The bill significantly impacts the Florida Statutes relating to risk protection orders and the qualifications necessary for school employees. For instance, it modifies section 790.401 to necessitate notification of a respondent's employer upon the issuance of a risk protection order. Furthermore, it revises section 1012.32, requiring instructional personnel to disclose any prior arrests or criminal records, including those expunged, to their employer. This advancement highlights the legislature's increased focus on ensuring safety within schools by providing stricter regulations on the employment and conduct of school personnel.
House Bill 399 aims to amend existing statutes regarding risk protection orders and the employment qualifications of instructional personnel within Florida schools. The bill introduces requirements that a risk protection order must explicitly state if the respondent is associated with a district school board or if they are employed as instructional staff. Additionally, it mandates that if a court issues such an order, the employer of the respondent must be notified immediately, enhancing the oversight of potentially dangerous individuals within educational environments.
While supporters argue that HB 399 enhances the safety of students by closing potential gaps in employment screening and ensuring that individuals with known risks are not placed in positions of trust, critics may raise concerns regarding privacy and the implications of disclosing expunged records. The effectiveness and enforcement of communication between the courts and employers could also become a focal point of contention, potentially leading to challenges in implementation and ensuring compliance with the outlined requirements.