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SB 494

Expanding time frame for certain electioneering communication reporting requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Oliverio and 1 co-sponsor

SB 494 mandates Florida public schools to form SAFE Teams to protect students with disabilities from elopement, ensuring safety plans and training are in place.

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Bill Summary · SB 494

Summary of SB 494 - Student Elopement

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 494
- Title: Student Elopement
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: December 11, 2024
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: K-12 Education

Purpose and Intent

SB 494 aims to enhance the safety of students with disabilities, particularly those at risk of elopement—defined as leaving a designated safe area without authorization. The bill mandates the establishment of a structured response system within public schools to address incidents of elopement, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect vulnerable students.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new section to the Florida Statutes, Section 1003.211, which outlines the following requirements:

  1. Creation of SAFE Teams:

    • Each public school must form a School Staff Assistance for Emergencies (SAFE) Team responsible for developing and implementing a school elopement plan.

  2. Elopement Plan Requirements:

    • The elopement plan must include:
      • Immediate procedures for contacting parents or guardians if a student elopes.
      • Protocols for conducting on-campus searches and contacting emergency services when necessary.

  3. SAFE Team Composition:

    • The SAFE Team will consist of:
      • The school principal and an assistant principal.
      • At least three additional members, including the school resource officer.

  4. Training and Response:

    • The SAFE Team is tasked with:
      • Creating and updating the elopement plan annually.
      • Training all school personnel on the elopement plan and procedures.

  5. Student-Specific Quick Reference Guides:

    • For students prone to elopement, the SAFE Team must develop individualized elopement quick reference guides that include:
      • Identifying information and a current photograph of the student.
      • Communication abilities, interests, and health considerations.
      • Potential locations the student may elope to and any available GPS technology for tracking.

  6. Annual Reporting:

    • Schools are required to submit their elopement plans to the district school board annually.

  7. Rule Adoption:

    • The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt rules for the administration of this section.

Impact

This legislation primarily affects:
- Students with Disabilities: Particularly those with autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disabilities who are at risk of elopement.
- Public Schools: All public schools in Florida will need to implement the provisions of this bill, which may require additional training and resources.

Timeline

  • Effective Date: The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Legislative Actions

  • The bill has undergone several legislative actions, including committee reviews and amendments, but faced challenges in the legislative process, including being postponed and ultimately dying in process in 2025.

This summary provides an overview of SB 494, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on students and schools in Florida.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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