Bill > H1069

This bill modifies existing laws related to background screenings for individuals involved in youth athletics and other sensitive positions. It redefines "athletic coach" to include referees and clarifies that a "team based in this state" primarily practices and competes within Florida. Independent sanctioning authorities, which are organizations that oversee youth sports, will be considered qualified entities for participating in the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, a system for checking individuals' backgrounds. While generally requiring background screenings for athletic coaches, the bill allows for certain exemptions for individuals under 18 or referees if they undergo a Level 1 screening and are supervised by a qualified coach, and it also clarifies that certain sealed or expunged (meaning removed from public record) criminal history records cannot be used to deny employment or licensure in specific sensitive roles, including those involving children, the disabled, or the elderly, and expands the list of entities that can access this information for screening purposes. Additionally, qualified entities that conduct background checks must now designate a user administrator to manage compliance with privacy laws, and the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse will have revised procedures for releasing records. The bill also reenacts certain provisions to ensure they align with these updated background screening and record access rules, with most changes taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services, Justice

Health & Human Services Committee (House), Judiciary Committee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1069