Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills Thursday that he said would "enhance Florida students' experience."
The first bill he signed at a news conference at a high school in Kissimmee was HB 1317, which allows school districts to bring patriotic organizations to speak to students and encourage their participation and involvement in school extracurricular activities.
DeSantis named the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Big Brother Big Sister, Little League Baseball and Future Farmers of America as some of the organizations.
“I really believe when you’re engaged in extracurricular activities—athletics, some of these other things—that is going to be a net positive for these kids,” said DeSantis. “It’s important to keep kids active.”
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The second bill, HB 931, establishes a statewide school chaplain program.
“School districts and charter schools have the authority to allow volunteer chaplains to be on campus to provide additional counseling and support to students," explained DeSantis.
DeSantis also mentioned that students can receive support from chaplains only if their parents provide written consent to do so.
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Both bills go into effect July 1, 2024.
