Bipartisan Florida School Safety Law Co-Sponsored by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky Takes Effect July 1

by Sharon Aron Baron May 22, 2025

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Bipartisan Florida School Safety Law Co-Sponsored by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky Takes Effect July 1 1

State Rep Christine Hunschofsky.

A new bipartisan school safety law co-sponsored by State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) is set to take effect on July 1, continuing Florida’s push to strengthen protections for students and staff across the state.

The bill, SB 1470, was signed into law this week. Sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) and in the House by Rep. Brad Yeager (R-New Port Richey) and Rep. Hunschofsky, the legislation enhances multiple areas of school safety. It builds upon the Guardian Program—named in honor of Marjory Stoneman Douglas staff members Chris Hixon, Aaron Feis, and Scott Beigel—by expanding participation to child care centers, allowing them the option to bolster security for their youngest students.

In addition to expanding the Guardian Program, the new law requires the Office of Safe Schools to create a stakeholder workgroup responsible for making recommendations for a Florida Institute of School Safety. The goal is to develop programs and functions aimed at improving statewide safety standards in educational settings.

The legislation also directs the Florida Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Management Services, to create a centralized safety system that integrates digital school maps with panic alert systems. The system’s implementation will depend on funding appropriated by the Legislature.

Another key provision mandates that all substitute teachers be fully informed of a school’s safety protocols and procedures before their first day in the classroom. The law also expands the hours during which school perimeter security and locked access policies are enforced, now covering 30 minutes before the school day begins until 30 minutes after it ends.

Rep. Hunschofsky, who served as mayor of Parkland at the time of the 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, said this new law is another meaningful step toward making schools safer while preserving a positive learning environment.

“Florida knows the importance of school safety all too well,” Hunschofsky said. “This new law ensures that every substitute teacher is prepared from day one, should a crisis situation arise. Additionally, it supports common sense safety protocols on campus while also allowing students the opportunity to have a positive high school experience.”

Rep. Yeager echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the bill’s commitment to both security and student well-being. “This bill builds upon past legislation to secure our campuses while providing a positive school campus experience for our students,” he said.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.