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 managers for youth sports teams based in Florida, meaning teams primarily practicing and competing within the state. Independent sanctioning authorities, which are organizations that oversee sports leagues or events, are now recognized as qualified entities for the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, a system for checking criminal histories. This allows these authorities to potentially exempt certain individuals, like referees or those under 18, from full background checks if they meet specific criteria, such as passing a Level 1 screening and being supervised by a fully screened coach. The bill also requires qualified entities to designate a user administrator to manage compliance with data security and privacy laws for background checks and revises how the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse releases records, particularly for independent sanctioning authorities compliant with federal safe sport laws. Furthermore, it clarifies that individuals whose criminal history records have been expunged (legally removed) or sealed (kept confidential) generally do not have to disclose them, but exceptions exist for certain professions and situations, including screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. The bill also reenacts existing laws concerning the dissemination of criminal justice information, self-defense expunction, and diversion program expunction to reflect these changes, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services, Justice

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

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