Ingoglia files bill to seek mandatory school employer notification of risk protection orders

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, filed legislation to seek mandatory employer notification when an employee of a school district has a risk protection order issued against them.

A risk protection order temporarily removes firearms and ammunition from those who “pose a danger to themselves or others.”

A similar bill was filed by Rep. John Paul Temple, R-Wildwood, in the House.

The bill, also titled Stratton’s Law, requires instructional personnel to disclose to an employer any prior arrests and any criminal records that were expunged.

If the court issues a risk protection order, the court must “require that the petitioner immediately notify the respondent’s employer or entity of service of the issuance of such risk protection order if the respondent meets the criteria and the court must notify the respondent of such notice requirement,” according to the bill text.

In a press release, Ingoglia said mental health is a “serious issue in our communities.”

“Individuals with serious mental health issues, who have threatened harm to themselves or others, have no place in our classrooms. This common sense piece of legislation will keep our children, students and school campuses safe,” Ingoglia said.

If passed, this act would go into effect July 1, 2024.