Florida Senate - 2025                       CS for CS for SB 112
       
       
        
       By the Committees on Fiscal Policy; and Education Pre-K - 12;
       and Senator Harrell
       
       
       
       
       594-02157-25                                           2025112c2
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to children with developmental
    3         disabilities; amending s. 381.9855, F.S.; revising the
    4         scope of the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti
    5         Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to
    6         allow grant funds to be used for screenings, referrals
    7         for treatment, and related services for autism;
    8         amending s. 391.302, F.S.; revising applicability of
    9         definitions to conform to changes made by the act;
   10         defining the term “department”; amending s. 391.308,
   11         F.S.; revising requirements for the annual grant
   12         application submitted by the Department of Health for
   13         the Early Steps Program to conform to changes made by
   14         the act; creating s. 391.3081, F.S.; providing
   15         legislative intent; providing a purpose for the Early
   16         Steps Extended Option; defining the term “child”;
   17         requiring the department to seek federal approval for
   18         the Early Steps Extended Option; requiring the
   19         department, jointly with the Department of Education,
   20         to develop or amend any rule, policy, procedure,
   21         written agreement, or contract necessary to implement
   22         the Early Steps Extended Option; requiring the
   23         department to seek additional federal grant funds for
   24         implementation of the Early Steps Extended Option;
   25         authorizing the department to implement the Early
   26         Steps Extended Option regardless of certain federal
   27         funding; requiring local program offices of the Early
   28         Steps Program to include certain steps for transition
   29         in the individualized family support plan for each
   30         child served by the Early Steps Extended Option;
   31         specifying eligibility criteria for a child’s
   32         enrollment in the Early Steps Extended Option;
   33         providing that a child becomes ineligible to reenter
   34         the Early Steps Extended Option upon exiting;
   35         requiring local school districts, in conjunction with
   36         local program offices, to notify a child’s parent or
   37         legal guardian of his or her rights under certain
   38         circumstances; requiring local program offices to take
   39         specified steps for transitioning children out of the
   40         Early Steps Extended Option within a specified
   41         timeframe before they age out; requiring local program
   42         offices, in conjunction with local school districts,
   43         to modify or develop, as applicable, individual
   44         education plans with specified elements for such
   45         children; requiring local program offices and local
   46         school districts to provide specified written
   47         information to a child’s parent or legal guardian if
   48         the child is determined ineligible for school district
   49         program services; requiring the department to include
   50         a performance assessment of the Early Steps Extended
   51         Option in a specified annual report; specifying
   52         requirements for such assessment; providing an
   53         appropriation; creating s. 1003.5711, F.S.; providing
   54         legislative findings and intent; requiring the
   55         University of Florida Center for Autism and
   56         Neurodevelopment to oversee certain grants; requiring
   57         the center to develop guidelines for grant
   58         administration; providing eligibility requirements for
   59         grant applicants; providing that grants may be used
   60         for specified purposes; authorizing the center to
   61         prioritize grant allocations for specified purposes;
   62         requiring grant recipients to submit a specified
   63         report; creating s. 1003.5712, F.S.; providing
   64         legislative findings and purpose; requiring the
   65         University of Florida Center for Autism and
   66         Neurodevelopment to fund specialized summer programs
   67         for children with autism spectrum disorder; requiring
   68         the center to publish guidelines for grant
   69         applications; requiring the center to provide
   70         technical assistance to grant applicants and
   71         recipients; providing eligibility requirements for the
   72         specialized summer programs; authorizing the center to
   73         set maximum grant amounts; requiring grant recipients
   74         to submit a report to the center within a specified
   75         timeframe; creating s. 1004.551, F.S.; creating the
   76         University of Florida Center for Autism and
   77         Neurodevelopment; providing duties of the center;
   78         requiring the center to develop an autism micro
   79         credential; providing requirements for the micro
   80         credential; providing a stipend as determined in the
   81         General Appropriations Act; requiring the center to
   82         administer stipends; requiring the center to publish
   83         on its website an annual report; prohibiting the host
   84         state university from charging certain fees to the
   85         center; amending s. 1012.582, F.S.; requiring the
   86         Commissioner of Education to review specified
   87         curricula by a specified date; requiring the
   88         commissioner to report findings and recommendations to
   89         the Legislature; amending s. 1012.585, F.S.; revising
   90         the process for the renewal of professional
   91         certificates to include training in the knowledge and
   92         skills required to support students with autism;
   93         providing an effective date.
   94          
   95  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   96  
   97         Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
   98  381.9855, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
   99         381.9855 Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health
  100  Care Screening and Services Grant Program; portal.—
  101         (1)(a) The Department of Health shall implement the Dr. and
  102  Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and
  103  Services Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to expand
  104  access to no-cost health care screenings or services for the
  105  general public facilitated by nonprofit entities. The department
  106  shall do all of the following:
  107         1. Publicize the availability of funds and enlist the aid
  108  of county health departments for outreach to potential
  109  applicants at the local level.
  110         2. Establish an application process for submitting a grant
  111  proposal and criteria an applicant must meet to be eligible.
  112         3. Develop guidelines a grant recipient must follow for the
  113  expenditure of grant funds and uniform data reporting
  114  requirements for the purpose of evaluating the performance of
  115  grant recipients. The guidelines must require grant funds to be
  116  spent on screenings, including referrals for treatment, if
  117  appropriate, or related services for one or more of the
  118  following:
  119         a. Hearing.
  120         b. Vision.
  121         c. Dental.
  122         d. Cancer.
  123         e. Diabetes.
  124         f. Renal disease.
  125         g. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  126         h. Hypertension.
  127         i. Heart disease.
  128         j. Stroke.
  129         k. Scoliosis.
  130         l. Autism.
  131         Section 2. Section 391.302, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  132  read:
  133         391.302 Definitions.—As used in ss. 391.301-391.3081 ss.
  134  391.301-391.308, the term:
  135         (1) “Department” means the Department of Health.
  136         (2) “Developmental delay” means a condition, identified and
  137  measured through appropriate instruments and procedures, which
  138  may delay physical, cognitive, communication, social or
  139  emotional, or adaptive development.
  140         (3)(2) “Developmental disability” means a condition,
  141  identified and measured through appropriate instruments and
  142  procedures, which may impair physical, cognitive, communication,
  143  social or emotional, or adaptive development.
  144         (4)(3) “Developmental intervention” or “early intervention”
  145  means individual and group therapies and services needed to
  146  enhance both the infant’s or toddler’s growth and development
  147  and family functioning. The term includes habilitative services
  148  and assistive technology devices, rehabilitative services and
  149  assistive technology devices, and parent support and training.
  150         (5)(4) “Habilitative services and devices” means health
  151  care services and assistive technology devices that help a child
  152  maintain, learn, or improve skills and functioning for daily
  153  living.
  154         (6)(5)Except as otherwise defined for the purposes of s.
  155  391.3081, “infant or toddler” or “child” means a child from
  156  birth until the child’s third birthday.
  157         (7)(6) “Local program office” means an office that
  158  administers the Early Steps Program within a municipality,
  159  county, or region.
  160         (8)(7) “Rehabilitative services and devices” means
  161  restorative and remedial services that maintain or enhance the
  162  current level of functioning of a child if there is a
  163  possibility of improvement or reversal of impairment.
  164         Section 3. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
  165  391.308, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  166         391.308 Early Steps Program.—The department shall implement
  167  and administer part C of the federal Individuals with
  168  Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which shall be known as the
  169  “Early Steps Program.”
  170         (2) DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT.—The department shall:
  171         (a) Annually prepare a grant application to the United
  172  States Department of Education for funding early intervention
  173  services for infants and toddlers with disabilities, from birth
  174  through 36 months of age, and their families pursuant to part C
  175  of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  176         Section 4. Section 391.3081, Florida Statutes, is created
  177  to read:
  178         391.3081 Early Steps Extended Option.—
  179         (1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—The Legislature recognizes that
  180  continuity of care promotes positive outcomes in the learning
  181  and development of infants, toddlers, and children. It is the
  182  intent of the Legislature to offer families of children with
  183  developmental delays or disabilities a choice for such children
  184  to continue services in the Early Steps Program beyond the age
  185  of 3 years old.
  186         (2) PURPOSE.—
  187         (a) The purpose of the Early Steps Extended Option is to
  188  continue enrollment in the Early Steps Program for those
  189  children who are eligible. Therefore, the provisions of s.
  190  391.308 are maintained and incorporated in the Early Steps
  191  Extended Option.
  192         (b)For the purposes of this section, “child” means a child
  193  from birth until the beginning of the school year following the
  194  child’s fourth birthday, as provided in 34 C.F.R. s.
  195  303.211(a)(2)(ii).
  196         (3) DUTIES.—
  197         (a) The department shall:
  198         1. Submit its application for federal approval to extend
  199  eligibility for services under part C of the federal Individuals
  200  with Disabilities Education Act no later than July 1, 2026.
  201         2.Jointly with the Department of Education, develop or
  202  amend any rule, policy, procedure, written agreement, or
  203  contract necessary to implement the Early Steps Extended Option
  204  in accordance with state law and part C of the federal
  205  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  206         3.Seek additional federal grant funds, as available, for
  207  the implementation of the Early Steps Extended Option, including
  208  a state incentive grant. However, the department may implement
  209  the Early Steps Extended Option regardless of the availability
  210  or acceptance of supplemental federal grant funds, contingent
  211  upon the appropriation of state funds.
  212         (b)As part of the individualized family support plan for
  213  each child served under the Early Steps Extended Option, a local
  214  program office shall include steps for a child to transition to
  215  part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
  216  Act or other future services by the beginning of the school year
  217  following the child’s fourth birthday.
  218         (4) ELIGIBILITY.—The department must apply the following
  219  eligibility criteria if specific funding is provided in the
  220  General Appropriations Act:
  221         (a)All of the following criteria must be met for a child
  222  to continue receiving Early Steps Program services under the
  223  Early Steps Extended Option:
  224         1.The child must be determined eligible for early
  225  intervention services through the Early Steps Program at least
  226  45 days before the child’s third birthday.
  227         2.The child must be determined eligible for services under
  228  part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
  229  Act.
  230         3.Before the child’s third birthday, the family must
  231  choose to continue services through the Early Steps Extended
  232  Option, which shall include an educational component to promote
  233  school readiness and incorporate pre-literacy, language, and
  234  numeracy skills.
  235         (b)A child becomes ineligible to reenter the Early Steps
  236  Extended Option upon exiting the program. If a family chooses to
  237  exit the Early Steps Extended Option before the beginning of the
  238  school year following the child’s fourth birthday, the local
  239  school district, in conjunction with the local program office,
  240  must notify the child’s parent or legal guardian of his or her
  241  rights under part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities
  242  Education Act.
  243         (c) A child may not receive services under part B of the
  244  federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act while
  245  receiving services through the Early Steps Extended Option.
  246         (d)A child may not receive a state scholarship under s.
  247  1002.394 while receiving services through the Early Steps
  248  Extended Option.
  249         (5) TRANSITION TO EDUCATION.—
  250         (a)At least 90 days before the beginning of the school
  251  year following the fourth birthday of a child enrolled in the
  252  Early Steps Extended Option, the local program office shall
  253  initiate transition planning to ensure the child’s successful
  254  transition from the Early Steps Extended Option to a school
  255  district program under part B of the federal Individuals with
  256  Disabilities Education Act or to another program as part of an
  257  individual family support plan. Specifically, the local program
  258  office shall:
  259         1.Notify the Department of Education and the local school
  260  district in which the child resides that the eligible child is
  261  exiting the Early Steps Extended Option, unless the child’s
  262  parent or legal guardian has opted out of such notification; and
  263         2.Upon approval by the child’s parent or legal guardian,
  264  convene a transition conference that includes participation of a
  265  local school district representative and the parent or legal
  266  guardian to discuss options for and availability of services.
  267         (b)The local program office, in conjunction with the local
  268  school district, shall modify a child’s individual family
  269  support plan, or, if applicable, the local school district shall
  270  develop or review an individual education plan for the child
  271  pursuant to ss. 1003.57, 1003.571, and 1003.5715 which
  272  identifies special education or related services that the child
  273  will receive and the providers or agencies that will provide
  274  such services.
  275         (c)If a child is found to be no longer eligible for part B
  276  of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  277  during the review of an individual education plan, the local
  278  program office and the local school district must provide the
  279  child’s parent or legal guardian with written information on
  280  other available services or community resources.
  281         (6) ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING.—The department shall include
  282  a performance assessment of the Early Steps Extended Option in
  283  the annual report specified in s. 391.308(5).
  284         (a) The assessment must include:
  285         1.The number and percentage of children eligible under
  286  part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
  287  Act who receive services through the Early Steps Extended
  288  Option.
  289         2.The number and percentage of children determined
  290  eligible to receive services under part B of the federal
  291  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  292         3.The number and percentage of children determined
  293  ineligible to receive services under part B of the federal
  294  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  295         (b) The Department of Education shall provide to the
  296  department data necessary for the evaluation of the Early Steps
  297  Program and the Early Steps Extended Option, including, but not
  298  limited to, the number and percentage of children who are
  299  referred by either program and who elect to receive services
  300  under part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities
  301  Education Act.
  302         Section 5. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the recurring sum
  303  of $720,282 and the nonrecurring sum of $35,622 are appropriated
  304  from the General Revenue Fund, and six full-time equivalent
  305  positions are authorized, to the Department of Health for the
  306  purpose of implementing the Early Steps Extended Option as
  307  created by this act.
  308         Section 6. Section 1003.5711, Florida Statutes, is created
  309  to read:
  310         1003.5711Startup grant for autism charter schools.—
  311         (1)LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.
  312         (a)The Legislature finds that students identified as
  313  having autism spectrum disorder may require highly specialized
  314  educational environments and resources to achieve their full
  315  potential.
  316         (b)It is the intent of the Legislature to support the
  317  creation of schools exclusively serving this population by
  318  providing startup funding to offset the costs of developing and
  319  implementing these specialized programs.
  320         (2)ADMINISTRATION.—
  321         (a)The University of Florida Center for Autism and
  322  Neurodevelopment shall oversee the application, evaluation, and
  323  distribution of grants under this section.
  324         (b)The center shall develop guidelines for grant
  325  administration, including:
  326         1.Application procedures and deadlines.
  327         2.Criteria for program eligibility and funding priorities.
  328         3.Reporting and accountability standards for grant
  329  recipients.
  330         4. A preapproval process to assist applicants with planning
  331  in the charter school application process under s. 1002.33(6)
  332  and (7).
  333         (3)ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND USE OF FUNDS.—
  334         (a)The guidelines developed by the center must, at a
  335  minimum, require applicants, before approval for a startup
  336  grant, to:
  337         1.Demonstrate intent, in accordance with guidelines
  338  developed by the center, to establish or expand a charter school
  339  pursuant to s. 1002.33, or a laboratory school under s. 1002.32,
  340  to serve exclusively students diagnosed with autism spectrum
  341  disorder and classified as exceptional students under s.
  342  1003.01(9).
  343         2.Provide evidence of community need and stakeholder
  344  support, which may include letters of intent to enroll from
  345  families or organizations.
  346         3.Submit a detailed plan outlining:
  347         a. Instructional methods and proposed support services,
  348  including evidence-based practices for students with autism.
  349         b. Family engagement and strategies for coordinating
  350  necessary services for students outside of school hours and as
  351  students transition to adulthood.
  352         c. Anticipated startup costs and a budget for use of grant
  353  funds.
  354         d. Strategies for leveraging other federal and state
  355  funding.
  356         4. Provide evidence of financial stability and programmatic
  357  expertise.
  358         5. Attest to compliance with state and federal laws.
  359         (b)Grants may be used for the following purposes:
  360         1.Facility acquisition, renovation, or modification.
  361         2.Purchase or development of specialized instructional
  362  materials, curriculum, assistive technology, and adaptive
  363  equipment.
  364         3.Recruitment, salaries, and training of staff experienced
  365  in working with students with autism and significant cognitive
  366  disabilities.
  367         4.Student transportation.
  368         5. Ancillary equipment related to student safety.
  369         (4)FUNDING AND GRANT AMOUNTS.—
  370         (a)The grant is subject to legislative appropriation.
  371         (b)The center shall annually determine the maximum grant
  372  amount for each school on the basis of the annual appropriation
  373  in relation to projected applications.
  374         (c)The center may prioritize grants for schools in the
  375  following priority:
  376         1. Programs serving rural and underserved areas.
  377         2. Programs serving other underserved areas.
  378         3. Programs with demonstrable success in establishing and
  379  operating a charter school exclusively for students with autism
  380  and related disorders.
  381         4. Programs that use existing facilities.
  382         (d) An applicant may not receive funds until the applicant
  383  has received approval from a sponsoring entity to operate a
  384  charter school or modify an existing charter pursuant to s.
  385  1002.33(6) and (7), or has established a school advisory body
  386  for a laboratory school in accordance with s. 1002.32(8).
  387         (5)REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.—Grant recipients must
  388  submit an annual report to the Center for Autism and
  389  Neurodevelopment detailing:
  390         (a) How grant funds were expended.
  391         (b) Enrollment and program outcomes following the first
  392  complete school year of operation.
  393         (c) Challenges encountered and recommendations for
  394  improvement.
  395         Section 7. Section 1003.5712, Florida Statutes, is created
  396  to read:
  397         1003.5712 Specialized summer programs for children with
  398  autism and related disorders.—
  399         (1)PURPOSE AND INTENT.—
  400         (a)The Legislature finds that many children with autism
  401  spectrum disorder face challenges during the summer months due
  402  to limited access to extended school year programs, summer
  403  school, and traditional summer camps that can accommodate their
  404  needs.
  405         (b)The purpose of this section is to support specialized
  406  summer programs that provide structured, supportive environments
  407  for these children, ensuring continuity of care, skill
  408  development, and social engagement.
  409         (2)ADMINISTRATION AND GRANTS.—
  410         (a)The University of Florida Center for Autism and
  411  Neurodevelopment shall administer a grant program to fund
  412  specialized summer programs for children with autism spectrum
  413  disorder who have significant emotional or behavior disorders or
  414  cognitive disabilities.
  415         (b)Grants may be awarded annually to eligible entities,
  416  subject to available appropriations.
  417         (c)The center shall develop and publish guidelines for
  418  grant applications, including criteria for program eligibility,
  419  use of funds, and reporting requirements.
  420         (d) The center shall provide technical assistance to grant
  421  applicants and recipients.
  422         (3)PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND STANDARDS.—The guidelines
  423  developed by the center must, at a minimum, require programs to:
  424         (a)Serve children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
  425  for whom placement in a summer camp that is not equipped to
  426  serve such children is inappropriate.
  427         (b)Provide a structured schedule of activities that may
  428  include, but are not limited to:
  429         1. Behavioral and social skill development.
  430         2. Recreational and leisure activities tailored to
  431  individual needs.
  432         3. Therapy-based support, including speech, occupational,
  433  or behavioral therapies, when appropriate.
  434         4. Family support and training workshops.
  435         (c)Employ staff with relevant experience or training in
  436  working with children with autism and severe emotional,
  437  behavioral, or cognitive disorders.
  438         (d)Maintain a safe and inclusive environment, with
  439  appropriate staff-to-participant ratios.
  440         (e)Operate in compliance with all applicable state and
  441  federal laws, including health and safety regulations.
  442         (f) Provide a full-day program for at least 4 weeks.
  443         (g)Leverage other available federal or state funding
  444  sources, including Medicaid waivers, Individuals with
  445  Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal funding, or
  446  private contributions, to supplement state grants.
  447         (4)FUNDING.—
  448         (a)Grants are subject to legislative appropriation.
  449         (b) Grants may be used for any of the following purposes:
  450         1. Facility costs.
  451         2. Staff salaries and training.
  452         3. Curriculum or other instructional or activity costs.
  453         4.Property and liability insurance.
  454         5. Equipment purchase or rental.
  455         6. Transportation for camp participants.
  456         (c)The center shall prioritize awarding grants to programs
  457  that:
  458         1.Serve underserved or rural areas where specialized
  459  summer programs are unavailable.
  460         2.Provide comprehensive support services, including family
  461  involvement and community integration.
  462         (d)The center may set maximum grant amounts and require
  463  matching funds contributions from grant recipients, dependent
  464  upon available funds and projected participation.
  465         (e) In addition to criteria determined by the center, grant
  466  amounts may vary based on the services provided and the duration
  467  of the program.
  468         (5)REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT.—Grant recipients must submit a
  469  report to the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment within 45
  470  days after the conclusion of the summer program detailing:
  471         (a)Program enrollment and participation.
  472         (b)Use of grant funds.
  473         (c)Outcomes related to participant engagement, skill
  474  building, and family satisfaction.
  475         Section 8. Section 1004.551, Florida Statutes, is created
  476  to read:
  477         1004.551 University of Florida Center for Autism and
  478  Neurodevelopment.—There is created at the University of Florida
  479  the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment.
  480         (1) The center shall:
  481         (a) Collaborate with state and local agencies that provide
  482  early intervention, educational, medical, employment, financial,
  483  and daily living services. The center shall also collaborate
  484  with other entities that provide autism research and services,
  485  including, but not limited to, the Florida State University
  486  Autism Institute, each Center for Autism and Related
  487  Disabilities (CARD), the Florida Diagnostic and Learning
  488  Resources System (FDLRS), the Agency for Persons with
  489  Disabilities, the Department of Health, the Department of
  490  Education, and the Department of Children and Families.
  491         (b) Coordinate information and resources related to
  492  research, best practices, training, and public awareness to
  493  better support families of children with autism.
  494         (c) Develop strategies to promote public awareness of the
  495  signs of autism, the importance of early screening, and
  496  interventions and supports available to families. The center
  497  shall assist in the assignment of a toll-free number for autism
  498  support.
  499         (d) Catalog and distribute best practices related to
  500  screening tools, diagnosis, and interventions.
  501         (e) Review and approve applications for specialized summer
  502  programs for children with autism pursuant to s. 1003.5712. The
  503  center shall act as the fiscal agent for grant funds and develop
  504  minimum requirements for the creation of specialized summer
  505  programs.
  506         (f)Develop an autism micro-credential to provide
  507  specialized training in supporting students with autism.
  508         1. The micro-credential must be stackable with the autism
  509  endorsement and be available to:
  510         a. Instructional personnel as defined in s. 1012.01(2);
  511         b. Prekindergarten instructors as specified in ss. 1002.55,
  512  1002.61, and 1002.63; and
  513         c. Child care personnel as defined in ss. 402.302(3) and
  514  1002.88(1)(e).
  515         2.The micro-credential must require participants to
  516  demonstrate competency in:
  517         a.Identifying behaviors associated with autism.
  518         b.Supporting the learning environment in both general and
  519  specialized classroom settings.
  520         c.Promoting the use of assistive technologies.
  521         d.Applying evidence-based instructional practices.
  522         3.The micro-credential must:
  523         a.Be provided at no cost to eligible participants.
  524         b.Be competency-based, allowing participants to complete
  525  the credentialing process either in person or online.
  526         c.Permit participants to receive the micro-credential at
  527  any time during training once competency is demonstrated.
  528         4.Individuals eligible under subparagraph 1. who complete
  529  the micro-credential are eligible for a one-time stipend, as
  530  determined in the General Appropriations Act. The center shall
  531  administer stipends for the micro-credential.
  532         (g) Develop strategies to increase the workforce qualified
  533  to provide autism-related services to children and adults in a
  534  public or private setting.
  535         (h) Develop and catalog professional learning activities
  536  for health care, child welfare, and instructional personnel.
  537         (i) Administer startup grants for autism charter schools
  538  pursuant to s. 1003.5711 and provide technical assistance to
  539  grant applicants and recipients. The center shall also review
  540  access to federal funding sources for establishing charter
  541  schools for students with autism and include in its annual
  542  report recommendations for improving practical access.
  543         (j) Catalog best practices for screening, referral, and
  544  diagnosis; access to therapy services; and other licensed
  545  practitioner services using private and public insurance, to
  546  include access to services in schools.
  547         (k) Beginning August 1, 2026, and each August 1 thereafter,
  548  publish on its website a report detailing activities,
  549  expenditures, and outcomes from the previous year. The report
  550  must include the grants administered by the center and
  551  recommendations for improvement.
  552         (2) The host state university may not charge any indirect
  553  administrative fees to the center.
  554         Section 9. Subsection (5) is added to section 1012.582,
  555  Florida Statutes, to read:
  556         1012.582 Continuing education and inservice training for
  557  teaching students with developmental and emotional or behavioral
  558  disabilities.—
  559         (5) The commissioner shall review the curricula in
  560  continuing education or inservice education of instructional
  561  personnel based on recommendations required under this section.
  562  No later than December 1, 2025, the commissioner shall report to
  563  the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
  564  Representatives on findings and recommendations for updates to
  565  instruction.
  566         Section 10. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
  567  1012.585, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  568         1012.585 Process for renewal of professional certificates.—
  569         (3) For the renewal of a professional certificate, the
  570  following requirements must be met:
  571         (a) The applicant must earn a minimum of 6 college credits
  572  or 120 inservice points or a combination thereof. For each area
  573  of specialization to be retained on a certificate, the applicant
  574  must earn at least 3 of the required credit hours or equivalent
  575  inservice points in the specialization area. Education in
  576  “clinical educator” training pursuant to s. 1004.04(5)(b);
  577  participation in mentorship and induction activities, including
  578  as a mentor, pursuant to s. 1012.56(8)(a); credits or points
  579  that provide training in the knowledge and skills required to
  580  support students with autism; and credits or points that provide
  581  training in the area of scientifically researched, knowledge
  582  based reading literacy grounded in the science of reading,
  583  including explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to
  584  reading instruction, developing phonemic awareness, and
  585  implementing multisensory intervention strategies, and
  586  computational skills acquisition, exceptional student education,
  587  normal child development, and the disorders of development may
  588  be applied toward any specialization area. Credits or points
  589  that provide training in the areas of drug abuse, child abuse
  590  and neglect, strategies in teaching students having limited
  591  proficiency in English, or dropout prevention, or training in
  592  areas identified in the educational goals and performance
  593  standards adopted pursuant to ss. 1000.03(5) and 1008.345 may be
  594  applied toward any specialization area, except specialization
  595  areas identified by State Board of Education rule that include
  596  reading instruction or intervention for any students in
  597  kindergarten through grade 6. Each district school board shall
  598  include in its inservice master plan the ability for teachers to
  599  receive inservice points for supporting students in
  600  extracurricular career and technical education activities, such
  601  as career and technical student organization activities outside
  602  of regular school hours and training related to supervising
  603  students participating in a career and technical student
  604  organization. Credits or points earned through approved summer
  605  institutes may be applied toward the fulfillment of these
  606  requirements. Inservice points may also be earned by
  607  participation in professional growth components approved by the
  608  State Board of Education and specified pursuant to s. 1012.98 in
  609  the district’s approved master plan for inservice educational
  610  training; however, such points may not be used to satisfy the
  611  specialization requirements of this paragraph.
  612         Section 11. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.