Florida Legislature Sends Key Bills to Governor
In a significant move, the Florida Legislature has forwarded approximately 60 bills to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration. Among these is a notable bill that could change the previously mandated start times for high schools across the state.
Originally, a 2023 law required high schools to commence classes no earlier than 8:30 a.m. by 2026, aimed at improving sleep for teenagers. However, the new measure (SB 296) seeks to amend this requirement. Many school districts expressed concerns about meeting the deadline due to logistical challenges, including the purchase of additional buses and the hiring of bus drivers, who are already in short supply.
The current proposal, which received unanimous support from the Legislature, permits districts to bypass the start time mandate if they provide reports to the Florida Department of Education. These reports should detail the barriers to later start times and the strategies evaluated to implement such changes for both middle and high schools.
New Regulations for Dangerous Dogs Proposed
Another significant bill (HB 593) heading to the governor’s desk involves strict rules for dogs labeled as dangerous. The proposal mandates that owners of such dogs maintain liability insurance and ensure their pets are microchipped. Additionally, the bill clearly defines dangerous dogs based on specific behavior, like attacking people, and establishes a third-degree felony for removing the microchips.
This legislative effort is in response to a tragic incident in 2022 where Pamela Rock, a 61-year-old mail carrier, was fatally attacked by five dogs in Putnam County. The bill passed unanimously last month as a direct outcome of this incident.
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