TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida lawmakers have begun pre-filing bills impacting education ahead of the January legislative session, addressing issues ranging from teacher oaths to campus road naming and student wages.
Several bills propose significant changes to the state’s education system. House Bill 103 woudl mandate that all Florida teachers take an oath affirming their support for the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, their qualifications for the position, and a commitment to professional, objective instruction. The oath also requires teachers to foster respectful learning environments promoting critical thinking and civic responsibility, and to serve as positive role models.
Another bill, HB 109, seeks to ban corporal punishment in all Florida public schools, prohibiting any school employee from using physical discipline on students.
A more controversial measure, HB 113, would require state universities and Florida College System institutions to name at least one road on campus after conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The bill stipulates that state funding would be withheld from institutions failing to comply. Specific road redesignations proposed in Central Florida include: Gemini Boulevard South at the University of Central Florida becoming Charlie James kirk Boulevard; southwest 26th Street at the College of Central Florida becoming Charlie james Kirk Street; Pinecrest Avenue at Daytona State College becoming Charlie James Kirk Avenue; College Drive at lake-Sumter State College becoming Charlie James Kirk Drive; PSC Access Road at polk State College becoming Charlie James Kirk Road; College Drive at Seminole State College of Florida becoming Charlie James Kirk Street; and Valencia College Drive at Valencia College becoming Charlie James Kirk Drive.
HB 221 proposes allowing college and high school students participating in work-study programs or internships to opt out of receiving the state’s minimum wage, with parental consent required for those under 18. This waiver would be valid for a period of nine months.
