Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation expanding Florida’s school safety framework to public colleges and universities, including by allowing higher education institutions to participate in the state’s armed guardian program.
The measure was signed in Miami during the 5th Annual Commissioner’s Summit on school safety and security. DeSantis said the bill builds on policies adopted after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
“We’ve made historic strides to implement school safety measures that are working to protect our schools. Today, I was proud to build on these efforts by signing HB 757, which enhances campus security requirements and best practices at our colleges and universities throughout Florida,” DeSantis said. “We can have the highest academic standards, the strongest workforce programs, and the most innovative pathways for students, but must also continue our focus on the safety of our students and educators.”
The law expands the Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis and Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program to Florida’s public postsecondary institutions. The program allows trained individuals to serve as armed guardians on campus after completing screening and training through local sheriffs’ offices.
Guardians must undergo background checks, psychological evaluations, drug screenings and at least 144 hours of training.
The bill also requires public colleges and universities to create active assailant response plans, establish threat management teams and develop family reunification procedures for emergencies. Another provision makes it a second-degree felony to discharge a weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, with exceptions for circumstances such as lawful self-defense.