shall furnish such equipment for all visitors to such classrooms or laboratories, or may purchase such plano safety glasses or devices in large quantities and sell them at cost to students and teachers, but shall not purchase, furnish, or dispense prescription glasses or lenses.

History.--s. 275, ch. 2002-387.

1006.07  District school board duties relating to student discipline and school safety.

1006.08  District school superintendent duties relating to student discipline and school safety.

1006.09  Duties of school principal relating to student discipline and school safety.

1006.10  Authority of school bus drivers and district school boards relating to student discipline and student safety on school buses.

1006.11  Standards for use of reasonable force.

1006.12  School resource officers and school safety officers.

1006.13  Policy of zero tolerance for crime and victimization.

1006.14  Secret societies prohibited in public K-12 schools.

1006.141  Statewide school safety hotline.

1006.145  Disturbing school functions; penalty.

1006.07  District school board duties relating to student discipline and school safety.--The district school board shall provide for the proper accounting for all students, for the attendance and control of students at school, and for proper attention to health, safety, and other matters relating to the welfare of students, including:

(1)  CONTROL OF STUDENTS.--

(a)  Adopt rules for the control, discipline, in-school suspension, suspension, and expulsion of students and decide all cases recommended for expulsion. Suspension hearings are exempted from the provisions of chapter 120. Expulsion hearings shall be governed by ss. 120.569 and 120.57(2) and are exempt from s. 286.011. However, the student's parent must be given notice of the provisions of s. 286.011 and may elect to have the hearing held in compliance with that section. The district school board may prohibit the use of corporal punishment, if the district school board adopts or has adopted a written program of alternative control or discipline.

(b)  Require each student at the time of initial registration for school in the school district to note previous school expulsions, arrests resulting in a charge, and juvenile justice actions the student has had, and have the authority as the district school board of a receiving school district to honor the final order of expulsion or dismissal of a student by any in-state or out-of-state public district school board or private school, or lab school, for an act which would have been grounds for expulsion according to the receiving district school board's code of student conduct, in accordance with the following procedures:

1.  A final order of expulsion shall be recorded in the records of the receiving school district.

2.  The expelled student applying for admission to the receiving school district shall be advised of the final order of expulsion.

3.  The district school superintendent of the receiving school district may recommend to the district school board that the final order of expulsion be waived and the student be admitted to the school district, or that the final order of expulsion be honored and the student not be admitted to the school district. If the student is admitted by the district school board, with or without the recommendation of the district school superintendent, the student may be placed in an appropriate educational program at the direction of the district school board.

(2)  CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT.--Adopt a code of student conduct for elementary schools and a code of student conduct for middle and high schools and distribute the appropriate code to all teachers, school personnel, students, and parents, at the beginning of every school year. Each code shall be organized and written in language that is understandable to students and parents and shall be discussed at the beginning of every school year in student classes, school advisory council meetings, and parent and teacher association or organization meetings. Each code shall be based on the rules governing student conduct and discipline adopted by the district school board and shall be made available in the student handbook or similar publication. Each code shall include, but is not limited to:

(a)  Consistent policies and specific grounds for disciplinary action, including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, and any disciplinary action that may be imposed for the possession or use of alcohol on school property or while attending a school function or for the illegal use, sale, or possession of controlled substances as defined in chapter 893.

(b)  Procedures to be followed for acts requiring discipline, including corporal punishment.

(c)  An explanation of the responsibilities and rights of students with regard to attendance, respect for persons and property, knowledge and observation of rules of conduct, the right to learn, free speech and student publications, assembly, privacy, and participation in school programs and activities.

(d)  Notice that illegal use, possession, or sale of controlled substances, as defined in chapter 893, or possession of electronic telephone pagers, by any student while the student is upon school property or in attendance at a school function is grounds for disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed.

(e)  Notice that the possession of a firearm or weapon as defined in chapter 790 by any student while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function is grounds for disciplinary action and may also result in criminal prosecution.

(f)  Notice that violence against any district school board personnel by a student is grounds for in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or imposition of other disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed.

(g)  Notice that violation of district school board transportation policies, including disruptive behavior on a school bus or at a school bus stop, by a student is grounds for suspension of the student's privilege of riding on a school bus and may be grounds for disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed.

(h)  Notice that violation of the district school board's sexual harassment policy by a student is grounds for in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or imposition of other disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed.

(i)  Policies to be followed for the assignment of violent or disruptive students to an alternative educational program.

(j)  Notice that any student who is determined to have brought a firearm or weapon, as defined in chapter 790, to school, to any school function, or onto any school-sponsored transportation, or to have possessed a firearm at school, will be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student's regular school for a period of not less than 1 full year and referred to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system. District school boards may assign the student to a disciplinary program or second chance school for the purpose of continuing educational services during the period of expulsion. District school superintendents may consider the 1-year expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis and request the district school board to modify the requirement by assigning the student to a disciplinary program or second chance school if the request for modification is in writing and it is determined to be in the best interest of the student and the school system.

(k)  Notice that any student who is determined to have made a threat or false report, as defined by ss. 790.162 and 790.163, respectively, involving school or school personnel's property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity will be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student's regular school for a period of not less than 1 full year and referred for criminal prosecution. District school boards may assign the student to a disciplinary program or second chance school for the purpose of continuing educational services during the period of expulsion. District school superintendents may consider the 1-year expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis and request the district school board to modify the requirement by assigning the student to a disciplinary program or second chance school if it is determined to be in the best interest of the student and the school system.

(3)  STUDENT CRIME WATCH PROGRAM.--By resolution of the district school board, implement a student crime watch program to promote responsibility among students and to assist in the control of criminal behavior within the schools.

(4)  EMERGENCY DRILLS; EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.--

(a)  Formulate and prescribe policies and procedures for emergency drills and for actual emergencies, including, but not limited to, fires, natural disasters, and bomb threats, for all the public schools of the district which comprise grades K-12. District school board policies shall include commonly used alarm system responses for specific types of emergencies and verification by each school that drills have been provided as required by law and fire protection codes.

(b)  The district school board shall establish model emergency management and emergency preparedness procedures for the following life-threatening emergencies:

1.  Weapon-use and hostage situations.

2.  Hazardous materials or toxic chemical spills.

3.  Weather emergencies, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms.

4.  Exposure as a result of a manmade emergency.

(5)  EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN DETENTION FACILITIES.--Offer educational services to minors who have not graduated from high school and eligible students with disabilities under the age of 22 who have not graduated with a standard diploma or its equivalent who are detained in a county or municipal detention facility as defined in s. 951.23. These educational services shall be based upon the estimated length of time the student will be in the facility and the student's current level of functioning. District school superintendents or their designees shall be notified by the county sheriff or chief correctional officer, or his or her designee, upon the assignment of a student under the age of 21 to the facility. A cooperative agreement with the district school board and applicable law enforcement units shall be developed to address the notification requirement and the provision of educational services to these students.

(6)  SAFETY AND SECURITY BEST PRACTICES.--Use the Safety and Security Best Practices developed by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to conduct a self-assessment of the school districts' current safety and security practices. Based on these self-assessment findings, the district school superintendent shall provide recommendations to the district school board which identify strategies and activities that the district school board should implement in order to improve school safety and security. Annually each district school board must receive the self-assessment results at a publicly noticed district school board meeting to provide the public an opportunity to hear the district school board members discuss and take action on the report findings. Each district school superintendent shall report the self-assessment results and school board action to the commissioner within 30 days after the district school board meeting.

History.--s. 277, ch. 2002-387.

1006.08  District school superintendent duties relating to student discipline and school safety.--

(1)  The district school superintendent shall recommend plans to the district school board for the proper accounting for all students of school age, for the attendance and control of students at school, and for the proper attention to health, safety, and other matters which will best promote the welfare of students. Each district school superintendent shall fully support the authority of his or her principals, teachers, and school bus drivers to remove disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom and the school bus and, when appropriate and available, to place such students in an alternative educational setting. When the district school superintendent makes a recommendation for expulsion to the district school board, he or she shall give written notice to the student and the student's parent of the recommendation, setting forth the charges against the student and advising the student and his or her parent of the student's right to due process as prescribed by ss. 120.569 and 120.57(2). When district school board action on a recommendation for the expulsion of a student is pending, the district school superintendent may extend the suspension assigned by the principal beyond 10 school days if such suspension period expires before the next regular or special meeting of the district school board.

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 985.04(4) or any other provision of law to the contrary, the court shall, within 48 hours of the finding, notify the appropriate district school superintendent of the name and address of any student found to have committed a delinquent act, or who has had adjudication of a delinquent act withheld which, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, or the name and address of any student found guilty of a felony. Notification shall include the specific delinquent act found to have been committed or for which adjudication was withheld, or the specific felony for which the student was found guilty.

(3)  Except to the extent necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of other students, the information obtained by the district school superintendent pursuant to this section may be released only to appropriate school personnel or as otherwise provided by law.

History.--s. 278, ch. 2002-387; s. 38, ch. 2003-391.

1006.09  Duties of school principal relating to student discipline and school safety.--

(1)(a)  Subject to law and to the rules of the State Board of Education and the district school board, the principal in charge of the school or the principal's designee shall develop policies for delegating to any teacher or other member of the instructional staff or to any bus driver transporting students of the school responsibility for the control and direction of students. Each school principal shall fully support the authority of his or her teachers and school bus drivers to remove disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom and the school bus and, when appropriate and available, place such students in an alternative educational setting. The principal or the principal's designee must give full consideration to the recommendation for discipline made by a teacher, other member of the instructional staff, or a bus driver when making a decision regarding student referral for discipline.

(b)  The principal or the principal's designee may suspend a student only in accordance with the rules of the district school board. The principal or the principal's designee shall make a good faith effort to immediately inform a student's parent by telephone of a student's suspension and the reasons for the suspension. Each suspension and the reasons for the suspension shall be reported in writing within 24 hours to the student's parent by United States mail. Each suspension and the reasons for the suspension shall also be reported in writing within 24 hours to the district school superintendent. A good faith effort shall be made by the principal or the principal's designee to employ parental assistance or other alternative measures prior to suspension, except in the case of emergency or disruptive conditions which require immediate suspension or in the case of a serious breach of conduct as defined by rules of the district school board. Such rules shall require oral and written notice to the student of the charges and an explanation of the evidence against him or her prior to the suspension. Each student shall be given an opportunity to present his or her side of the story. No student shall be suspended for unexcused tardiness, lateness, absence, or truancy. The principal or the principal's designee may suspend any student transported to or from school at public expense from the privilege of riding on a school bus for violation of district school board transportation policies, which shall include a policy regarding behavior at school bus stops, and the principal or the principal's designee shall give notice in writing to the student's parent and to the district school superintendent within 24 hours. School personnel shall not be held legally responsible for suspensions of students made in good faith.

(c)  The principal or the principal's designee may recommend to the district school superintendent the expulsion of any student who has committed a serious breach of conduct, including, but not limited to, willful disobedience, open defiance of authority of a member of his or her staff, violence against persons or property, or any other act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of the school. A recommendation of expulsion or assignment to a second chance school may also be made for any student found to have intentionally made false accusations that jeopardize the professional reputation, employment, or professional certification of a teacher or other member of the school staff, according to the district school board code of student conduct. Any recommendation of expulsion shall include a detailed report by the principal or the principal's designated representative on the alternative measures taken prior to the recommendation of expulsion.

(d)  The principal or the principal's designee shall include an analysis of suspensions and expulsions in the annual report of school progress.

(2)  Suspension proceedings, pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education, may be initiated against any enrolled student who is formally charged with a felony, or with a delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult, by a proper prosecuting attorney for an incident which allegedly occurred on property other than public school property, if that incident is shown, in an administrative hearing with notice provided to the parents of the student by the principal of the school pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Education and to rules developed pursuant to s. 1001.54, to have an adverse impact on the educational program, discipline, or welfare in the school in which the student is enrolled. Any student who is suspended as the result of such proceedings may be suspended from all classes of instruction on public school grounds during regular classroom hours for a period of time, which may exceed 10 days, as determined by the district school superintendent. The suspension shall not affect the delivery of educational services to the student, and the student shall be immediately enrolled in a daytime alternative education program, or an evening alternative education program, where appropriate. If the court determines that the student did commit the felony or delinquent act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, the district school board may expel the student, provided that expulsion under this subsection shall not affect the delivery of educational services to the student in any residential, nonresidential, alternative, daytime, or evening program outside of the regular school setting. Any student who is subject to discipline or expulsion for unlawful possession or use of any substance controlled under chapter 893 may be entitled to a waiver of the discipline or expulsion:

(a)  If the student divulges information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who supplied the controlled substance to him or her, or if the student voluntarily discloses his or her unlawful possession of the controlled substance prior to his or her arrest. Any information divulged which leads to arrest and conviction is not admissible in evidence in a subsequent criminal trial against the student divulging the information.

(b)  If the student commits himself or herself, or is referred by the court in lieu of sentence, to a state-licensed drug abuse program and successfully completes the program.

(3)  A student may be disciplined or expelled for unlawful possession or use of any substance controlled under chapter 893 upon the third violation of this provision.

(4)  When a student has been the victim of a violent crime perpetrated by another student who attends the same school, the school principal shall make full and effective use of the provisions of subsection (2) and s. 1006.13(5). A school principal who fails to comply with this subsection shall be ineligible for any portion of the performance pay policy incentive under s. 1012.22(1)(c). However, if any party responsible for notification fails to properly notify the school, the school principal shall be eligible for the incentive.

(5)  Any recommendation for the suspension or expulsion of a student with a disability must be made in accordance with rules adopted by the State Board of Education.

(6)  Each school principal must ensure that standardized forms prescribed by rule of the State Board of Education are used to report data concerning school safety and discipline to the department. The school principal must develop a plan to verify the accuracy of reported incidents.

(7)  The State Board of Education shall adopt by rule a standardized form to be used by each school principal to report data concerning school safety and discipline.

(8)  The school principal shall require all school personnel to report to the principal or principal's designee any suspected unlawful use, possession, or sale by a student of any controlled substance, as defined in s. 893.02; any counterfeit controlled substance, as defined in s. 831.31; any alcoholic beverage, as defined in s. 561.01(4); or model glue. School personnel are exempt from civil liability when reporting in good faith to the proper school authority such suspected unlawful use, possession, or sale by a student. Only a principal or principal's designee is authorized to contact a parent or legal guardian of a student regarding this situation. Reports made and verified under this subsection shall be forwarded to an appropriate agency. The principal or principal's designee shall timely notify the student's parent that a verified report made under this subsection with respect to the student has been made and forwarded.

(9)  A school principal or a school employee designated by the principal, if she or he has reasonable suspicion that a prohibited or illegally possessed substance or object is contained within a student's locker or other storage area, may search the locker or storage area. The district school board shall require and each school principal shall cause to be posted in each public K-12 school, in a place readily seen by students, a notice stating that a student's locker or other storage area is subject to search, upon reasonable suspicion, for prohibited or illegally possessed substances or objects. This subsection does not prohibit the use of metal detectors or specially trained animals in the course of a search for illegally possessed substances or objects.

History.--s. 279, ch. 2002-387; s. 39, ch. 2003-391.

1006.10  Authority of school bus drivers and district school boards relating to student discipline and student safety on school buses.--

(1)  The school bus driver shall require order and good behavior by all students being transported on school buses.

(2)  The district school board shall require a system of progressive discipline of transported students for actions which are prohibited by the code of student conduct. Disciplinary actions, including suspension of students from riding on district school board owned or contracted school buses, shall be subject to district school board policies and procedures and may be imposed by the principal or the principal's designee. The principal or the principal's designee may delegate any disciplinary authority to school bus drivers except for suspension of students from riding the bus.

(3)  The school bus driver shall control students during the time students are on the school bus, but shall not have such authority when students are waiting at the school bus stop or when students are en route to or from the school bus stop except when the bus is present at the bus stop.

(4)  If an emergency should develop due to the conduct of students on the bus, the school bus driver may take such steps as are immediately necessary to protect the students on the bus.

(5)  School bus drivers shall not be required to operate a bus under conditions in which one or more students pose a clear and present danger to the safety of the driver or other students, or the safety of the bus while in operation. The district school board shall have measures in place designed to protect the school bus driver from threats or physical injury from students.

(6)  District school boards may use transportation, school safety, or FEFP funds to provide added security for buses transporting disruptive or delinquent students to and from school or other educational activities.

(7)  In the case of a student having engaged in violent or blatantly unsafe actions while riding the school bus, the district school board shall take corrective measures to ensure, to the extent feasible, that such actions are not repeated prior to reassigning the student to the bus.

History.--s. 280, ch. 2002-387.

1006.11  Standards for use of reasonable force.--

(1)  The State Board of Education shall adopt standards for the use of reasonable force by district school board personnel to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. Such standards shall be distributed to each school in the state and shall provide guidance to district school board personnel in receiving the limitations on liability specified in subsection (2).

(2)  Except in the case of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment, a teacher or other member of the instructional staff, a principal or the principal's designated representative, or a school bus driver shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any action carried out in conformity with the State Board of Education and district school board rules regarding the control, discipline, suspension, and expulsion of students, including, but not limited to, any exercise of authority under s. 1003.32 or s. 1006.09.

History.--s. 281, ch. 2002-387.

1006.12  School resource officers and school safety officers.--

(1)  District school boards may establish school resource officer programs, through a cooperative agreement with law enforcement agencies or in accordance with subsection (2).

(a)  School resource officers shall be certified law enforcement officers, as defined in s. 943.10(1), who are employed by a law enforcement agency as defined in s. 943.10(4). The powers and duties of a law enforcement officer shall continue throughout the employee's tenure as a school resource officer.

(b)  School resource officers shall abide by district school board policies and shall consult with and coordinate activities through the school principal, but shall be responsible to the law enforcement agency in all matters relating to employment, subject to agreements between a district school board and a law enforcement agency. Activities conducted by the school resource officer which are part of the regular instructional program of the school shall be under the direction of the school principal.

(2)(a)  School safety officers shall be law enforcement officers, as defined in s. 943.10(1), certified under the provisions of chapter 943 and employed by either a law enforcement agency or by the district school board. If the officer is employed by the district school board, the district school board is the employing agency for purposes of chapter 943, and must comply with the provisions of that chapter.

(b)  A district school board may commission one or more school safety officers for the protection and safety of school personnel, property, and students within the school district. The district school superintendent may recommend and the district school board may appoint one or more school safety officers.

(c)  A school safety officer has and shall exercise the power to make arrests for violations of law on district school board property and to arrest persons, whether on or off such property, who violate any law on such property under the same conditions that deputy sheriffs are authorized to make arrests. A school safety officer has the authority to carry weapons when performing his or her official duties.

(d)  A district school board may enter into mutual aid agreements with one or more law enforcement agencies as provided in chapter 23. A school safety officer's salary may be paid jointly by the district school board and the law enforcement agency, as mutually agreed to.

History.--s. 282, ch. 2002-387.

1006.13  Policy of zero tolerance for crime and victimization.--

(1)  Each district school board shall adopt a policy of zero tolerance for:

(a)  Crime and substance abuse, including the reporting of delinquent acts and crimes occurring whenever and wherever students are under the jurisdiction of the district school board.

(b)  Victimization of students, including taking all steps necessary to protect the victim of any violent crime from any further victimization.

(2)  The zero tolerance policy shall require students found to have committed one of the following offenses to be expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from the student's regular school for a period of not less than 1 full year, and to be referred to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system.

(a)  Bringing a firearm or weapon, as defined in chapter 790, to school, to any school function, or onto any school-sponsored transportation or possessing a firearm at school.

(b)  Making a threat or false report, as defined by ss. 790.162 and 790.163, respectively, involving school or school personnel's property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity.

District school boards may assign the student to a disciplinary program for the purpose of continuing educational services during the period of expulsion. District school superintendents may consider the 1-year expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis and request the district school board to modify the requirement by assigning the student to a disciplinary program or second chance school if the request for modification is in writing and it is determined to be in the best interest of the student and the school system. If a student committing any of the offenses in this subsection is a student with a disability, the district school board shall comply with applicable State Board of Education rules.

(3)  Each district school board shall enter into agreements with the county sheriff's office and local police department specifying guidelines for ensuring that felonies and violent misdemeanors, whether committed by a student or adult, and delinquent acts that would be felonies or violent misdemeanors if committed by an adult, are reported to law enforcement. Each district school board shall adopt a cooperative agreement, pursuant to s. 1003.52(13) with the Department of Juvenile Justice, that specifies guidelines for ensuring that all no contact orders entered by the court are reported and enforced and that all steps necessary are taken to protect the victim of any such crime. Such agreements shall include the role of school resource officers, if applicable, in handling reported incidents, special circumstances in which school officials may handle incidents without filing a report to law enforcement, and a procedure for ensuring that school personnel properly report appropriate delinquent acts and crimes. The school principal shall be responsible for ensuring that all school personnel are properly informed as to their responsibilities regarding crime reporting, that appropriate delinquent acts and crimes are properly reported, and that actions taken in cases with special circumstances are properly taken and documented.

(4)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each district school board shall adopt rules providing that any student found to have committed a violation of s. 784.081(1), (2), or (3) shall be expelled or placed in an alternative school setting or other program, as appropriate. Upon being charged with the offense, the student shall be removed from the classroom immediately and placed in an alternative school setting pending disposition.

(5)(a)  Notwithstanding any provision of law prohibiting the disclosure of the identity of a minor, whenever any student who is attending public school is adjudicated guilty of or delinquent for, or is found to have committed, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony violation of:

1.  Chapter 782, relating to homicide;

2.  Chapter 784, relating to assault, battery, and culpable negligence;

3.  Chapter 787, relating to kidnapping, false imprisonment, luring or enticing a child, and custody offenses;

4.  Chapter 794, relating to sexual battery;

5.  Chapter 800, relating to lewdness and indecent exposure;

6.  Chapter 827, relating to abuse of children;

7.  Section 812.13, relating to robbery;

8.  Section 812.131, relating to robbery by sudden snatching;

9.  Section 812.133, relating to carjacking; or

10.  Section 812.135, relating to home-invasion robbery,

and, before or at the time of such adjudication, withholding of adjudication, or plea, the offender was attending a school attended by the victim or a sibling of the victim of the offense, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall notify the appropriate district school board of the adjudication or plea, the requirements of this paragraph, and whether the offender is prohibited from attending that school or riding on a school bus whenever the victim or a sibling of the victim is attending the same school or riding on the same school bus, except as provided pursuant to a written disposition order under s. 985.23(1)(d). Upon receipt of such notice, the district school board shall take appropriate action to effectuate the provisions of paragraph (b).

(b)  Any offender described in paragraph (a), who is not exempted as provided in paragraph (a), shall not attend any school attended by the victim or a sibling of the victim of the offense or ride on a school bus on which the victim or a sibling of the victim is riding. The offender shall be permitted by the district school board to attend another school within the district in which the offender resides, provided the other school is not attended by the victim or sibling of the victim of the offense; or the offender may be permitted by another district school board to attend a school in that district if the offender is unable to attend any school in the district in which the offender resides.

(c)  If the offender is unable to attend any other school in the district in which the offender resides and is prohibited from attending school in another school district, the district school board in the school district in which the offender resides shall take every reasonable precaution to keep the offender separated from the victim while on school grounds or on school transportation. The steps to be taken by a district school board to keep the offender separated from the victim shall include, but are not limited to, in-school suspension of the offender and the scheduling of classes, lunch, or other school activities of the victim and the offender so as not to coincide.

(d)  The offender, or the parents of the offender if the offender is a juvenile, shall be responsible for arranging and paying for transportation associated with or required by the offender's attending another school or that would be required as a consequence of the prohibition against riding on a school bus on which the victim or a sibling of the victim is riding. However, the offender or the parents of the offender shall not be charged for existing modes of transportation that can be used by the offender at no additional cost to the district school board.

History.--s. 283, ch. 2002-387.

1006.14  Secret societies prohibited in public K-12 schools.--

(1)  It is unlawful for any person, group, or organization to organize or establish a fraternity, sorority, or other secret society whose membership is comprised in whole or in part of students enrolled in any public K-12 school or to go upon any public K-12 school premises for the purpose of soliciting any students to join such an organization.

(2)  A secret society shall be interpreted to be a fraternity, sorority, or other organization whose active membership is comprised wholly or partly of students enrolled in public K-12 schools and which perpetuates itself wholly or partly by taking in additional members from the students enrolled in public K-12 schools on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than on the right of any student who is qualified by the rules of the school to be a member of and take part in any class or group exercise designated and classified according to gender, subjects included in the course of study, or program of school activities fostered and promoted by the district school board and district school superintendent or by school principals.

(3)  This section shall not be construed to prevent the establishment of an organization fostered and promoted by school authorities, or approved and accepted by school authorities, and whose membership is selected on the basis of good character, good scholarship, leadership ability, and achievement. Full information regarding the charter, principles, purposes, and conduct of any such accepted organization shall be made available to all students and instructional personnel of the school.

(4)  This section shall not be construed to relate to any junior organization or society sponsored by the Police Athletic League, Knights of Pythias, Oddfellows, Moose, Woodmen of the World, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Masons, B'nai B'rith, Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Associations, Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations, Kiwanis, Rotary, Optimist, Civitan, Exchange Clubs, Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, and Florida Federation of Women's Clubs.

(5)  It is unlawful for any student enrolled in any public K-12 school to be a member of, to join or to become a member of or to pledge himself or herself to become a member of any secret fraternity, sorority, or group wholly or partly formed from the membership of students attending public K-12 schools or to take part in the organization or formation of any such fraternity, sorority, or secret society; provided that this does not prevent any student from belonging to any organization fostered and promoted by the school authorities; or approved and accepted by the school authorities and whose membership is selected on the basis of good character, good scholarship, leadership ability, and achievement.

(6)  The district school board may enforce the provisions of this section and prescribe and enforce such rules as are necessary. District school boards shall enforce the provisions of this section by suspending or, if necessary, expelling any student in any public K-12 school who violates this section.

History.--s. 284, ch. 2002-387.

1006.141  Statewide school safety hotline.--

(1)  The department may contract with the Florida Sheriffs Association to establish and operate a statewide toll-free school safety hotline for the purpose of reporting incidents that affect the safety and well-being of the school's population.

(2)  The toll-free school safety hotline is to be a conduit for any person to anonymously report activity that affects the safety and well-being of the school's population.

(3)  There may not be an award or monetary benefit for reporting an incident through the toll-free school safety hotline.

(4)  The toll-free school safety hotline shall be operated in a manner that ensures that a designated school official is notified of a complaint received through the hotline if the complaint concerns that school. A complaint that concerns an actionable offense must be reported to the designated official within a reasonable time after the complaint is made. An actionable offense is an incident that could directly affect the safety or well-being of a person or property within a school.

(5)  If a toll-free school safety hotline is established by contract with the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association shall produce a quarterly report that evaluates the incidents that have been reported to the hotline. This information may be used to evaluate future school safety educational needs and the need for prevention programs as the district school board considers necessary.

History.--s. 285, ch. 2002-387.

1006.145  Disturbing school functions; penalty.--Any person not subject to the rules of a school who creates a disturbance on the property or grounds of any school, who commits any act that interrupts the orderly conduct of a school or any activity thereof commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 286, ch. 2002-387.

1006.15  Student standards for participation in interscholastic extracurricular student activities; regulation.

1006.16  Insuring school students engaged in athletic activities against injury.

1006.17  Sponsorship of athletic activities similar to those for which scholarships offered; rulemaking.

1006.18  Cheerleader safety standards.

1006.19  Audit of records of nonprofit corporations and associations handling interscholastic activities.

1006.20  Athletics in public K-12 schools.

1006.15  Student standards for participation in interscholastic extracurricular student activities; regulation.--

(1)  This section may be cited as the "Craig Dickinson Act."

(2)  Interscholastic extracurricular student activities are an important complement to the academic curriculum. Participation in a comprehensive extracurricular and academic program contributes to student development of the social and intellectual skills necessary to become a well-rounded adult. As used in this section, the term "extracurricular" means any school-authorized or education-related activity occurring during or outside the regular instructional school day.

(3)(a)  To be eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities, a student must:

1.  Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the previous semester or a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by s. 1003.43(1).

2.  Execute and fulfill the requirements of an academic performance contract between the student, the district school board, the appropriate governing association, and the student's parents, if the student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, or its equivalent, on a 4.0 scale in the courses required by s. 1003.43(1) or, for students who entered the 9th grade prior to the 1997-1998 school year, if the student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by s. 1003.43(1) that are taken after July 1, 1997. At a minimum, the contract must require that the student attend summer school, or its graded equivalent, between grades 9 and 10 or grades 10 and 11, as necessary.

3.  Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by s. 1003.43(1) during his or her junior or senior year.

4.  Maintain satisfactory conduct and, if a student is convicted of, or is found to have committed, a felony or a delinquent act which would have been a felony if committed by an adult, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, the student's participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is contingent upon established and published district school board policy.

(b)  Any student who is exempt from attending a full school day based on rules adopted by the district school board for double session schools or programs, experimental schools, or schools operating under emergency conditions must maintain the grade point average required by this section and pass each class for which he or she is enrolled.

(c)  An individual home education student is eligible to participate at the public school to which the student would be assigned according to district school board attendance area policies or which the student could choose to attend pursuant to district or interdistrict controlled open enrollment provisions, or may develop an agreement to participate at a private school, in the interscholastic extracurricular activities of that school, provided the following conditions are met:

1.  The home education student must meet the requirements of the home education program pursuant to s. 1002.41.

2.  During the period of participation at a school, the home education student must demonstrate educational progress as required in paragraph (b) in all subjects taken in the home education program by a method of evaluation agreed upon by the parent and the school principal which may include: review of the student's work by a certified teacher chosen by the parent; grades earned through correspondence; grades earned in courses taken at a community college, university, or trade school; standardized test scores above the 35th percentile; or any other method designated in s. 1002.41.

3.  The home education student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he or she participates.

4.  The home education student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance as required of other students in extracurricular activities.

5.  The student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season for the activity in which he or she wishes to participate. A home education student must be able to participate in curricular activities if that is a requirement for an extracurricular activity.

6.  A student who transfers from a home education program to a public school before or during the first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities during the first grading period provided the student has a successful evaluation from the previous school year, pursuant to subparagraph 2.

7.  Any public school or private school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate in such activities as a home education student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in home education pursuant to subparagraph 2. to become eligible to participate as a home education student.

(d)  An individual charter school student pursuant to s. 1002.33 is eligible to participate at the public school to which the student would be assigned according to district school board attendance area policies or which the student could choose to attend, pursuant to district or interdistrict controlled open-enrollment provisions, in any interscholastic extracurricular activity of that school, unless such activity is provided by the student's charter school, if the following conditions are met:

1.  The charter school student must meet the requirements of the charter school education program as determined by the charter school governing board.

2.  During the period of participation at a school, the charter school student must demonstrate educational progress as required in paragraph (b).

3.  The charter school student must meet the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he or she participates.

4.  The charter school student must meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance that are required of other students in extracurricular activities.

5.  The charter school student must register with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season for the activity in which he or she wishes to participate. A charter school student must be able to participate in curricular activities if that is a requirement for an extracurricular activity.

6.  A student who transfers from a charter school program to a traditional public school before or during the first grading period of the school year is academically eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities during the first grading period if the student has a successful evaluation from the previous school year, pursuant to subparagraph 2.

7.  Any public school or private school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate in such activities as a charter school student until the student has successfully completed one grading period in a charter school pursuant to subparagraph 2. to become eligible to participate as a charter school student.

(4)  The student standards for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities must be applied beginning with the student's first semester of the 9th grade. Each student must meet such other requirements for participation as may be established by the district school board; however, a district school board may not establish requirements for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities which make participation in such activities less accessible to home education students than to other students. Except as set forth in paragraph (3)(c), evaluation processes or requirements that are placed on home education student participants may not go beyond those that apply under s. 1002.41 to home education students generally.

(5)  Any organization or entity that regulates or governs interscholastic extracurricular activities of public schools:

(a)  Shall permit home education associations to join as member schools.

(b)  Shall not discriminate against any eligible student based on an educational choice of public, private, or home education.

(6)  Public schools are prohibited from membership in any organization or entity which regulates or governs interscholastic extracurricular activities and discriminates against eligible students in public, private, or home education.

(7)  Any insurance provided by district school boards for participants in extracurricular activities shall cover the participating home education student. If there is an additional premium for such coverage, the participating home education student shall pay the premium.

History.--s. 288, ch. 2002-387.

1006.16  Insuring school students engaged in athletic activities against injury.--Any district school board, school athletic association, or school may formulate, conduct, and purchase a plan or method of insuring, or may self-insure, school students against injury sustained by reason of such students engaging and participating in the athletic activities conducted or sponsored by the district school board, association, or school in which such students are enrolled. A district school board, school athletic association, or school may add a surcharge to the fee charged for admission to athletic events as a means of producing revenue to purchase such insurance or to provide self-insurance. Any district school board may pay for all or part of such plan or method of insurance or self-insurance from available district school board funds.

History.--s. 289, ch. 2002-387.

1006.17  Sponsorship of athletic activities similar to those for which scholarships offered; rulemaking.--

(1)  If a district school board sponsors an athletic activity or sport that is similar to a sport for which a state university or public community college offers an athletic scholarship, it must sponsor the athletic activity or sport for which a scholarship is offered. This section does not affect academic requirements for participation or prevent the school districts or community colleges from sponsoring activities in addition to those for which scholarships are provided.

(2)  If a Florida public community college sponsors an athletic activity or sport that is similar to a sport for which a state university offers an athletic scholarship, it must sponsor the athletic activity or sport for which a scholarship is offered.

(3)  Two athletic activities or sports that are similar may be offered simultaneously.

(4)  If the level of participation is insufficient to warrant continuation of an athletic activity or sport, the school may offer an alternative athletic activity or sport.

(5)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section, including rules that determine which athletic activities are similar to sports for which state universities and community colleges offer scholarships.

History.--s. 290, ch. 2002-387.

1006.18  Cheerleader safety standards.--The Florida High School Athletic Association or successor organization shall adopt statewide uniform safety standards for student cheerleaders and spirit groups that participate in any school activity or extracurricular student activity. The Florida High School Athletic Association or successor organization shall adopt the "Official High School Spirit Rules," published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, as the statewide uniform safety standards.

History.--s. 291, ch. 2002-387; s. 1, ch. 2003-129.

1006.19  Audit of records of nonprofit corporations and associations handling interscholastic activities.--

(1)  Each nonprofit association or corporation that operates for the purpose of supervising and controlling interscholastic activities of public high schools and whose membership is composed of duly certified representatives of public high schools, and whose rules and regulations are established by members thereof, shall have an annual financial audit of its accounts and records by an independent certified public accountant retained by it and paid from its funds. The accountant shall furnish a copy of the audit report to the Auditor General.

(2)  Any such nonprofit association or corporation shall keep adequate and complete records of all moneys received by it, including the source and amount, and all moneys spent by it, including salaries, fees, expenses, travel allowances, and all other items of expense. All records of any such organization shall be open for inspection by the Auditor General.

History.--s. 292, ch. 2002-387.

¹1006.20  Athletics in public K-12 schools.--

(1)  GOVERNING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.--The Florida High School Athletic Association is designated as the governing nonprofit organization of athletics in Florida public schools. If the Florida High School Athletic Association fails to meet the provisions of this section, the commissioner shall designate a nonprofit organization to govern athletics with the approval of the State Board of Education. The organization is not to be a state agency as defined in s. 120.52. The organization shall be subject to the provisions of s. 1006.19. A private school that wishes to engage in high school athletic competition with a public high school may become a member of the organization. The bylaws of the organization are to be the rules by which high school athletic programs in its member schools, and the students who participate in them, are governed, unless otherwise specifically provided by statute. For the purposes of this section, "high school" includes grades 6 through 12.

(2)  ADOPTION OF BYLAWS.--

(a)  The organization shall adopt bylaws that, unless specifically provided by statute, establish eligibility requirements for all students who participate in high school athletic competition in its member schools. The bylaws governing residence and transfer shall allow the student to be eligible in the school in which he or she first enrolls each school year, or makes himself or herself a candidate for an athletic team by engaging in a practice prior to enrolling in any member school. The student shall be eligible in that school so long as he or she remains enrolled in that school. Subsequent eligibility shall be determined and enforced through the organization's bylaws.

(b)  The organization shall adopt bylaws that specifically prohibit the recruiting of students for athletic purposes. The bylaws shall prescribe penalties and an appeals process for athletic recruiting violations.

(c)  The organization shall adopt bylaws that require all students participating in interscholastic athletic competition or who are candidates for an interscholastic athletic team to satisfactorily pass a medical evaluation each year prior to participating in interscholastic athletic competition or engaging in any practice, tryout, workout, or other physical activity associated with the student's candidacy for an interscholastic athletic team. Such medical evaluation can only be administered by a practitioner licensed under the provisions of chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, or s. 464.012, and in good standing with the practitioner's regulatory board. The bylaws shall establish requirements for eliciting a student's medical history and performing the medical evaluation required under this paragraph, which shall include a physical assessment of the student's physical capabilities to participate in interscholastic athletic competition as contained in a uniform preparticipation physical evaluation and history form. The evaluation form shall incorporate the recommendations of the American Heart Association for participation cardiovascular screening and shall provide a place for the signature of the practitioner performing the evaluation with an attestation that each examination procedure listed on the form was performed by the practitioner or by someone under the direct supervision of the practitioner. The form shall also contain a place for the practitioner to indicate if a referral to another practitioner was made in lieu of completion of a certain examination procedure. The form shall provide a place for the practitioner to whom the student was referred to complete the remaining sections and attest to that portion of the examination. The preparticipation physical evaluation form shall advise students to complete a cardiovascular assessment and shall include information concerning alternative cardiovascular evaluation and diagnostic tests. Results of such medical evaluation must be provided to the school. No student shall be eligible to participate in any interscholastic athletic competition or engage in any practice, tryout, workout, or other physical activity associated with the student's candidacy for an interscholastic athletic team until the results of the medical evaluation have been received and approved by the school.

(d)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c), a student may participate in interscholastic athletic competition or be a candidate for an interscholastic athletic team if the parent of the student objects in writing to the student undergoing a medical evaluation because such evaluation is contrary to his or her religious tenets or practices. However, in such case, there shall be no liability on the part of any person or entity in a position to otherwise rely on the results of such medical evaluation for any damages resulting from the student's injury or death arising directly from the student's participation in interscholastic athletics where an undisclosed medical condition that would have been revealed in the medical evaluation is a proximate cause of the injury or death.

(3)  GOVERNING STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION.--

(a)  The organization shall operate as a representative democracy in which the sovereign authority is within its member schools. Except as provided in this section, the organization shall govern its affairs through its bylaws.

(b)  Each member school, on its annual application for membership, shall name its official representative to the organization. This representative must be either the school principal or his or her designee. That designee must either be an assistant principal or athletic director housed within that same school.

(c)  The organization's membership shall be divided along existing county lines into four contiguous and compact administrative regions, each containing an equal or nearly equal number of member schools to ensure equitable representation on the organization's board of directors, representative assembly, and committee on appeals.

(4)  BOARD OF DIRECTORS.--

(a)  The executive authority of the organization shall be vested in its board of directors. Any entity that appoints members to the board of directors shall examine the ethnic and demographic composition of the board when selecting candidates for appointment and shall, to the greatest extent possible, make appointments that reflect state demographic and population trends. The board of directors shall be composed of 16 persons, as follows:

1.  Four public member school representatives, one elected from among its public school representative members within each of the four administrative regions.

2.  Four nonpublic member school representatives, one elected from among its nonpublic school representative members within each of the four administrative regions.

3.  Three representatives appointed by the commissioner, one appointed from the two northernmost administrative regions and one appointed from the two southernmost administrative regions. The third representative shall be appointed to balance the board for diversity or state population trends, or both.

4.  Two district school superintendents, one elected from the two northernmost administrative regions by the members in those regions and one elected from the two southernmost administrative regions by the members in those regions.

5.  Two district school board members, one elected from the two northernmost administrative regions by the members in those regions and one elected from the two southernmost administrative regions by the members in those regions.

6.  The commissioner or his or her designee from the department executive staff.

(b)  A quorum of the board of directors shall consist of nine members.

(c)  The board of directors shall elect a president and a vice president from among its members. These officers shall also serve as officers of the organization.

(d)  Members of the board of directors shall serve terms of 3 years and are eligible to succeed themselves only once. A member of the board of directors, other than the commissioner or his or her designee, may serve a maximum of 6 consecutive years. The organization's bylaws shall establish a rotation of terms to ensure that a majority of the members' terms do not expire concurrently.

(e)  The authority and duties of the board of directors, acting as a body and in accordance with the organization's bylaws, are as follows:

1.  To act as the incorporated organization's board of directors and to fulfill its obligations as required by the organization's charter and articles of incorporation.

2.  To establish such guidelines, regulations, policies, and procedures as are authorized by the bylaws.

3.  To provide an organization commissioner, who shall have the authority to waive the bylaws of the organization in order to comply with statutory changes.

4.  To levy annual dues and other fees and to set the percentage of contest receipts to be collected by the organization.

5.  To approve the budget of the organization.

6.  To organize and conduct statewide interscholastic competitions, which may or may not lead to state championships, and to establish the terms and conditions for these competitions.

7.  To act as an administrative board in the interpretation of, and final decision on, all questions and appeals arising from the directing of interscholastic athletics of member schools.

(5)  REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY.--

(a)  The legislative authority of the organization is vested in its representative assembly.

(b)  The representative assembly shall be composed of the following:

1.  An equal number of member school representatives from each of the four administrative regions.

2.  Four district school superintendents, one elected from each of the four administrative regions by the district school superintendents in their respective administrative regions.

3.  Four district school board members, one elected from each of the four administrative regions by the district school board members in their respective administrative regions.

4.  The commissioner or his or her designee from the department executive staff.

(c)  The organization's bylaws shall establish the number of member school representatives to serve in the representative assembly from each of the four administrative regions and shall establish the method for their selection.

(d)  No member of the board of directors other than the commissioner or his or her designee can serve in the representative assembly.

(e)  The representative assembly shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson from among its members.

(f)  Elected members of the representative assembly shall serve terms of 2 years and are eligible to succeed themselves for two additional terms. An elected member, other than the commissioner or his or her designee, may serve a maximum of 6 consecutive years in the representative assembly.

(g)  A quorum of the representative assembly consists of one more than half of its members.

(h)  The authority of the representative assembly is limited to its sole duty, which is to consider, adopt, or reject any proposed amendments to the organization's bylaws.

(i)  The representative assembly shall meet as a body annually. A two-thirds majority of the votes cast by members present is required for passage of any proposal.

(6)  PUBLIC LIAISON ADVISORY COMMITTEE.--

(a)  The organization shall establish, sustain, fund, and provide staff support to a public liaison advisory committee composed of the following:

1.  The commissioner or his or her designee.

2.  A member public school principal.

3.  A member private school principal.

4.  A member school principal who is a member of a racial minority.

5.  An active athletic director.

6.  An active coach, who is employed full time by a member school.

7.  A student athlete.

8.  A district school superintendent.

9.  A district school board member.

10.  A member of the Florida House of Representatives.

11.  A member of the Florida Senate.

12.  A parent of a high school student.

13.  A member of a home education association.

14.  A representative of the business community.

15.  A representative of the news media.

(b)  No member of the board of directors, committee on appeals, or representative assembly is eligible to serve on the public liaison advisory committee.

(c)  The public liaison advisory committee shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members.

(d)  The authority and duties of the public liaison advisory committee are as follows:

1.  To act as a conduit through which the general public may have input into the decisionmaking process of the organization and to assist the organization in the development of procedures regarding the receipt of public input and disposition of complaints related to high school athletic and competition programs.

2.  To conduct public hearings annually in each of the four administrative regions during which interested parties may address issues regarding the effectiveness of the rules, operation, and management of the organization.

3.  To conduct an annual evaluation of the organization as a whole and present a report of its findings, conclusion, and recommendations to the board of directors, to the commissioner, and to the respective education committees of the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives. The recommendations must delineate policies and procedures that will improve the implementation and oversight of high school athletic programs by the organization.

(e)  The public liaison advisory committee shall meet four times annually. Additional meetings may be called by the committee chairperson, the organization president, or the organization commissioner.

(7)  APPEALS.--

(a)  The organization shall establish a procedure of due process which ensures each student the opportunity to appeal an unfavorable ruling with regard to his or her eligibility to compete. The initial appeal shall be made to a committee on appeals within the administrative region in which the student lives. The organization's bylaws shall establish the number, size, and composition of the committee on appeals.

(b)  No member of the board of directors is eligible to serve on the committee on appeals.

(c)  Members of the committee on appeals shall serve terms of 3 years and are eligible to succeed themselves only once. A member of the committee on appeals may serve a maximum of 6 consecutive years. The organization's bylaws shall establish a rotation of terms to ensure that a majority of the members' terms do not expire concurrently.

(d)  The authority and duties of the committee on appeals shall be to consider requests by member schools seeking exceptions to bylaws and regulations, to hear undue hardship eligibility cases filed by member schools on behalf of student athletes, and to hear appeals filed by member schools.

(e)  A student athlete or member school that receives an unfavorable ruling from a committee on appeals shall be entitled to appeal that decision to the board of directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting or called meeting. The board of directors shall have the authority to uphold, reverse, or amend the decision of the committee on appeals. In all such cases, the decision of the board of directors shall be final.

(8)  AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS.--Each member school representative, the board of directors acting as a whole or as members acting individually, any advisory committee acting as a whole to be established by the organization, and the organization's commissioner are empowered to propose amendments to the bylaws. Any other individual may propose an amendment by securing the sponsorship of any of the aforementioned individuals or bodies. All proposed amendments must be submitted directly to the representative assembly for its consideration. The representative assembly, while empowered to adopt, reject, or revise proposed amendments, may not, in and of itself, as a body be allowed to propose any amendment for its own consideration.

(9)  RULES ADOPTION.--The bylaws of the organization shall require member schools to adopt rules for sports, which have been established by a nationally recognized sanctioning body, unless waived by at least a two-thirds vote of the board of directors.

History.--s. 293, ch. 2002-387; s. 2, ch. 2003-129; s. 70, ch. 2003-416.

¹Note.--Section 86, ch. 2003-416, provides that "[i]t is the intent of the Legislature to apply the provisions of this act to prior medical incidents, to the extent such application is not prohibited by the State Constitution or Federal Constitution, except that the changes to chapter 766, Florida Statutes, shall apply only to any medical incident for which a notice of intent to initiate litigation is mailed on or after the effective date of this act."

1006.21  Duties of district school superintendent and district school board regarding transportation.

1006.22  Safety and health of students being transported.

1006.23  Hazardous walking conditions.

1006.24  Tort liability; liability insurance.

1006.25  School buses.

1006.261  Use of school buses for public purposes.

1006.27  Pooling of school buses and related purchases by district school boards; transportation services contracts.

1006.21  Duties of district school superintendent and district school board regarding transportation.--

(1)  The district school superintendent shall ascertain which students should be transported to school or to school activities, determine the most effective arrangement of transportation routes to accommodate these students; recommend such routing to the district school board; recommend plans and procedures for providing facilities for the economical and safe transportation of students; recommend such rules and regulations as may be necessary and see that all rules and regulations relating to the transportation of students approved by the district school board, as well as regulations of the state board, are properly carried into effect, as prescribed in this chapter.

(2)  After considering recommendations of the district school superintendent, the district school board shall make provision for the transportation of students to the public schools or school activities they are required or expected to attend; authorize transportation routes arranged efficiently and economically; provide the necessary transportation facilities, and, when authorized under rules of the State Board of Education and if more economical to do so, provide limited subsistence in lieu thereof; and adopt the necessary rules and regulations to ensure safety, economy, and efficiency in the operation of all buses, as prescribed in this chapter.

(3)  District school boards, after considering recommendations of the district school superintendent:

(a)  Shall provide transportation for each student in prekindergarten disability programs and in kindergarten through grade 12 membership in a public school when, and only when, transportation is necessary to provide adequate educational facilities and opportunities which otherwise would not be available and to transport students whose homes are more than a reasonable walking distance, as defined by rules of the State Board of Education, from the nearest appropriate school.

(b)  Shall provide transportation for public elementary school students in membership whose grade level does not exceed grade 6, and may provide transportation for public school students in membership in grades 7 through 12, if such students are subjected to hazardous walking conditions as provided in s. 1006.23 while en route to or from school.

(c)  May provide transportation for public school migrant, exceptional, nursery, and other public school students in membership below kindergarten; kindergarten through grade 12 students in membership in a public school; and adult students in membership in adult career and technical, basic, and high school graduation programs in a public school when, and only when, transportation is necessary to provide adequate educational facilities and opportunities which otherwise would not be available.

(d)  May provide transportation for the transportation disadvantaged as defined in s. 427.011 and for other school-age children as provided for in s. 1006.261.

(e)  Shall provide necessary transportation to pregnant students or student parents, and the children of those students, when the district school board operates a teenage parent program pursuant to s. 1003.54.

(f)  May provide transportation for other persons to events or activities in which the district school board or school has agreed to participate or cosponsor. The district school board shall adopt a policy to address liability for trips pursuant to this paragraph.

(g)  May provide transportation for welfare transition program participants as defined in s. 414.0252.

(4)  In each case in which transportation of students is impracticable in the opinion of the district school board, the district school board may take steps for making available educational facilities as are authorized by law or rule of the State Board of Education and as, in the opinion of the district school board, are practical.

History.--s. 295, ch. 2002-387.

1006.22  Safety and health of students being transported.--Maximum regard for safety and adequate protection of health are primary requirements that must be observed by district school boards in routing buses, appointing drivers, and providing and operating equipment, in accordance with all requirements of law and rules of the State Board of Education in providing transportation pursuant to s. 1006.21:

(1)  District school boards shall use school buses, as defined in s. 1006.25, for all regular transportation. Regular transportation or regular use means transportation of students to and from school or school-related activities that are part of a scheduled series or sequence of events to the same location. "Students" means, for the purposes of this section, students enrolled in the public schools in prekindergarten disability programs and in kindergarten through grade 12. District school boards may regularly use motor vehicles other than school buses only under the following conditions:

(a)  When the transportation is for physically handicapped or isolated students and the district school board has elected to provide for the transportation of the student through written or oral contracts or agreements.

(b)  When the transportation is a part of a comprehensive contract for a specialized educational program between a district school board and a service provider who provides instruction, transportation, and other services.

(c)  When the transportation is provided through a public transit system.

(d)  When the transportation of students is necessary or practical in a motor vehicle owned or operated by a district school board other than a school bus, such transportation must be provided in designated seating positions in a passenger car not to exceed 8 students or in a multipurpose passenger vehicle designed to transport 10 or fewer persons which meets all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. Multipurpose passenger vehicles classified as utility vehicles with a wheelbase of 110 inches or less which are required by federal motor vehicle standards to display a rollover warning label may not be used.

When students are transported in motor vehicles, the occupant crash protection system provided by the vehicle manufacturer must be used unless the student's physical condition prohibits such use.

(2)  Except as provided in subsection (1), district school boards may authorize the transportation of students in privately owned motor vehicles on a case-by-case basis only in the following circumstances:

(a)  When a student is ill or injured and must be taken home or to a medical treatment facility under nonemergency circumstances; and

1.  The school has been unable to contact the student's parent or the parent or responsible adult designated by the parent is not available to provide the transportation;

2.  Proper adult supervision of the student is available at the location to which the student is being transported;

3.  The transportation is approved by the school principal, or a school administrator designated by the principal to grant or deny such approval, or in the absence of the principal and designee, by the highest ranking school administrator or teacher available under the circumstances; and

4.  If the school has been unable to contact the parent prior to the transportation, the school shall continue to seek to contact the parent until the school is able to notify the parent of the transportation and the pertinent circumstances.

(b)  When the transportation is in connection with a school function or event regarding which the district school board or school has undertaken to participate or to sponsor or provide the participation of students; and

1.  The function or event is a single event that is not part of a scheduled series or sequence of events to the same location, such as, but not limited to, a field trip, a recreational outing, an interscholastic competition or cooperative event, an event connected with an extracurricular activity offered by the school, or an event connected to an educational program, such as, but not limited to, a job interview as part of a cooperative education program;

2.  Transportation is not available, as a practical matter, using a school bus or school district passenger car; and

3.  Each student's parent is notified, in writing, regarding the transportation arrangement and gives written consent before a student is transported in a privately owned motor vehicle.

(c)  When a district school board requires employees such as school social workers and attendance officers to use their own motor vehicles to perform duties of employment, and such duties include the occasional transportation of students.

(3)  When approval is granted for the transportation of students in a privately owned vehicle, the provisions of s. 1006.24 regarding liability for tort claims are applicable. District school board employees who provide approved transportation in privately owned vehicles are acting within the scope of their employment. Parents or other responsible adults who provide approved transportation in privately owned vehicles have the same exposure to, and protections from, risks of personal liability as do district school board employees acting within the scope of their employment.

(4)  Each district school board may establish policies that restrict the use of privately owned motor vehicles to circumstances that are more limited than are described in this section or that prohibit such use. Each district school board may establish written policies that provide for more extensive requirements for approval, parental notification and consent procedures, insurance coverage, driver qualifications, or a combination of these.

(5)  When transportation is authorized in privately owned vehicles, students may be transported only in designated seating positions and must use the occupant crash protection system provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

(6)  District school boards may contract with a common carrier to transport students to and from in-season and postseason athletic contests and to and from a school function or event in which the district school board or a school has undertaken to participate or to provide for or sponsor the participation of students.

(7)  Transportation for adult students may be provided by any appropriate means as authorized by the district school board when the transportation is accepted as a responsibility by the district school board as provided in s. 1006.21.

(8)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in an emergency situation that constitutes an imminent threat to student health or safety, school personnel may take whatever action is necessary under the circumstances to protect student health and safety.

(9)  Except as provided in s. 1006.261, transportation is not the responsibility of the district school board in connection with any event or activity that is not an event or activity offered by the district school board or an event or an activity in which the district school board or school has agreed to participate, cosponsor, or require the participation of students, and the district school board has no liability for transportation arranged and provided by parents or other parties to such events or activities.

(10)  Each district school board shall designate and adopt a specific plan for adequate examination, maintenance, and repair of transportation equipment. Examination of the mechanical and safety condition of each school bus must be made as required pursuant to rule of the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education shall base the rule on student safety considerations.

(11)  The district school superintendent shall notify the district school board of any school bus that does not meet all requirements of law and rules of the State Board of Education, and the district school board shall, if the school bus is in an unsafe condition, withdraw it from use as a school bus until the bus meets the requirements. The department may inspect or have inspected any school bus to determine whether the bus meets requirements of law and rules of the State Board of Education. The department may, after due notice to a district school board that any school bus does not meet certain requirements of law and rules of the State Board of Education, rule that the bus must be withdrawn from use as a school bus, this ruling to be effective immediately or upon a date specified in the ruling, whereupon the district school board shall withdraw the school bus from use as a school bus until it meets requirements of law and rules of the State Board of Education and until the department has officially revoked the pertinent ruling. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, general purpose urban transit systems are declared qualified to transport students to and from school.

(12)(a)  The routing and scheduling of school buses must be planned to eliminate the necessity for students to stand while a school bus is in motion. When circumstances of an emergency nature, as defined by written district school board policy, temporarily require transporting students on school buses in excess of the rated seating capacity, the buses must proceed at a reduced rate of speed to maximize safety of the students, taking into account existing traffic conditions. Each district school board is responsible for prompt relief of the emergency condition by providing additional equipment, bus rerouting, bus rescheduling, or other appropriate remedial action, and must maintain written district school board policies to address such situations.

(b)  Each district school board, after considering recommendations from the district school superintendent, shall designate, by map or otherwise, or shall provide by district school board rule for the designation of, nontransportation zones that are composed of all areas in the school district from which it is unnecessary or impracticable to furnish transportation. Nontransportation zones must be designated annually before the opening of school and the designation of bus routes for the succeeding school year. Each district school board, after considering recommendations from the district school superintendent, shall specifically designate, or shall provide by district school board rule for the designation of, specific routes to be traveled regularly by school buses, and each route must meet the requirements prescribed by rules of the State Board of Education.

(c)  Each district school board shall establish school bus stops, or provide by district school board rule for the establishment of school bus stops, as necessary at the most reasonably safe locations available. Where unusual traffic hazards exist at school bus stops on roads maintained by the state outside of municipalities, the Department of Transportation, in concurrence and cooperation with and upon request of the district school board, shall place signs at such bus stops warning motorists of the location of the stops.

(13)  The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement this section as are necessary or desirable in the interest of student health and safety.

History.--s. 296, ch. 2002-387.

1006.23  Hazardous walking conditions.--

(1)  DEFINITION.--As used in this section, "student" means any public elementary school student whose grade level does not exceed grade 6.

(2)  TRANSPORTATION; CORRECTION OF HAZARDS.--

(a)  It is intended that district school boards and other governmental entities work cooperatively to identify conditions that are hazardous along student walking routes to school and that district school boards provide transportation to students who would be subjected to such conditions. It is further intended that state or local governmental entities having jurisdiction correct such hazardous conditions within a reasonable period of time.

(b)  Upon a determination pursuant to this section that a condition is hazardous to students, the district school board shall request a determination from the state or local governmental entity having jurisdiction regarding whether the hazard will be corrected and, if so, regarding a projected completion date. State funds shall be allocated for the transportation of students subjected to such hazards, provided that such funding shall cease upon correction of the hazard or upon the projected completion date, whichever occurs first.

(3)  IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.--When a request for review is made to the district school superintendent or the district school superintendent's designee concerning a condition perceived to be hazardous to students in that district who live within the 2-mile limit and who walk to school, such condition shall be inspected by a representative of the school district and a representative of the state or local governmental entity that has jurisdiction over the perceived hazardous location. The district school superintendent or his or her designee and the state or local governmental entity or its representative shall then make a final determination that is mutually agreed upon regarding whether the hazardous condition meets the state criteria pursuant to this section. The district school superintendent or his or her designee shall report this final determination to the department.

(4)  STATE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING HAZARDOUS WALKING CONDITIONS.--

(a)  Walkways parallel to the road.--

1.  It shall be considered a hazardous walking condition with respect to any road along which students must walk in order to walk to and from school if there is not an area at least 4 feet wide adjacent to the road, having a surface upon which students may walk without being required to walk on the road surface. In addition, whenever the road along which students must walk is uncurbed and has a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour, the area as described above for students to walk upon shall be set off the road by no less than 3 feet from the edge of the road.

2.  The provisions of subparagraph 1. do not apply when the road along which students must walk:

a.  Is in a residential area which has little or no transient traffic;

b.  Is a road on which the volume of traffic is less than 180 vehicles per hour, per direction, during the time students walk to and from school; or

c.  Is located in a residential area and has a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.

(b)  Walkways perpendicular to the road.--It shall be considered a hazardous walking condition with respect to any road across which students must walk in order to walk to and from school:

1.  If the traffic volume on the road exceeds the rate of 360 vehicles per hour, per direction (including all lanes), during the time students walk to and from school and if the crossing site is uncontrolled. For purposes of this subsection, an "uncontrolled crossing site" is an intersection or other designated crossing site where no crossing guard, traffic enforcement officer, or stop sign or other traffic control signal is present during the times students walk to and from school.

2.  If the total traffic volume on the road exceeds 4,000 vehicles per hour through an intersection or other crossing site controlled by a stop sign or other traffic control signal, unless crossing guards or other traffic enforcement officers are also present during the times students walk to and from school.

Traffic volume shall be determined by the most current traffic engineering study conducted by a state or local governmental agency.

History.--s. 297, ch. 2002-387.

1006.24  Tort liability; liability insurance.--

(1)  Each district school board shall be liable for tort claims arising out of any incident or occurrence involving a school bus or other motor vehicle owned, maintained, operated, or used by the district school board to transport persons, to the same extent and in the same manner as the state or any of its agencies or subdivisions is liable for tort claims under s. 768.28, except that the total liability to persons being transported for all claims or judgments of such persons arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall not exceed an amount equal to $5,000 multiplied by the rated seating capacity of the school bus or other vehicle, as determined by rules of the State Board of Education, or $100,000, whichever is greater. The provisions of s. 768.28 apply to all claims or actions brought against district school boards, as authorized in this subsection.

(2)  Each district school board may secure and keep in force a medical payments plan or medical payments insurance on school buses and other vehicles. If a medical payments plan or insurance is provided, it shall be carried in a sum of no less than $500 per person.

(3)  Expenses, costs, or premiums to protect against liability for torts as provided in this section may be paid from any available funds of the district school board.

(4)  If vehicles used in transportation are not owned by the district school board, the district school board may require owners of such vehicles to show evidence of adequate insurance during the time that such vehicles are in the services of the district school board.

History.--s. 298, ch. 2002-387.

1006.25  School buses.--School buses shall be defined and meet specifications as follows:

(1)  DEFINITION.--For the purpose of this part, a "school bus" is a motor vehicle regularly used for the transportation of prekindergarten disability program and kindergarten through grade 12 students of the public schools to and from school or to and from school activities, and owned, operated, rented, contracted, or leased by any district school board, except:

(a)  Passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks as defined in 49 C.F.R. part 571.

(b)  Motor vehicles subject to, and meeting all requirements of, the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations under Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations and operated by carriers operating under the jurisdiction of these regulations but not used exclusively for the transportation of public school students.

(2)  SPECIFICATIONS.--Each school bus as defined in 49 C.F.R. part 571 and subsection (1) that is rented, leased, purchased, or contracted for must meet the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and other specifications as prescribed by rules of the State Board of Education.

(3)  STANDARDS FOR LEASED VEHICLES.--A motor vehicle owned and operated by a county or municipal transit authority that is leased by the district school board for transportation of public school students must meet such standards as the State Board of Education establishes by rule. A school bus authorized by a district school board to carry passengers other than school students must have the words "School Bus" and any other signs and insignia that mark or designate it as a school bus covered, removed, or otherwise concealed while such passengers are being transported.

(4)  OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.--Students may be transported only in designated seating positions, except as provided in s. 1006.22(12), and must use the occupant crash protection system provided by the manufacturer, which system must comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. part 571 or with specifications of the State Board of Education.

History.--s. 299, ch. 2002-387.

1006.261  Use of school buses for public purposes.--

(1)(a)  Each district school board may enter into agreements with the governing body of a county or municipality in the school district or any state agency or agencies established or identified to assist the transportation disadvantaged, as defined in s. 427.011, including the elderly, pursuant to Pub. L. No. 89-73, as amended, for the use of the school buses of the school district by departments, boards, commissions, or officers of such county or municipality or of the state for county, municipal, or state purposes, including transportation of the transportation disadvantaged. Each such agreement shall provide for reimbursement of the district school board, in full or in part, for the proportionate share of fixed and operating costs incurred by the district school board attributable to the use of the buses pursuant to the agreement.

(b)  Each district school board may enter into agreements with regional workforce boards for the provision of transportation services to participants in the welfare transition program. Agreements must provide for reimbursement in full or in part for the proportionate share of fixed and operating costs incurred by the district school board attributable to the use of buses in accordance with the agreement.

(c)  Each district school board may enter into agreements with nonprofit corporations and nonprofit civic associations and groups to allow the use of school buses to transport school-age children for activities sponsored by such associations and groups, including, but not limited to, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs, the Y.M.C.A., and similar groups. The use of school buses for these activities shall be pursuant to rules adopted by the district school board and with compensation to the district school board at least equal to the costs incurred by the board for such use.

(2)(a)  The governing body or state agency or agencies established or identified pursuant to Pub. L. No. 89-73, or the nonprofit corporation or nonprofit civic organization or group, or an agency established or identified to assist the transportation disadvantaged as defined in s. 427.011, shall indemnify and hold harmless the district school board from any and all liability by virtue of the use of the buses pursuant to an agreement authorized by this section.

(b)  For purposes of liability for negligence, state agencies or subdivisions as defined in s. 768.28(2) shall be covered by s. 768.28. Every other corporation or organization shall provide liability insurance coverage in the minimum amounts of $100,000 on any claim or judgment and $200,000 on all claims and judgments arising from the same incident or occurrence.

(3)  When the buses are used for nonschool purposes other than the transportation of the transportation disadvantaged, the flashing red lights and white strobe lights shall not be used, and the "School Bus" inscriptions on the front and rear of the buses shall be covered or concealed.

History.--s. 300, ch. 2002-387.

1006.27  Pooling of school buses and related purchases by district school boards; transportation services contracts.--

(1)  The department shall assist district school boards in securing school buses, contractual needs, equipment, and supplies at as reasonable prices as possible by providing a plan under which district school boards may voluntarily pool their bids for such purchases. The department shall prepare bid forms and specifications, obtain quotations of prices and make such information available to district school boards in order to facilitate this service. District school boards from time to time, as prescribed by State Board of Education rule, shall furnish the department with information concerning the prices paid for such items and the department shall furnish to district school boards periodic information concerning the lowest prices at which school buses, equipment, and related supplies are available based upon comparable specifications.

(2)  If a contract between any district school board and any person, business, or entity to provide the district school board with school bus service for the transportation of students in the district provides that the person, business, or entity shall own, operate, and maintain school buses for such service, the district school board may purchase the number of buses needed for the district through the department and sell them to the person, business, or entity as a part of the contract for such service.

History.--s. 301, ch. 2002-387.

1006.28  Duties of district school board, district school superintendent; and school principal regarding K-12 instructional materials.

1006.29  State instructional materials committees.

1006.30  Affidavit of state instructional materials committee members.

1006.31  Duties of each state instructional materials committee.

1006.32  Prohibited acts.

1006.33  Bids or proposals; advertisement and its contents.

1006.34  Powers and duties of the commissioner and the department in selecting and adopting instructional materials.

1006.35  Accuracy of instructional materials.

1006.36  Term of adoption for instructional materials.

1006.37  Requisition of instructional materials from publisher's depository.

1006.38  Duties, responsibilities, and requirements of instructional materials publishers and manufacturers.

1006.39  Production and dissemination of educational materials and products by department.

1006.40  Use of instructional materials allocation; instructional materials, library books, and reference books; repair of books.

1006.41  Disposal of instructional materials.

1006.42  Responsibility of students and parents for instructional materials.

1006.43  Expenses; budget request.

1006.28  Duties of district school board, district school superintendent; and school principal regarding K-12 instructional materials.--

(1)  DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD.--The district school board has the duty to provide adequate instructional materials for all students in accordance with the requirements of this part. The term "adequate instructional materials" means a sufficient number of textbooks or sets of materials serving as the basis for instruction for each student in the core courses of mathematics, language arts, social studies, science, reading, and literature, except for instruction for which the school advisory council approves the use of a program that does not include a textbook as a major tool of instruction. The district school board has the following specific duties:

(a)  Courses of study; adoption.--Adopt courses of study for use in the schools of the district.

(b)  Textbooks.--Provide for proper requisitioning, distribution, accounting, storage, care, and use of all instructional materials furnished by the state and furnish such other instructional materials as may be needed. The district school board shall assure that instructional materials used in the district are consistent with the district goals and objectives and the curriculum frameworks adopted by rule of the State Board of Education, as well as with the state and district performance standards provided for in s. 1001.03(1).

(c)  Other instructional materials.--Provide such other teaching accessories and aids as are needed for the school district's educational program.

(d)  School library media services; establishment and maintenance.--Establish and maintain a program of school library media services for all public schools in the district, including school library media centers, or school library media centers open to the public, and, in addition such traveling or circulating libraries as may be needed for the proper operation of the district school system.

(2)  DISTRICT SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT.--

(a)  The district school superintendent has the duty to recommend such plans for improving, providing, distributing, accounting for, and caring for textbooks and other instructional aids as will result in general improvement of the district school system, as prescribed in this part, in accordance with adopted district school board rules prescribing the duties and responsibilities of the district school superintendent regarding the requisition, purchase, receipt, storage, distribution, use, conservation, records, and reports of, and management practices and property accountability concerning, instructional materials, and providing for an evaluation of any instructional materials to be requisitioned that have not been used previously in the district's schools. The district school superintendent must keep adequate records and accounts for all financial transactions for funds collected pursuant to subsection (3), as a component of the educational service delivery scope in a school district best financial management practices review under s. 1008.35.

(b)  Each district school superintendent shall notify the department by April 1 of each year the state-adopted instructional materials that will be requisitioned for use in his or her school district. The notification shall include a district school board plan for instructional materials use to assist in determining if adequate instructional materials have been requisitioned.

(3)  SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.--The school principal has the following duties for the management and care of instructional materials at the school:

(a)  Proper use of instructional materials.--The principal shall assure that instructional materials are used to provide instruction to students enrolled at the grade level or levels for which the materials are designed, pursuant to adopted district school board rule. The school principal shall communicate to parents the manner in which instructional materials are used to implement the curricular objectives of the school.

(b)  Money collected for lost or damaged books; enforcement.--The school principal shall collect from each student or the student's parent the purchase price of any instructional material the student has lost, destroyed, or unnecessarily damaged and to report and transmit the money collected to the district school superintendent. If instructional materials lost, destroyed, or damaged have been in school use for more than 1 year, a sum ranging between 50 and 75 percent of the purchase price of the book shall be collected, determined by the physical condition of the book. The failure to collect such sum upon reasonable effort by the school principal may result in the suspension of the student from participation in extracurricular activities or satisfaction of the debt by the student through community service activities at the school site as determined by the school principal, pursuant to policies adopted by district school board rule.

(c)  Sale of instructional materials.--The school principal, upon request of the parent of a student in the school, shall sell to the parent any instructional materials used in the school. All such sales shall be made pursuant to rule adopted by the district school board, and the principal shall annually provide information to parents that they may purchase instructional materials and how to purchase the materials.

(d)  Disposition of funds.--All money collected from the sale, exchange, loss, or damage of instructional materials shall be transmitted to the district school superintendent to be deposited in the district school board fund and added to the district appropriation for instructional materials.

(e)  Accounting for textbooks.--Principals shall see that all books are fully and properly accounted for as prescribed by adopted rules of the district school board.

History.--s. 303, ch. 2002-387.

1006.29  State instructional materials committees.--

(1)  Each school year, not later than April 15, the commissioner shall appoint state instructional materials committees composed of persons actively engaged in teaching or in the supervision of teaching in the public elementary, middle, or high schools and representing the major fields and levels in which instructional materials are used in the public schools and, in addition, lay citizens not professionally connected with education. Committee members shall receive training pursuant to subsection (5) in competencies related to the evaluation and selection of instructional materials.

(a)  There shall be 10 or more members on each committee: At least 50 percent of the members shall be classroom teachers who are certified in an area directly related to the academic area or level being considered for adoption, 2 shall be laypersons, 1 shall be a district school board member, and 2 shall be supervisors of teachers. The committee must have the capacity or expertise to address the broad racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity of the state's student population. Personnel selected as teachers of the year at the school, district, regional, or state level are encouraged to serve on instructional materials committees.

(b)  The membership of each committee must reflect the broad racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity of the state, including a balanced representation from the state's geographic regions.

(c)  The commissioner shall determine annually the areas in which instructional materials shall be submitted for adoption, taking into consideration the desires of the district school boards. The commissioner shall also determine the number of titles to be adopted in each area.

(2)(a)  All appointments shall be as prescribed in this section. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on any committee. All appointments shall be for 18-month terms. All vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment for only the time remaining in the unexpired term. At no time may a district school board have more than one representative on a committee. The commissioner and a member of the department whom he or she shall designate shall be additional and ex officio members of each committee.

(b)  The names and mailing addresses of the members of the state instructional materials committees shall be made public when appointments are made.

(c)  The district school board shall be reimbursed for the actual cost of substitute teachers for each workday that a member of its instructional staff is absent from his or her assigned duties for the purpose of rendering service to the state instructional materials committee. In addition, committee members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses and per diem in accordance with s. 112.061 for actual service in meetings of committees called by the commissioner. Payment of such travel expenses shall be made from the appropriation for the administration of the instructional materials program, on warrants to be drawn by the Chief Financial Officer upon requisition approved by the commissioner.

(d)  Any member of a committee may be removed by the commissioner for cause.

(3)  All references in the law to the state instructional materials committee shall apply to each committee created by this section.

(4)  For purposes of state adoption, "instructional materials" means items having intellectual content that by design serve as a major tool for assisting in the instruction of a subject or course. These items may be available in bound, unbound, kit, or package form and may consist of hardbacked or softbacked textbooks, consumables, learning laboratories, manipulatives, electronic media, and computer courseware or software. The term does not include electronic or computer hardware even if such hardware is bundled with software or other electronic media, nor does it include equipment or supplies.

(5)  The department shall develop a training program for persons selected to serve on state instructional materials committees. The program shall be structured to assist committee members in developing the skills necessary to make valid, culturally sensitive, and objective decisions regarding the content and rigor of instructional materials. All persons serving on instructional materials committees must complete the training program prior to beginning the review and selection process.

History.--s. 304, ch. 2002-387; s. 1950, ch. 2003-261.

1006.30  Affidavit of state instructional materials committee members.--Before transacting any business, each member of a state committee shall make an affidavit, to be filed with the commissioner, that:

(1)  The member will faithfully discharge the duties imposed upon him or her as a member of the committee.

(2)  The member has no interest, and while a member of the committee he or she will assume no interest, in any publishing or manufacturing organization which produces or sells instructional materials.

(3)  The member is in no way connected, and while a member of the committee he or she will assume no connection, with the distribution of the instructional materials.

(4)  The member is not pecuniarily interested, and while a member of the committee he or she will assume no pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in the business or profits of any person engaged in manufacturing, publishing, or selling instructional materials designed for use in the public schools.

(5)  The member will not accept any emolument or promise of future reward of any kind from any publisher or manufacturer of instructional materials or his or her agent or anyone interested in, or intending to bias his or her judgment in any way in, the selection of any materials to be adopted.

(6)  It is unlawful for any member of a state instructional materials committee to discuss matters relating to instructional materials submitted for adoption with any agent of a publisher or manufacturer of instructional materials, either directly or indirectly, except during the period when the committee has been called into session for the purpose of evaluating instructional materials submitted for adoption. Such discussions shall be limited to official meetings of the committee and in accordance with procedures prescribed by the commissioner for that purpose.

History.--s. 305, ch. 2002-387.

1006.31  Duties of each state instructional materials committee.--The duties of each state instructional materials committee are:

(1)  PLACE AND TIME OF MEETING.--To meet at the call of the commissioner, at a place in the state designated by him or her, for the purpose of evaluating and recommending instructional materials for adoption by the state. All meetings of state instructional materials committees shall be announced publicly in the Florida Administrative Weekly at least 2 weeks prior to the date of convening. All meetings of the committees shall be open to the public.

(2)  ORGANIZATION.--To elect a chair and vice chair for each adoption. An employee of the department shall serve as secretary to the committee and keep an accurate record of its proceedings. All records of committee motions and votes, and summaries of committee debate shall be incorporated into a publishable document and shall be available for public inspection and duplication.

(3)  PROCEDURES.--To adhere to procedures prescribed by the commissioner for evaluating instructional materials submitted by publishers and manufacturers in each adoption.

(4)  EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.--To evaluate carefully all instructional materials submitted, to ascertain which instructional materials, if any, submitted for consideration best implement the selection criteria developed by the commissioner and those curricular objectives included within applicable performance standards provided for in s. 1001.03(1).

(a)  When recommending instructional materials for use in the schools, each committee shall include only instructional materials that accurately portray the ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, and racial diversity of our society, including men and women in professional, career and technical, and executive roles, and the role and contributions of the entrepreneur and labor in the total development of this state and the United States.

(b)  When recommending instructional materials for use in the schools, each committee shall include only materials which accurately portray, whenever appropriate, humankind's place in ecological systems, including the necessity for the protection of our environment and conservation of our natural resources and the effects on the human system of the use of tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, and other dangerous substances.

(c)  When recommending instructional materials for use in the schools, each committee shall require such materials as it deems necessary and proper to encourage thrift, fire prevention, and humane treatment of people and animals.

(d)  When recommending instructional materials for use in the schools, each committee shall require, when appropriate to the comprehension of students, that materials for social science, history, or civics classes contain the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. No instructional materials shall be recommended by any committee for use in the schools which contain any matter reflecting unfairly upon persons because of their race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, or occupation.

(e)  All instructional materials recommended by each committee for use in the schools shall be, to the satisfaction of each committee, accurate, objective, and current and suited to the needs and comprehension of students at their respective grade levels. Instructional materials committees shall consider for adoption materials developed for academically talented students such as those enrolled in advanced placement courses.

(5)  REPORT OF COMMITTEE.--Each committee, after a thorough study of all data submitted on each instructional material, and after each member has carefully evaluated each instructional material, shall present a written report to the commissioner. Such report shall be made public, and shall include:

(a)  A description of the procedures used in determining the instructional materials to be recommended to the commissioner.

(b)  Recommendations of instructional materials for each grade and subject field in the curriculum of public elementary, middle, and high schools in which adoptions are to be made. If deemed advisable, the committee may include such other information, expression of opinion, or recommendation as would be helpful to the commissioner. If there is a difference of opinion among the members of the committee as to the merits of any instructional materials, any member may file an expression of his or her individual opinion.

The findings of the committees, including the evaluation of instructional materials, shall be in sessions open to the public. All decisions leading to determinations of the committees shall be by roll call vote, and at no time will a secret ballot be permitted.

History.--s. 306, ch. 2002-387.

1006.32  Prohibited acts.--

(1)  No publisher or manufacturer of instructional material, or any representative thereof, shall offer to give any emolument, money, or other valuable thing, or any inducement, to any district school board official or member of a state-level instructional materials committee to directly or indirectly introduce, recommend, vote for, or otherwise influence the adoption or purchase of any instructional materials.

(2)  No district school board official or member of a state instructional materials committee shall solicit or accept any emolument, money, or other valuable thing, or any inducement, to directly or indirectly introduce, recommend, vote for, or otherwise influence the adoption or purchase of any instructional material.

(3)  No district school board or publisher may participate in a pilot program of materials being considered for adoption during the 18-month period before the official adoption of the materials by the commissioner. Any pilot program during the first 2 years of the adoption period must have the prior approval of the commissioner.

(4)  Any publisher or manufacturer of instructional materials or representative thereof or any district school board official or state instructional materials committee member, who violates any provision of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any representative of a publisher or manufacturer who violates any provision of this section, in addition to any other penalty, shall be banned from practicing business in the state for a period of 1 calendar year. Any district school board official or state instructional materials committee member who violates any provision of this section, in addition to any other penalty, shall be removed from his or her official position.

(5)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any publisher, manufacturer, or agent from supplying, for purposes of examination, necessary sample copies of instructional materials to any district school board official or instructional materials committee member.

(6)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a district school board official or instructional materials committee member from receiving sample copies of instructional materials.

(7)  Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit or restrict a district school board official from receiving royalties or other compensation, other than compensation paid to him or her as commission for negotiating sales to district school boards, from the publisher or manufacturer of instructional materials written, designed, or prepared by such district school board official, and adopted by the commissioner or purchased by any district school board. No district school board official shall be allowed to receive royalties on any materials not on the state-adopted list purchased for use by his or her district school board.

(8)  No district school superintendent, district school board member, teacher, or other person officially connected with the government or direction of public schools shall receive during the months actually engaged in performing duties under his or her contract any private fee, gratuity, donation, or compensation, in any manner whatsoever, for promoting the sale or exchange of any school book, map, or chart in any public school, or be an agent for the sale or the publisher of any school textbook or reference work, or be directly or indirectly pecuniarily interested in the introduction of any such textbook, and any such agency or interest shall disqualify any person so acting or interested from holding any district school board employment whatsoever, and the person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083; provided that this subsection shall not be construed as preventing the adoption of any book written in whole or in part by a Florida author.

History.--s. 307, ch. 2002-387.

1006.33  Bids or proposals; advertisement and its contents.--

(1)(a)  Beginning on or before May 15 of any year in which an instructional materials adoption is to be initiated, the department shall advertise in the Florida Administrative Weekly 4 weeks preceding the date on which the bids shall be received, that at a certain designated time, not later than June 15, sealed bids or proposals to be deposited with the department will be received from publishers or manufacturers for the furnishing of instructional materials proposed to be adopted as listed in the advertisement beginning April 1 following the adoption.

(b)  The advertisement shall state that each bidder shall furnish specimen copies of all instructional materials submitted, at a time designated by the department, which specimen copies shall be identical with the copies approved and accepted by the members of the state instructional materials committee, as prescribed in this section, and with the copies furnished to the department and district school superintendents, as provided in this part.

(c)  The advertisement shall state that a contract covering the adoption of the instructional materials shall be for a definite term.

(d)  The advertisement shall fix the time within which the required contract must be executed and shall state that the department reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

(e)  The advertisement shall give information as to how specifications which have been adopted by the department in regard to paper, binding, cover boards, and mechanical makeup can be secured. In adopting specifications, the department shall make an exception for instructional materials that are college-level texts and that do not meet department physical specifications for secondary materials, if the publisher guarantees replacement during the term of the contract.

(2)  The bids submitted shall be for furnishing the designated materials in accordance with specifications of the department. The bid shall state the lowest wholesale price at which the materials will be furnished, at the time the adoption period provided in the contract begins, delivered f.o.b. to the Florida depository of the publisher, manufacturer, or bidder.

(3)  The department shall require each publisher or manufacturer of instructional materials who submits a bid under this part to deposit with the department such sum of money or certified check as may be determined by the department, the amount to be not less than $500 and not more than $2,500, according to the number of instructional materials covered by the bid, which deposit shall be forfeited to the state and placed in the General Revenue Fund if the bidder making the deposit fails or refuses to execute the contract and bond within 30 days after receipt of the contract in case his or her bid or proposal is accepted. The commissioner shall, upon determining that the deposit is correct and proper, transmit the deposit to the Chief Financial Officer, who shall deposit the funds for credit to the Textbook Bid Trust Fund and issue his or her official receipt.

(4)  Specimen copies of all instructional materials that have been made the bases of contracts under this part shall, upon request for the purpose of public inspection, be made available by the publisher to the department and the district school superintendent of each district school board that adopts the instructional materials from the state list upon request for the purpose of public inspection. All contracts and bonds executed under this part shall be signed in triplicate. One copy of each contract and an original of each bid, whether accepted or rejected, shall be preserved with the department for at least 3 years after termination of the contract.

History.--s. 308, ch. 2002-387; s. 1951, ch. 2003-261.

1006.34  Powers and duties of the commissioner and the department in selecting and adopting instructional materials.--

(1)  PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATING INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.--The commissioner shall prescribe the procedures by which the department shall evaluate instructional materials submitted by publishers and manufacturers in each adoption. Included in these procedures shall be provisions which afford each publisher or manufacturer or his or her representative an opportunity to present to members of the state instructional materials committees the merits of each instructional material submitted in each adoption.

(2)  SELECTION AND ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.--

(a)  The department shall notify all publishers and manufacturers of instructional materials who have submitted bids that within 3 weeks after the deadline for receiving bids, at a designated time and place, it will open the bids submitted and deposited with it. At the time and place designated, the bids shall be opened, read, and tabulated in the presence of the bidders or their representatives. No one may revise his or her bid after the bids have been filed. When all bids have been carefully considered, the commissioner shall, from the list of suitable, usable, and desirable instructional materials reported by the state instructional materials committee, select and adopt instructional materials for each grade and subject field in the curriculum of public elementary, middle, and high schools in which adoptions are made and in the subject areas designated in the advertisement. The adoption shall continue for the period specified in the advertisement, beginning on the ensuing April 1. The adoption shall not prevent the extension of a contract as provided in subsection (3). The commissioner shall always reserve the right to reject any and all bids. The commissioner may ask for new sealed bids from publishers or manufacturers whose instructional materials were recommended by the state instructional materials committee as suitable, usable, and desirable; specify the dates for filing such bids and the date on which they shall be opened; and proceed in all matters regarding the opening of bids and the awarding of contracts as required by this part. In all cases, bids shall be accompanied by a cash deposit or certified check of from $500 to $2,500, as the commissioner may direct. The department, in adopting instructional materials, shall give due consideration both to the prices bid for furnishing instructional materials and to the report and recommendations of the state instructional materials committee. When the commissioner has finished with the report of the state instructional materials committee, the report shall be filed and preserved with the department and shall be available at all times for public inspection.

(b)  In the selection of instructional materials, library books, and other reading material used in the public school system, the standards used to determine the propriety of the material shall include:

1.  The age of the students who normally could be expected to have access to the material.

2.  The educational purpose to be served by the material. In considering instructional materials for classroom use, priority shall be given to the selection of materials which encompass the state and district school board performance standards provided for in s. 1001.03(1) and which include the instructional objectives contained within the curriculum frameworks approved by rule of the State Board of Education.

3.  The degree to which the material would be supplemented and explained by mature classroom instruction as part of a normal classroom instructional program.

4.  The consideration of the broad racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity of the students of this state.

No book or other material containing hard-core pornography or otherwise prohibited by s. 847.012 shall be used or available within any public school district.

(3)  CONTRACT WITH PUBLISHERS OR MANUFACTURERS; BOND.--As soon as practicable after the commissioner has adopted any instructional materials and all bidders that have secured the adoption of any instructional materials have been notified thereof by registered letter, the Department of Legal Affairs shall prepare a contract in proper form with every bidder awarded the adoption of any instructional materials. Each contract shall be executed by the Governor and Secretary of State under the seal of the state, one copy to be kept by the contractor, one copy to be filed with the Department of State, and one copy to be filed with the department. After giving due consideration to comments by the district school boards, the commissioner, with the agreement of the publisher, may extend or shorten a contract period for a period not to exceed 2 years; and the terms of any such contract shall remain the same as in the original contract. Any publisher or manufacturer to whom any contract is let under this part must give bond in such amount as the commissioner requires, payable to the state, conditioned for the faithful, honest, and exact performance of the contract. The bond must provide for the payment of reasonable attorney's fees in case of recovery in any suit thereon. The surety on the bond must be a guaranty or surety company lawfully authorized to do business in the state; however, the bond shall not be exhausted by a single recovery but may be sued upon from time to time until the full amount thereof is recovered, and the department may at any time, after giving 30 days' notice, require additional security or additional bond. The form of any bond or bonds or contract or contracts under this part shall be prepared and approved by the Department of Legal Affairs. At the discretion of the commissioner, a publisher or manufacturer to whom any contract is let under this part may be allowed a cash deposit in lieu of a bond, conditioned for the faithful, honest, and exact performance of the contract. The cash deposit, payable to the department, shall be placed in the Textbook Bid Trust Fund. The department may recover damages on the cash deposit given by the contractor for failure to furnish instructional materials, the sum recovered to inure to the General Revenue Fund.

(4)  REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CONTRACT.--The department may, from time to time, take any necessary actions, consistent with this part, to secure the prompt and faithful performance of all instructional materials contracts; and if any contractor fails or refuses to furnish instructional materials as provided in this part or otherwise breaks his or her contract, the department may sue on the required bond in the name of the state, in the courts of the state having jurisdiction, and recover damages on the bond given by the contractor for failure to furnish instructional materials, the sum recovered to inure to the General Revenue Fund.

(5)  RETURN OF DEPOSITS.--

(a)  The successful bidder shall be notified by registered mail of the award of contract and shall, within 30 days after receipt of the contract, execute the proper contract and post the required bond. When the bond and contract have been executed, the department shall notify the Chief Financial Officer and request that a warrant be issued against the Textbook Bid Trust Fund payable to the successful bidder in the amount deposited pursuant to this part. The Chief Financial Officer shall issue and forward the warrant to the department for distribution to the bidder.

(b)  At the same time or prior thereto, the department shall inform the Chief Financial Officer of the names of the unsuccessful bidders. Upon receipt of such notice, the Chief Financial Officer shall issue warrants against the Textbook Bid Trust Fund payable to the unsuccessful bidders in the amounts deposited pursuant to this part and shall forward the warrants to the department for distribution to the unsuccessful bidders.

(c)  One copy of each contract and an original of each bid, whether accepted or rejected, shall be preserved with the department for at least 3 years after the termination of the contract.

(6)  DEPOSITS FORFEITED.--If any successful bidder fails or refuses to execute contract and bond within 30 days after receipt of the contract, the cash deposit shall be forfeited to the state and placed by the Chief Financial Officer in the General Revenue Fund.

(7)  FORFEITURE OF CONTRACT AND BOND.--If any publisher or manufacturer of instructional materials fails or refuses to furnish a book, or books, or other instructional materials as provided in the contract, his or her bond is forfeited and the department shall make another contract on such terms as it may find desirable, after giving due consideration to the recommendations of the commissioner.

History.--s. 309, ch. 2002-387; s. 1952, ch. 2003-261.

1006.35  Accuracy of instructional materials.--

(1)  In addition to relying on statements of publishers or manufacturers of instructional materials, the commissioner may conduct or cause to be conducted an independent investigation to determine the accuracy of state-adopted instructional materials.

(2)  When errors in state-adopted materials are confirmed, the publisher of the materials shall provide to each district school board that has purchased the materials the corrections in a format approved by the commissioner.

(3)  The commissioner may remove materials from the list of state-adopted materials if he or she finds that the content is in error and the publisher refuses to correct the error when notified by the department.

(4)  The commissioner may remove materials from the list of state-adopted materials at the request of the publisher if, in his or her opinion, there is no material impact on the state's education goals.

History.--s. 310, ch. 2002-387.

1006.36  Term of adoption for instructional materials.--

(1)  The term of adoption of any instructional materials must be a 6-year period beginning on April 1 following the adoption, except that the commissioner may approve terms of adoption of less than 6 years for materials in content areas which require more frequent revision. Any contract for instructional materials may be extended as prescribed in s. 1006.34(3).

(2)  The department shall publish annually an official schedule of subject areas to be called for adoption for each of the succeeding 2 years, and a tentative schedule for years 3, 4, 5, and 6. If extenuating circumstances warrant, the commissioner may order the department to add one or more subject areas to the official schedule, in which event the commissioner shall develop criteria for such additional subject area or areas and make them available to publishers as soon as practicable before the date on which bids are due. The schedule shall be developed so as to promote balance among the subject areas so that the required expenditure for new instructional materials is approximately the same each year in order to maintain curricular consistency.

History.--s. 311, ch. 2002-387.

1006.37  Requisition of instructional materials from publisher's depository.--

(1)  The district school superintendent shall requisition adopted instructional materials from the depository of the publisher with whom a contract has been made. However, the superintendent shall requisition current instructional materials to provide each student with a textbook or other materials as a major tool of instruction in core courses of the subject areas specified in s. 1006.40(2). These materials must be requisitioned within the first 2 years of the adoption cycle, except for instructional materials related to growth of student membership or instructional materials maintenance needs. The superintendent may requisition instructional materials in the core subject areas specified in s. 1006.40(2) that are related to growth of student membership or instructional materials maintenance needs during the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th years of the original contract period.

(2)  The district school superintendent shall verify that the requisition is complete and accurate and order the depository to forward to him or her the adopted instructional materials shown by the requisition. The depository shall prepare an invoice of the materials shipped, including shipping charges, and mail it to the superintendent to whom the shipment is being made. The superintendent shall pay the depository within 60 days after receipt of the requisitioned materials from the appropriation for the purchase of adopted instructional materials.

History.--s. 312, ch. 2002-387.

1006.38  Duties, responsibilities, and requirements of instructional materials publishers and manufacturers.--Publishers and manufacturers of instructional materials, or their representatives, shall:

(1)  Comply with all provisions of this part.

(2)  Deliver fully developed specimen copies of all instructional materials upon which bids are based to each member of a state instructional materials committee. At the conclusion of the review process, manufacturers submitting samples of instructional materials are entitled to the return thereof, at the expense of the manufacturers; or, in the alternative, the manufacturers are entitled to reimbursement by the individual committee members for the retail value of the samples.

(3)  Submit, at a time designated in s. 1006.33, the following information:

(a)  Detailed specifications of the physical characteristics of the instructional materials. The publisher or manufacturer shall comply with these specifications if the instructional materials are adopted and purchased in completed form.

(b)  Written proof that the publisher has provided written correlations to appropriate curricular objectives included within applicable performance standards provided for in s. 1001.03(1).

(4)  Make available for purchase by any district school board any diagnostic, criterion-referenced, or other tests that they may develop.

(5)  Furnish the instructional materials offered by them at a price in the state which, including all costs of transportation to their depositories, shall not exceed the lowest price at which they offer such instructional materials for adoption or sale to any state or school district in the United States.

(6)  Reduce automatically the price of the instructional materials to any district school board to the extent that reductions are made elsewhere in the United States.

(7)  Provide any instructional materials free of charge in the state to the same extent as they are provided free of charge to any state or school district in the United States.

(8)  Guarantee that all copies of any instructional materials sold in this state will be at least equal in quality to the copies of such instructional materials that are sold elsewhere in the United States and will be kept revised, free from all errors, and up-to-date as may be required by the department.

(9)  Agree that any supplementary material developed at the district or state level does not violate the author's or publisher's copyright, provided such material is developed in accordance with the doctrine of fair use.

(10)  Not in any way, directly or indirectly, become associated or connected with any combination in restraint of trade in instructional materials, nor enter into any understanding, agreement, or combination to control prices or restrict competition in the sale of instructional materials for use in the state.

(11)  Maintain or contract with a depository in the state.

(12)  For the core subject areas specified in s. 1006.40(2), maintain in the depository for the first 2 years of the contract an inventory of instructional materials sufficient to receive and fill orders.

(13)  For the core subject areas specified in s. 1006.40(2), ensure the availability of an inventory sufficient to receive and fill orders for instructional materials for growth, including the opening of a new school, and replacement during the 3rd and subsequent years of the original contract period.

(14)  For all other subject areas, maintain in the depository an inventory of instructional materials sufficient to receive and fill orders.

(15)  Accurately and fully disclose only the names of those persons who actually authored the instructional materials. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection (17), the commissioner may remove from the list of state-adopted instructional materials those instructional materials whose publisher or manufacturer misleads the purchaser by falsely representing genuine authorship.

(16)  Grant, without prior written request, for any copyright held by the publisher or its agencies automatic permission to the department or its agencies for the reproduction of textbooks and supplementary materials in braille or large print or in the form of sound recordings, for use by visually impaired students or other students with disabilities that would benefit from use of the materials.

(17)  Upon the willful failure of the publisher or manufacturer to comply with the requirements of this section, be liable to the department in the amount of 3 times the total sum which the publisher or manufacturer was paid in excess of the price required under subsections (5) and (6) and in the amount of 3 times the total value of the instructional materials and services which the district school board is entitled to receive free of charge under subsection (7).

History.--s. 313, ch. 2002-387.

1006.39  Production and dissemination of educational materials and products by department.--

(1)  Educational materials and products developed by or under the direction of the department, through research and development or other efforts, including those subject to copyright, patent, or trademark, shall be made available for use by teachers, students, administrators, and other appropriate persons in the state system of education at the earliest practicable date and in the most economical and efficient manner possible.

(2)  To accomplish this objective, the department may publish, produce, or have produced educational materials and products and make them readily available for appropriate use in the state system of education. The department may charge an amount adequate to cover the essential cost of producing and disseminating such materials and products in the state system of education and may sell copies for educational use to private schools in the state and to the public.

(3)  All proceeds from the sale of educational materials and products shall be remitted to the Chief Financial Officer and shall be kept in a separate fund to be known as the "Educational Media and Technology Trust Fund" and, when properly budgeted as approved by the Legislature and the Executive Office of the Governor, used to pay the cost of producing and disseminating educational materials and products.

(4)  In cases in which the educational materials or products are of such nature, or the circumstances are such, that it is not practicable or feasible for the department to produce or have produced materials and products so developed, it may, after review and approval by the Department of State, license, lease, assign, sell, or otherwise give written consent to any person, firm or corporation for the manufacture or use thereof, on a royalty basis, or for such other consideration as the department finds proper and in the best interest of the state. The department shall protect educational materials and products against improper or unlawful use or infringement and enforce the collection of any sums due for the manufacture or use thereof by any other party.

(5)  The department shall not enter into the business of producing or publishing textbooks, or the contents therein, for general use in classrooms.

History.--s. 314, ch. 2002-387; s. 1953, ch. 2003-261.

1006.40  Use of instructional materials allocation; instructional materials, library books, and reference books; repair of books.--

(1)  On or before July 1 each year, the commissioner shall certify to each district school superintendent the estimated allocation of state funds for instructional materials, computed pursuant to the provisions of s. 1011.67 for the ensuing fiscal year.

(2)(a)  Each district school board must purchase current instructional materials to provide each student with a textbook or other instructional materials as a major tool of instruction in core courses of the appropriate subject areas of mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, reading, and literature for kindergarten through grade 12. Such purchase must be made within the first 2 years of the effective date of the adoption cycle. Unless specifically provided for in the General Appropriations Act, the cost of instructional materials purchases required by this paragraph shall not exceed the amount of the district's allocation for instructional materials, pursuant to s. 1011.67, for the previous 2 years.

(b)  The requirement in paragraph (a) does not apply to contracts in existence before April 1, 2000, or to a purchase related to growth of student membership in the district or for instructional materials maintenance needs.

(3)(a)  Each district school board shall use the annual allocation for the purchase of instructional materials included on the state-adopted list, except as otherwise authorized in paragraphs (b) and (c). No less than 50 percent of the annual allocation shall be used to purchase items which will be used to provide instruction to students at the level or levels for which the materials are designed.

(b)  Up to 50 percent of the annual allocation may be used for the purchase of instructional materials, including library and reference books and nonprint materials, not included on the state-adopted list and for the repair and renovation of textbooks and library books.

(c)  District school boards may use 100 percent of that portion of the annual allocation designated for the purchase of instructional materials for kindergarten, and 75 percent of that portion of the annual allocation designated for the purchase of instructional materials for first grade, to purchase materials not on the state-adopted list.

(4)  The funds described in subsection (3) which district school boards may use to purchase materials not on the state-adopted list shall be used for the purchase of instructional materials or other items having intellectual content which assist in the instruction of a subject or course. These items may be available in bound, unbound, kit, or package form and may consist of hardbacked or softbacked textbooks, replacements for items which were part of previously purchased instructional materials, consumables, learning laboratories, manipulatives, electronic media, computer courseware or software, and other commonly accepted instructional tools as prescribed by district school board rule. The funds available to district school boards for the purchase of materials not on the state-adopted list may not be used to purchase electronic or computer hardware even if such hardware is bundled with software or other electronic media, nor may such funds be used to purchase equipment or supplies. However, when authorized to do so in the General Appropriations Act, a school or district school board may use a portion of the funds available to it for the purchase of materials not on the state-adopted list to purchase science laboratory materials and supplies.

(5)  Each district school board shall adopt rules, and each district school superintendent shall implement procedures, that will assure the maximum use by the students of the authorized instructional materials.

(6)  District school boards may issue purchase orders subsequent to February 1 in an aggregate amount which does not exceed 20 percent of the current year's allocation, and subsequent to April 1 in an aggregate amount which does not exceed 90 percent of the current year's allocation, for the purpose of expediting the delivery of instructional materials which are to be paid for from the ensuing year's allocation.

(7)  In any year in which the total instructional materials allocation for a school district has not been expended or obligated prior to June 30, the district school board shall carry forward the unobligated amount and shall add it to the next year's allocation.

History.--s. 315, ch. 2002-387.

1006.41  Disposal of instructional materials.--

(1)  Instructional materials that have become unserviceable or surplus or are no longer on state contract may be disposed of, under adopted rule of the district school board, by:

(a)  Giving or lending the materials to other public education programs within the district or state, to the teachers to use in developing supplementary teaching materials, to students or others, or to any charitable organization, governmental agency, home education students, private school, or state.

(b)  Selling the materials to used book dealers, recycling plants, pulp mills, or other persons, firms, or corporations upon such terms as are most economically advantageous to the district school board.

(2)  The district school board may prescribe by rule the manner for destroying instructional materials that cannot be disposed of as provided in subsection (1).

(3)  All moneys received for the sale, exchange, or other disposition of instructional materials shall be deposited in the district school fund and added to the district appropriation for instructional materials.

(4)  Instructional materials which have been sold, exchanged, lost, destroyed, or damaged and for which proper charges have been assessed and collected, and instructional materials which have been destroyed by fire or storm damage or by order of a competent health officer or the district school superintendent, shall be dropped from the record of instructional materials for which, as provided by law, district school boards are held responsible.

History.--s. 316, ch. 2002-387.

1006.42  Responsibility of students and parents for instructional materials.--

(1)  All instructional materials purchased under the provisions of this part are the property of the district school board. When distributed to the students, these instructional materials are on loan to the students while they are pursuing their courses of study and are to be returned at the direction of the school principal or the teacher in charge. Each parent of a student to whom or for whom instructional materials have been issued, is liable for any loss or destruction of, or unnecessary damage to, the instructional materials or for failure of the student to return the instructional materials when directed by the school principal or the teacher in charge, and shall pay for such loss, destruction, or unnecessary damage as provided by law.

(2)  Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit parents from exercising their right to purchase instructional materials from the district school board.

History.--s. 317, ch. 2002-387.

1006.43  Expenses; budget request.--

(1)  The commissioner shall include in the department's annual legislative budget a request for funds in an amount sufficient to provide the necessary expense for:

(a)  The instructional materials committees.

(b)  Instructional materials for use by partially sighted students.

(c)  Other specific and necessary state expenses with regard to the instructional materials program.

(2)  The department may arrange for distribution adopted textbooks which are prepared in various media for the use of partially sighted children enrolled in the Florida schools.

History.--s. 318, ch. 2002-387.

1006.50  Student handbooks.

1006.51  Student ombudsman office.

1006.52  Student records.

1006.53  Religious observances.

1006.54  Universities; public documents distributed to libraries.

1006.55  Law libraries of certain institutions of higher learning designated as state legal depositories.

1006.56  Specified university publications; activities; trust funds.

1006.57  Certain books furnished by Clerk of Supreme Court.

1006.58  Collections management for museums and galleries of state universities.

1006.59  The Historically Black College and University Library Improvement Program.

1006.60  Codes of conduct; disciplinary measures; rulemaking authority.

1006.61  Participation by students in disruptive activities at public postsecondary educational institution; penalties.

1006.62  Expulsion and discipline of students of community colleges and state universities.

1006.63  Hazing prohibited.

1006.65  Safety issues in courses offered by public postsecondary educational institutions.

1006.66  Regulation of traffic at universities.

1006.67  Report of campus crime statistics.

1006.68  HIV and AIDS policy.

1006.69  Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B.

1006.70  Sponsorship of athletic activities similar to those for which scholarships offered; rulemaking.

1006.71  Gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.

1006.50  Student handbooks.--

(1)  Each community college and state university shall compile and update annually a student handbook that includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive calendar that emphasizes important dates and deadlines, student rights and responsibilities, appeals processes available to students, and a roster of contact persons within the administrative staff available to respond to student inquiries.

(2)  Each student handbook shall list the legal and institution-specific sanctions that will be imposed upon students who violate the law or institutional policies regarding controlled substances and alcoholic beverages.

(3)  Each student handbook shall provide information related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) education or identify sites from which AIDS education information may be obtained.

History.--s. 320, ch. 2002-387.

1006.51  Student ombudsman office.--

(1)  There is created at each community college and state university a student ombudsman office, which is accountable to the president.

(2)  Each institution must have an established procedure by which a student may appeal to the office of the ombudsman a decision that is related to the student's access to courses and credit granted toward the degree. Detailed information concerning this procedure must be included in the institution's catalog.

(3)  Each community college and state university shall develop minimum standards for the role of ombudsman or student advocate. The standards shall address the issue of notification of students of opportunities for assistance or appeal.

History.--s. 321, ch. 2002-387.

1006.52  Student records.--

(1)  Each university may prescribe the content and custody of records and reports which the university may maintain on its students. Such records are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and are open to inspection only as provided in s. 1002.22.

(2)  Rules of the State Board of Education may prescribe the content and custody of records and reports which a community college may maintain on its students. Such records are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and are open to inspection only as provided in s. 1002.22.

History.--s. 322, ch. 2002-387.

1006.53  Religious observances.--Each public postsecondary educational institution shall adopt a policy in accordance with rules of the State Board of Education which reasonably accommodates the religious observance, practice, and belief of individual students in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work assignments. Each policy shall include a grievance procedure by which a student who believes that he or she has been unreasonably denied an educational benefit due to his or her religious belief or practices may seek redress. Such policy shall be made known to faculty and students annually in inclusion in the institution's handbook, manual, or other similar document regularly provided to faculty and students.

History.--s. 323, ch. 2002-387.

1006.54  Universities; public documents distributed to libraries.--The general library of each state university may receive copies of reports of state officials, departments, and institutions and all other state documents published by the state. Each officer of the state empowered by law to distribute such public documents may transmit without charge, except for payment of shipping costs, the number of copies of each public document desired upon requisition from the librarian. It is the duty of the library to keep public documents in a convenient form accessible to the public. The library, under rules formulated by the university board of trustees, is authorized to exchange documents for those of other states, territories, and countries.

History.--s. 324, ch. 2002-387.

1006.55  Law libraries of certain institutions of higher learning designated as state legal depositories.--

(1)  The law libraries of the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida International University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Stetson University, Nova University, and the University of Miami are designated as state legal depositories.

(2)  Each officer of the state empowered by law to distribute legal publications may transmit, upon payment of shipping costs or cash on delivery, to the state legal depositories copies of such publications as requested. However, the number of copies transmitted shall be limited to:

(a)  Eight copies of each volume of General Acts and each volume of Special Acts to each of the state legal depositories;

(b)  Up to a maximum number of each volume of the Florida Statutes and each supplement volume, computed on the basis of one set for every 10 students enrolled during the school year, based upon the average enrollment as certified by the registrar; and

(c)  One copy of each journal of the House of Representatives and each journal of the Senate to each state legal depository.

(3)  It is the duty of the librarian of any depository to keep all public documents in a convenient form accessible to the public.

(4)  The libraries of all community colleges are designated as state depositories for the Florida Statutes and supplements published by or under the authority of the state; these depositories each may receive upon request one copy of each volume without charge, except for payment of shipping costs.

History.--s. 325, ch. 2002-387.

1006.56  Specified university publications; activities; trust funds.--

(1)  Subject to the approval of the appropriate university, the Florida Law Review, the Florida State University Law Review, the Florida State University Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law, the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy, and the Florida International Law Journal of the University of Florida are authorized to engage in the following activities relating to their respective publications, notwithstanding the contrary provision of any statute, rule, or regulation of the state or its subdivisions or agencies:

(a)  The grant of reprint rights relating to any or all issues of the Florida Law Review, the Florida State University Law Review, the Florida State University Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law, the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy, or the Florida International Law Journal of the University of Florida, or any of the materials, articles, or ideas contained therein;

(b)  The sale for adequate consideration of any or all past or future stock and inventory of published issues of the Florida Law Review, the Florida State University Law Review, the Florida State University Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law, the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy, or the Florida International Law Journal of the University of Florida, or portions thereof; and

(c)  The retention of the proceeds obtained under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) together with all moneys received by the Florida Law Review or the Florida State University Law Review from current or future subscriptions, sale of individual issues, sale of advertising, binding service, royalties, donations, and all other sources except direct or indirect appropriations from the state, its subdivisions, or agencies.

(2)  Moneys retained by the Florida Law Review pursuant to this section shall be placed in a trust fund to be known as the Florida Law Review Trust Fund. Moneys retained by the Florida State University Law Review pursuant to this section shall be placed in a trust fund to be known as the Florida State University Law Review Trust Fund. Moneys retained by the Florida State University Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law pursuant to this section shall be placed in a trust fund to be known as the Florida State University Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law Trust Fund. Moneys retained by the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy pursuant to this section shall be placed in a trust fund to be known as the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy Trust Fund. Moneys retained by the Florida International Law Journal of the University of Florida pursuant to this section shall be placed in a trust fund to be known as the Florida International Law Journal of the University of Florida Trust Fund. Such trust funds shall be used to pay or supplement the payment of printing costs or other costs incident to the publication of the respective law reviews and law journals and shall be administered by the dean of each college of law or his or her faculty designee.

(3)  Printing of such publications shall be let upon contract to the lowest responsive bidder, in accordance with s. 283.33, except when the additional costs incurred in changing from the current printer to the new low bidder exceed the savings reflected in the bid prices. Such additional costs shall not exceed 10 percent of the lowest bid price.

History.--s. 326, ch. 2002-387.

1006.57  Certain books furnished by Clerk of Supreme Court.--

(1)  The Clerk of the Supreme Court of the state shall furnish the State Board of Education three bound copies of each volume of the Florida Supreme Court Reports as the same are issued and published for the use of the schools of law of the University of Florida, the Florida State University, Florida International University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

(2)  The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall transmit to said schools of law any law books coming into his or her possession for the Supreme Court which are not necessary for said court. The clerk of said court shall furnish said Supreme Court Reports and said surplus law books without cost to said law schools.

History.--s. 327, ch. 2002-387.

1006.58  Collections management for museums and galleries of state universities.--

(1)  State universities may enter into contracts or agreements with or without competitive bidding, as appropriate, for the restoration of objects of art, art history, or natural history in their collections or for the purchase of objects of art, art history, or natural history which are to be added to their collections.

(2)  State universities may sell any art, art history, or natural history object in their museum or gallery collections if the university determines that it is no longer appropriate for the collection. The proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the Acquisition, Restoration, and Conservation Trust Fund or other appropriate trust fund of the university. Each state university museum or gallery shall function entirely separate from every state university museum or gallery. State universities also may exchange any art, art history, or natural history object which the university museums or galleries judge is of equivalent or greater value to their museums or galleries.

(3)  No employee, representative, or agent of a university shall receive a commission, fee, or financial benefit in connection with the sale or exchange of a work of art, art history, or natural history, nor may he or she be a business associate of any individual, firm, or organization involved in the sale or exchange.

(4)(a)  Each university may establish an Acquisition, Restoration, and Conservation Trust Fund or utilize an appropriate existing trust fund.

(b)  The president of each university may delegate the following authority to the museum or gallery directors and governing bodies of the museums or galleries:

1.  To enter into contracts for the restoration or purchase of art, art history, or natural history objects, with or without competitive bidding, as appropriate.

2.  To sell art, art history, or natural history objects in museum or gallery collections, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in the Acquisition, Restoration, and Conservation Trust Fund or other appropriate existing trust fund.

3.  To exchange art, art history, or natural history objects of equal or greater value with any other state university.

History.--s. 328, ch. 2002-387.

1006.59  The Historically Black College and University Library Improvement Program.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature to enhance the quality of the libraries at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Bethune-Cookman College, Edward Waters College, and Florida Memorial College.

(2)  There is created the Historically Black College and University Library Improvement Program to be administered by the Department of Education. The primary objectives of the program shall be to increase each library's holdings by 500 to 1,000 books per year, to increase library use by students and faculty, and to enhance the professional growth of librarians by providing inservice training. At least 50 percent of library acquisitions shall be in the humanities, with the balance to be in all other disciplines. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide general revenue funds each year to support this program.

(3)  Each institution shall submit to the State Board of Education a plan for enhancing its library through the following activities:

(a)  Each institution shall increase the number of volumes by purchasing replacement books and new titles. Funds shall not be used to purchase periodicals or nonprint media. The goal of these purchases is to meet the needs of students and faculty in disciplines that have recently been added to the curriculum, in traditional academic fields that have been expanded, or in academic fields in which rapid changes in technology result in accelerated obsolescence of related library holdings.

(b)  A committee composed of librarians and faculty at each institution shall assess the adequacy of library holdings in all academic areas. The committee shall develop a list of resources that need to be replaced. Based on its assessment of the current collection, the committee shall develop a prioritized list of recommended acquisitions and shall submit such list to the college or university president.

History.--s. 329, ch. 2002-387.

1006.60  Codes of conduct; disciplinary measures; rulemaking authority.--

(1)  Each community college and state university may adopt, by rule, codes of conduct and appropriate penalties for violations of rules by students, to be administered by the institution. Such penalties, unless otherwise provided by law, may include: reprimand; restitution; fines; withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with rules, completion of any student judicial process or sanction, or payment of fines; restrictions on the use of or removal from campus facilities; community service; educational requirements; and the imposition of probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.

(2)  Each community college and state university may adopt, by rule, a code of conduct and appropriate penalties for violations of rules by student organizations, to be administered by the institution. Such penalties, unless otherwise provided by law, may include: reprimand; restitution; suspension, cancellation, or revocation of the registration or official recognition of a student organization; and restrictions on the use of, or removal from, campus facilities.

(3)  Sanctions authorized by such codes of conduct may be imposed only for acts or omissions in violation of rules adopted by the institution, including rules adopted under this section, rules of the State Board of Education, county and municipal ordinances, and the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state.

(4)  Each community college and state university may establish and adopt, by rule, codes of appropriate penalties for violations of rules governing student academic honesty. Such penalties, unless otherwise provided by law, may include: reprimand; reduction of grade; denial of academic credit; invalidation of university credit or of the degree based upon such credit; probation; suspension; dismissal; or expulsion. In addition to any other penalties that may be imposed, an individual may be denied admission or further registration, and the institution may invalidate academic credit for work done by a student and may invalidate or revoke the degree based upon such credit if it is determined that the student has made false, fraudulent, or incomplete statements in the application, residence affidavit, or accompanying documents or statements in connection with, or supplemental to, the application for admission to or graduation from the institution.

(5)  Each community college and state university shall adopt rules for the lawful discipline of any student who intentionally acts to impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the institution. Said rules may apply to acts conducted on or off campus when relevant to such orderly conduct, processes, and functions.

History.--s. 330, ch. 2002-387.

1006.61  Participation by students in disruptive activities at public postsecondary educational institution; penalties.--

(1)  Any person who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state of attendance at any public postsecondary educational institution shall, by attending such institution, be deemed to have given his or her consent to the policies of that institution, the State Board of Education, and the laws of this state. Such policies shall include prohibition against disruptive activities at public postsecondary educational institutions.

(2)  After it has been determined that a student of a state institution of higher learning has participated in disruptive activities, such student may be immediately expelled from the institution for a minimum of 2 years.

History.--s. 331, ch. 2002-387.

1006.62  Expulsion and discipline of students of community colleges and state universities.--

(1)  Each student in a community college or state university is subject to federal and state law, respective county and municipal ordinances, and all rules and regulations of the State Board of Education or board of trustees of the institution.

(2)  Violation of these published laws, ordinances, or rules and regulations may subject the violator to appropriate action by the institution's authorities.

(3)  Each president of a community college or state university may, after notice to the student of the charges and after a hearing thereon, to expel, suspend, or otherwise discipline any student who is found to have violated any law, ordinance, or rule or regulation of the State Board of Education or of the board of trustees of the institution. A student may be entitled to waiver of expulsion:

(a)  If the student provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any of his or her accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or principals or of any other person engaged in violations of chapter 893 within a state university or community college;

(b)  If the student voluntarily discloses his or her violations of chapter 893 prior to his or her arrest; or

(c)  If the student commits himself or herself, or is referred by the court in lieu of sentence, to a state-licensed drug abuse program and successfully completes the program.

History.--s. 332, ch. 2002-387.

1006.63  Hazing prohibited.--

(1)  As used in this section, "hazing" means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. Such term includes, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity which would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.

(2)  Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions whose students receive state student financial assistance must adopt a written antihazing policy and under such policy must adopt rules prohibiting students or other persons associated with any student organization from engaging in hazing.

(3)  Public and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions must provide a program for the enforcement of such rules and must adopt appropriate penalties for violations of such rules, to be administered by the person at the institution responsible for the sanctioning of such organizations.

(a)  Such penalties at community colleges and state universities may include the imposition of fines; the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines; and the imposition of probation, suspension, or dismissal.

(b)  In the case of an organization at a community college or state university which authorizes hazing in blatant disregard of such rules, penalties may also include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property or to otherwise operate under the sanction of the institution.

(c)  All penalties imposed under the authority of this subsection shall be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of any of the criminal laws of this state or for violation of any other rule of the institution to which the violator may be subject.

(4)  Rules adopted pursuant hereto shall apply to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing.

(5)  Upon approval of the antihazing policy of a community college or state university and of the rules and penalties adopted pursuant thereto, the institution shall provide a copy of such policy, rules, and penalties to each student enrolled in that institution and shall require the inclusion of such policy, rules, and penalties in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the institution.

History.--s. 333, ch. 2002-387.

1006.65  Safety issues in courses offered by public postsecondary educational institutions.--

(1)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of students, instructional personnel, and visitors who participate in courses offered by a public postsecondary educational institution.

(2)  Such policies and procedures shall be guided by industry standards for practices in the course content area and shall conform with all related and relevant state and federal health and safety requirements.

History.--s. 335, ch. 2002-387.

1006.66  Regulation of traffic at universities.--

(1)  As defined under this section:

(a)  "Traffic," when used as a noun, means the use or occupancy of, and the movement in, on, or over, streets, ways, walks, roads, alleys, and parking areas by vehicles, pedestrians, or ridden or herded animals.

(b)  "Adjacent municipality" means a municipality which is contiguous or adjacent to, or which contains within its boundaries all or part of the grounds of, a university; except that, if the grounds of a university are not within or contiguous to a municipality, "adjacent municipality" means the county seat of the county which contains within its boundaries all or part of the grounds of the university.

(c)  "Grounds" includes all of the campus and grounds of the university, whether it be the campus proper or outlying or noncontiguous land of the university within the county.

(d)  "Law enforcement officers" include municipal police, patrol officers, traffic officers, sheriffs, deputies, highway patrol officers, and county traffic officers assigned to duty on the grounds of the university; campus police, traffic officers, guards, parking patrollers, and other noncommissioned personnel designated for traffic purposes by the university; and other law enforcement officers as defined in s. 943.10(1).

(e)  "University traffic infraction" means a noncriminal violation of university parking and traffic rules which is not included under s. 318.14 or s. 318.17 or any municipal ordinance, which is not punishable by incarceration, and for which there is no right to trial by jury or to court-appointed counsel.

(f)  "Traffic authority" means an individual or a group of individuals at each university, authorized and appointed by the president of the university to adjudicate university traffic infractions.

(2)  Each university board of trustees shall adopt rules that govern traffic on the grounds of the university; that provide penalties for the infraction of such traffic rules; and that the university finds necessary, convenient, or advisable for the safety or welfare of the students, faculty members, or other persons. Copies of the rules shall be posted at the university on public bulletin boards where notices are customarily posted, filed with the city clerk or corresponding municipal or county officer, and made available to any person requesting same. When adopted, the rules shall be enforceable as herein provided. All ordinances of the adjacent municipality relating to traffic that are not in conflict or inconsistent with the traffic rules adopted by the individual university shall extend and be applicable to the grounds of the university. The provisions of chapter 316 shall extend and be applicable to the grounds of the university, and the rules adopted by the individual university shall not conflict with any section of that chapter.

(3)  Any person who violates any of those rules adopted by the individual institution shall be deemed to have committed a university traffic infraction and shall be fined or penalized as provided by the rules adopted by the institution. Any person who violates any traffic regulation enumerated in chapter 316 shall be charged, and the cause shall proceed, in accordance with chapters 316 and 318.

(4)  A person charged with a university traffic infraction shall elect the option prescribed in paragraph (a) or the option prescribed in paragraph (b). If neither option is exercised within the prescribed time by the person charged with a university traffic infraction, an additional fine or penalty may be assessed, and shall be payable, in accordance with the rules of the university.

(a)  The person charged may pay the applicable infraction fine, either by mail or in person, within the time period specified in the rules of the individual university. A schedule of infraction fines applicable to each university shall be adopted by the university.

(b)  The person charged may elect to appear before the university traffic authority for administrative determination pursuant to procedures enumerated in the rules of such university.

(5)  Each university is authorized to approve the establishment of a university traffic authority to hear violations of traffic rules. In such cases as come before the authority, the university traffic authority shall determine whether the person is guilty or not guilty of the charge. In the case of a finding of guilt, the authority shall, in its discretion, impose an appropriate penalty pursuant to subsection (3).

(6)  This section shall provide the exclusive procedures for the adjudication of university traffic infractions.

(7)  Moneys collected from parking assessments and infraction fines shall be deposited in appropriate funds and shall be used to defray the administrative and operating costs of the traffic and parking program at the institution, to provide for additional parking facilities on campus, or for student loan purposes.

History.--s. 336, ch. 2002-387.

1006.67  Report of campus crime statistics.--

(1)  Each postsecondary educational institution shall prepare an annual report of campus crime statistics for submission to the Department of Education. The data for these reports may be taken from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Annual Report. The Department of Education shall prescribe the format for institutional submission.

(2)  Each postsecondary institution shall prepare a report of crime statistics as reported under subsection (1) for the most recent 3-year period. The report shall be updated annually. The institution shall give notice that this report is available upon request.

(3)  The Commissioner of Education shall convey the reports required by this section to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives no later than March 1 of each year.

History.--s. 337, ch. 2002-387.

1006.68  HIV and AIDS policy.--Each community college and state university shall develop a comprehensive policy that addresses the provision of instruction, information, and activities regarding human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Such instruction, information, or activities shall emphasize the known modes of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, signs and symptoms, associated risk factors, appropriate behavior and attitude change, and means used to control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

History.--s. 338, ch. 2002-387.

1006.69  Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B.--

(1)  A postsecondary educational institution shall provide detailed information concerning the risks associated with meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B and the availability, effectiveness, and known contraindications of any required or recommended vaccine to every student, or to the student's parent if the student is a minor, who has been accepted for admission.

(2)  An individual enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution who will be residing in on-campus housing shall provide documentation of vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B unless the individual, if the individual is 18 years of age or older, or the individual's parent, if the individual is a minor, declines the vaccinations by signing a separate waiver for each of these vaccines, provided by the institution, acknowledging receipt and review of the information provided.

(3)  This section does not require any postsecondary educational institution to provide or pay for vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B.

History.--s. 339, ch. 2002-387.

1006.70  Sponsorship of athletic activities similar to those for which scholarships offered; rulemaking.--

(1)  If a district school board sponsors an athletic activity or sport that is similar to a sport for which a community college or state university offers an athletic scholarship, it must sponsor the athletic activity or sport for which a scholarship is offered. This section does not affect academic requirements for participation or prevent the districts or community colleges from sponsoring activities in addition to those for which scholarships are provided.

(2)  If a community college sponsors an athletic activity or sport that is similar to a sport for which a state university offers an athletic scholarship, it must sponsor the athletic activity or sport for which a scholarship is offered.

(3)  Two athletic activities or sports that are similar may be offered simultaneously.

(4)  If the level of participation is insufficient to warrant continuation of an athletic activity or sport, the school may offer an alternative athletic activity or sport.

(5)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section, including rules that determine which athletic activities are similar to sports for which public postsecondary educational institutions offer scholarships.

History.--s. 340, ch. 2002-387.

1006.71  Gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.--

(1)  GENDER EQUITY PLAN.--

(a)  Each community college and state university shall develop a gender equity plan pursuant to s. 1000.05.

(b)  The plan shall include consideration of equity in sports offerings, participation, availability of facilities, scholarship offerings, and funds allocated for administration, recruitment, comparable coaching, publicity and promotion, and other support costs.

(c)  The Commissioner of Education shall annually assess the progress of each institution's plan and advise the State Board of Education regarding compliance.

(d)  Each board of trustees of a public community college or state university shall annually evaluate the presidents on the extent to which the gender equity goals have been achieved.

(e)  To determine the proper level of support for women's athletic scholarships, an equity plan may determine, where appropriate, that support for women's scholarships may be disproportionate to the support of scholarships for men.

(f)  If a community college or state university is not in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Florida Educational Equity Act, the State Board of Education shall:

1.  Declare the institution ineligible for competitive state grants.

2.  Withhold funds sufficient to obtain compliance.

The institution shall remain ineligible and the funds shall not be paid until the institution comes into compliance or the Commissioner of Education approves a plan for compliance.

(2)  FUNDING.--

(a)  An equitable portion of all separate athletic fees shall be designated for women's intercollegiate athletics.

(b)  The level of funding and percentage share of support for women's intercollegiate athletics shall be determined by the State Board of Education. The level of funding and percentage share attained in the 1980-1981 fiscal year shall be the minimum level and percentage maintained by each institution, except as the State Board of Education otherwise directs for the purpose of assuring equity. Consideration shall be given by the State Board of Education to emerging athletic programs at institutions which may not have the resources to secure external funds to provide athletic opportunities for women. It is the intent that the effect of any redistribution of funds among institutions shall not negate the requirements as set forth in this section.

(c)  In addition to the above amount, an amount equal to the sales taxes collected from admission to athletic events sponsored by a state university shall be retained and utilized by each university to support women's athletics.

(3)  STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.--The State Board of Education shall assure equal opportunity for female athletes and establish:

(a)  Guidelines for reporting of intercollegiate athletics data concerning financial, program, and facilities information for review by the State Board of Education annually.

(b)  Systematic audits for the evaluation of such data.

(c)  Criteria for determining and assuring equity.

History.--s. 341, ch. 2002-387.