Bill allowing ‘patriotic organizations’ into schools sails through Senate committee

Tallahassee, FL, USA - February 11, 2022: Florida State Capitol
If passed, the measure would take effect July 1, 2024.

Legislation granting designated “patriotic organizations” more access to students in schools is one step closer to passage.

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee approved HB 1317, which allows patriotic groups to speak with students and pass out materials during school hours or leave displays at schools. 

Which groups are considered “patriotic” in the eyes of the bill? The list names six groups: the mentoring organization Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America, the Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Civil Air Patrol, Future Farmers of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

The bill sailed through the Senate committee Tuesday with little discussion or debate.

Republican Sen. Tom Wright, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said the legislation defines “patriotic organizations” as a “youth membership organization, specified in federal law, that serve young people under the age of 21.”

The bill also gives schools the control to set the date and time when the groups speak to students if the groups give “reasonable notice.”

It also allows the groups to use school buildings after school and says schools aren’t required legally to give “equal time” to other groups.

Parents have the opportunity for their children to opt out.

Staff analysis noted that the bill is meant to help students become more civic-minded and engaged.

“Civic literacy and preparing students to become civically engaged and knowledgeable adults who positively contribute to their communities is a priority of the Florida education system,” the staff analysis said.

The House unanimously passed the bill 118-0.

If approved, the measure would take effect July 1, 2024.

Orange County Schools spokesman Scott Howat attended Tuesday’s hearing and voiced support of the bill, but did not elaborate why. 

“Mr. Howat waived in support of HB 1317 because the bill provides school boards local control over patriotic organizations as defined by law, that have access to our schools,” the district said in a statement sent to Florida Politics.

Gabrielle Russon

Gabrielle Russon is an award-winning journalist based in Orlando. She covered the business of theme parks for the Orlando Sentinel. Her previous newspaper stops include the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Toledo Blade, Kalamazoo Gazette and Elkhart Truth as well as an internship covering the nation’s capital for the Chicago Tribune. For fun, she runs marathons. She gets her training from chasing a toddler around. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter @GabrielleRusson .


6 comments

  • Dont Say FLA

    February 27, 2024 at 1:27 pm

    Social media is bad for kids, but nationalistic propagandists are totally fine and in person, no less.

    This is also one more vector for molesters, both physical and mental varieties, to get at our kids, brought to us by the G0P always claiming to strip adults of their own rights in the name of “do it for the kids.”

    • Christian Nationalist Fort florida

      February 27, 2024 at 6:37 pm

      Your lack of compliance is noted, rebel.

      • Dont Say FLA

        February 27, 2024 at 9:56 pm

        Gracias, Senor.

        Keep standing tall as a TS-13, and always remember: There.. Are.. FOUR… Lights.

  • Michael K

    February 27, 2024 at 2:38 pm

    Will there be uniforms? Brown shirts? That’s what the kids in Germany wore to show their patriotism and allegiance to Herr Fuhrer.

    I guess Florida kids will be saluting the orange Hair Furror.

  • Christian Nationalist Fort florida

    February 27, 2024 at 6:37 pm

    Proud Bois are coming to train your child.

    SUBMIT!

    • Ron Forrest Ron

      February 27, 2024 at 9:59 pm

      Proud Bois are coming to train your child to be come in.

      Because their (current) wives are 350+ lbs and they see no other option with their 30 second tiny D than a coming in a child that doesn’t know any bigger or better and then telling them that’s as good as it gets.

Comments are closed.


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