A measure seeking to standardize and strengthen school safety requirements across Florida unanimously passed its final Senate committee Wednesday, advancing provisions that would impose new training standards for school security personnel, enhance emergency communication systems, and expand oversight of threat management practices.

The measure, SB 1470, sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess, cleared the Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy without opposition. The proposal builds on prior school safety reforms in the wake of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and incorporates recommendations from the statewide commission established in its aftermath.

“Every Florida student deserves to feel safe at school. And every parent should be able to put their children on the school bus, or drop them off at school in the morning, without worrying about whether or not they will make it home that evening,” said Burgess. “Safety should never be left up to chance. Strengthened security measures across Florida schools will foster a safer environment for students to learn. By improving coordination and creating more uniformity with how protocols are implemented, we can bolster campus protections and further prioritize the safety of both students and staff. Every year we are incorporating lessons learned and looking for improvements. Florida families expect us to get this right. We can’t and we won’t let them down.”

Under the bill, all school security guards, including those contracted by private schools, must undergo training through the Guardian Program operated by county sheriffs. The program requires participants to complete 144 hours of training, including firearm proficiency, active shooter response, and de-escalation techniques. Guards must pass a psychological evaluation, drug testing, and ongoing annual qualifications. A sheriff’s approval is required before any guard may be assigned to a school.

The legislation also mandates uniform reporting requirements to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Sheriffs must report the certification and training status of each school guardian or security guard, while school districts, charter schools, and security agencies must submit appointment and separation dates. FDLE will maintain a centralized database and is authorized to remove individuals with expired credentials.

The Department of Education would be required to establish a statewide, interoperable emergency alert system integrating panic alarms and digital campus maps for all public and charter schools, intended to provide real-time situational awareness for first responders during emergencies.

Additionally, the proposal refines school lockdown policies. Requirements that all campus gates and classroom doors remain locked would apply specifically during “school supervision hours,” defined as the school day and a reasonable time before and after when staff are present.

The legislation further directs the Office of Safe Schools to convene a workgroup of law enforcement, education, and emergency response stakeholders to develop recommendations for a potential Florida Institute of School Safety. Findings must be submitted to the Governor and legislative leadership by Jan. 1, 2026.

“Over the last several years, the Legislature has partnered with local school districts and law enforcement to determine steps we can take to keep our schools safe. With input from parents, teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement, including Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who chairs the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, this legislation builds on our track record of continuous improvement in school safety,” said Senate President Ben Albritton. “A secure school environment is vital to academic success for our students. Strengthening school safety training requirements will help safeguard students and faculty and give families peace of mind that their children are safe during the school day.”

If approved by the full Legislature, the bill would take effect July 1.