summary
Introduced
12/23/2025
12/23/2025
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to child welfare; amending s. 39.01, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “harm” to provide that exposure of a child to a controlled substance may be established by evidence of acute or chronic use of a controlled substance by a parent to a specified extent; revising the definition of the term “neglect” to provide that neglect occurs when there is evidence of acute or chronic use of a controlled substance by a parent to a specified extent; reenacting ss. 39.521(1)(c), 39.6012(1)(c), 39.806(1)(k), 61.13(2)(c), 61.401, 61.402(3), 390.01114(2)(b), 744.309(3), 984.03(24), and 1001.42(8)(c), F.S., relating to disposition hearings and powers of disposition; case plan tasks and services; grounds for termination of parental rights; support of children, parenting and time-sharing, and powers of the court; appointment of guardian ad litem; qualifications of guardians ad litem; the Parental Notice of and Consent for Abortion Act; who may be appointed guardian of a resident ward; definitions; and powers and duties of district school board, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 39.01, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill amends Florida law to broaden the definitions of "harm" and "neglect" concerning children, specifically by including evidence of a parent's acute or chronic use of a controlled substance to a degree that compromises their ability to provide adequate supervision and care, or creates an ongoing threat of intoxication that endangers a child's safety. The bill also reenacts several existing statutes related to child welfare, disposition hearings, case plans, termination of parental rights, child support, guardians ad litem, and parental notice for abortions, to ensure these laws reflect the updated definitions of harm and neglect. These reenacted sections cover various aspects of child protection and legal proceedings, ensuring consistency across different areas of child welfare law. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (Senate)
Last Action
Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/05/26 (on 03/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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