TALLAHASSEE — Jan. 13, 2026
The Florida Senate Education Pre-K–12 Committee approved three
education bills Tuesday, advancing measures related to autism-related
teacher training requirements, physical education options for students
with disabilities, and required classroom portrait displays.
All three bills were reported favorably and move forward in the
legislative process.
SB 206: Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement Requirement
The committee unanimously approved SB 206, sponsored by Sen. Gayle Harrell, which revises state law governing continuing education and in-service training for teachers working with students with autism spectrum disorder.
The bill requires—rather than authorizes—the State Board of Education to adopt rules that would require a K–12 teacher who teaches a class with at least 50% of students having autism spectrum disorder to hold an Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement.
The bill also directs the rules to include an exception if a teacher:
- Holds an endorsement in Severe or Profound Disabilities,
- Has taught students with autism spectrum disorder for a minimum of three years, and
- Has been rated highly effective in the preceding three-year period.
SB 420: Patriotic Displays in Classrooms
The committee approved SB 420, sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess, which amends section 1003.44, Florida Statutes, governing patriotic programs and displays in public schools.
The bill adds a new requirement directing each district school board to adopt rules mandating the display of portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in a conspicuous place in:
- Classrooms primarily used for social studies instruction, and
- All kindergarten through grade 5 classrooms.
Under the bill, the Florida Department of Education would be responsible for selecting the portraits and making them available to each school district.
SB 556: Special Olympics as Physical Education Requirement Alternative
The committee unanimously approved SB 556, sponsored by Sen. Lori Berman, providing that students with disabilities may use Special Olympics participation as a course substitution to meet the physical education requirement for a standard high school diploma.
Participation would be for one school year, as determined by the student’s IEP team.
What Passed, What’s Next
All three measures received favorable votes in the Education Pre-K–12 Committee and advance to their next committee of reference.