THE BILL ITSELF
HB 717
Autism Spectrum Disorder
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A bill to be entitled
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An act relating to autism spectrum disorder; amending
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s. 393.063, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
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"autism"; amending s. 1012.582, F.S.; requiring,
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rather than authorizing, the State Board of Education
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to adopt certain rules; requiring that such rules
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include a requirement related to autism spectrum
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disorder for certain K-12 teachers; providing an
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effective date.
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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
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Section 1. Subsection (5) of section 393.063, Florida
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Statutes, is amended to read:
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393.063 Definitions.—For the purposes of this chapter, the
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term:
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(5) "Autism" and "autism spectrum disorder" mean means a
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condition as defined by the most recent edition of the
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Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the
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American Psychiatric Association pervasive, neurologically based
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developmental disability of extended duration which causes
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severe learning, communication, and behavior disorders with age
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of onset during infancy or childhood. Individuals with autism
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exhibit impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment
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in verbal and nonverbal communication and imaginative ability,
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and a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and
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interests.
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Section 2. Subsection (4) of section 1012.582, Florida
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Statutes, is amended to read:
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1012.582 Continuing education and inservice training for
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teaching students with developmental and emotional or behavioral
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disabilities.—
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(4)(a) The State Board of Education shall may adopt rules
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pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this section.
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(b) Such rules must require a K-12 teacher who teaches a
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class with at least 50 percent of students having autism
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spectrum disorder to hold an Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Endorsement.
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(c) Such rules must allow for an exception to the Autism
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Spectrum Disorder Endorsement requirement in paragraph (b) if a
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teacher holds an Endorsement in Severe or Profound Disabilities,
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has taught students with autism spectrum disorder for a minimum
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of 3 years, and has been rated as highly effective in the
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preceding 3-year period pursuant to s. 1012.34.
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Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.