Bill > S1286

This bill modifies Florida's legal definitions of child harm and child neglect to provide clearer guidelines about what constitutes inappropriate care or endangerment of children. Specifically, the bill clarifies that certain independent activities by children, such as walking or bicycling to school, playing outdoors, or staying home alone for a reasonable time, do not automatically constitute neglect or harm, unless the caregiver's actions are considered reckless or willfully dangerous. The bill expands the definition of harm to include more nuanced considerations about a child's age, injury location, and potential risks, while also specifying types of physical injuries that might indicate abuse. The legislation also updates the legal language around neglect to emphasize that caregivers must provide essential care and supervision, but allows for age-appropriate independence. Additionally, the bill ensures that these updated definitions are consistently referenced in related sections of Florida statutes concerning child protection, including definitions used in contexts like parental consent for abortion and juvenile justice. The changes aim to provide more precise legal standards for determining child welfare and protect parents who allow reasonable independence for their children.

Budget and Finance

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1286