Bill enabling ‘patriotic organizations’ to teach and recruit students heads to governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill to allow youth “patriotic organizations” teach and speak with students, as well as encourage involvement, will head to the governor for final consideration.

Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, sponsored HB 1317, which the House passed with a 111-0 vote. Sen. Tom Wright, R-Port Orange, sponsored the Senate version of the bill.

The bill enables a designated representative from a patriotic group the chance to engage with students and distribute educational materials within classroom settings during school hours and instructional periods, according to the bill text.

The bill aims to encourage student involvement in the patriotic organization and its initiatives, while also informing them about how the organization can enhance their educational pursuits, civic engagement, and contribute positively to their school, community and personal growth.

Duggan explained an amendment to the bill, which was added by the Senate. He said it adds three additional patriotic organizations which include little league baseball, the U.S. Marine Corps. League, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, questioned if other people who “claim that they’re patriots, such as the Proud Boys,” would be able to “use the legislation” to come into schools and talk to children.

Duggan explained the legislation is “specifically limited” to nine patriotic organizations by specific reference to the federal code sections that identify them as a patriotic organization.

The six other patriotic organizations, previously specified by Duggan, include the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Future Farmers of America, and the Civil Air Patrol.

The amendment also adds that a school district is required to notify parents or guardians of each patriotic organization’s expected presentation and provide the option to withhold consent for their child to participate in such presentation, according to Duggan.

Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, thanked Duggan for the addition of parental consent into the legislation, as it was initially a “major concern” for her.

Furthermore, the amendment adds the prohibition of a school district to discriminate against the patriotic organization in the use of any school building or property if the organization’s activities occur outside of the school day.

The bill will head to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.