All Roll Calls
Yes: 175 • No: 0
FloridaSB 1122025SenateWALLET
Children with Developmental Disabilities
Sponsored By: Gayle Harrell (Republican)
Signed by Governor
AppropriationEducation Pre-K - 12Fiscal PolicyHouse Calendar
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Longer Early Steps services for children
The law creates an option to continue Early Steps through the start of the school year after a child's fourth birthday. Children must qualify for Early Steps at least 45 days before turning three and qualify for federal special education Part B services. Families must choose continuation before the child's third birthday. Services include school readiness, early reading, language, and math skills. The Department of Health must seek federal approval by July 1, 2026; availability requires federal approval and legislative funding. The department must seek extra federal grants; without them, implementation depends on state funds.
Families face limits on combining services
Children receiving the Early Steps Extended Option cannot also receive federal special education Part B services. They also cannot receive a state scholarship under section 1002.394 while enrolled. A child who leaves the option cannot reenter it.
Free autism screenings through nonprofit grants
The Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program now allows funding for autism screenings, treatment referrals, and related services. Nonprofit groups must provide grant-funded services to the public at no cost. The law does not set grant amounts or guarantee services for everyone.
School transition planning for Early Steps
Local offices must include transition steps in each Extended Option child's family support plan and coordinate services with school districts. Planning must start at least 90 days before the school year following the child's fourth birthday. Offices must notify education officials of the child's exit unless the parent or guardian opts out. A transition meeting requires parent or guardian approval. Families must get written information about other services when an education plan review finds their child no longer Part B-eligible.
Free autism training and educator stipends
Eligible teachers, prekindergarten instructors, and child care staff get a free autism credential, offered in person or online. It builds toward the autism endorsement and requires demonstrated skills in recognizing behaviors, supporting learning, assistive technology, and evidence-based teaching. Completers qualify for a one-time stipend; the General Appropriations Act sets the amount. Qualifying autism-support training counts toward any specialization area for professional certificate renewal. The law also revises certification and renewal training requirements, including science-based literacy for relevant staff, and directs a state curriculum review.
Startup grants for autism-only schools
The law creates startup grants for charter or laboratory schools serving only students diagnosed with autism and classified as exceptional students. Grants can cover facilities, materials, equipment, staffing, transportation, and safety needs. Applicants must show community need, support, sound instructional and funding plans, financial stability, expertise, and legal compliance. Funds require charter approval or a laboratory-school advisory body; priorities include rural or underserved areas, proven operators, and existing facilities. Award amounts depend on annual appropriations, and recipients must report annually on spending, enrollment, outcomes, and challenges.
Summer program grants for autistic children
The law creates annual grants for autistic children whose needs make placement in an unequipped summer camp inappropriate. Programs must run full days for at least four weeks, with structured activities, trained or experienced staff, and safe, inclusive settings. They must meet staffing-ratio rules and offer behavioral, social, therapeutic, and family supports. Grants depend on appropriations; recipients must add other available public funding or private contributions, and awards may require matching funds. Recipients must report within 45 days after the program ends; the law does not promise free attendance.
New center coordinates Florida autism support
The law creates the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment to coordinate research, service information, public awareness, and agencies. It administers autism school and summer grants, publishes grant guidelines, supports applicants, and develops workforce and training strategies. The university cannot charge the center indirect administrative fees. Beginning August 1, 2026, the center must publish a report every August 1. Reports cover the prior year's work, spending, outcomes, grants, and recommendations.
Funding and oversight for extended child services
For fiscal year 2025–2026, the Department of Health receives $720,282 in recurring funds and $35,622 in one-time funds. This supports the Early Steps Extended Option and authorizes six full-time equivalent positions, not direct payments to families. The department's annual report must assess the option using federal special education Part B data. It must report counts and percentages for Part B-eligible children using the option and children found eligible or ineligible for Part B. The Department of Education must share the data needed to assess outcomes and transitions.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Gayle Harrell
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Education Pre-K - 12
Affiliation unavailable
Fiscal Policy
Affiliation unavailable
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/30/2025
House Floor Vote
Yes: 113 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/12/2025
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 38 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Fiscal Policy Vote
Yes: 16 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/18/2025
Education Pre-K - 12 Vote
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter No. 2025-95
5/28/2025Approved by Governor
5/27/2025Signed by Officers and presented to Governor
5/23/2025Ordered enrolled
4/30/2025SenateCS passed; YEAS 113, NAYS 0
4/30/2025HouseRead 3rd time
4/30/2025HouseAdded to Third Reading Calendar
4/30/2025HousePlaced on 3rd reading
4/30/2025HouseRead 2nd time
4/30/2025House1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)
4/29/2025HouseBill added to Special Order Calendar (4/30/2025)
4/29/2025HouseBill referred to House Calendar
4/29/2025HouseIn Messages
3/12/2025HouseImmediately certified -SJ 206
3/12/2025SenateCS passed; YEAS 38 NAYS 0 -SJ 206
3/12/2025SenateRead 3rd time -SJ 206
3/12/2025SenateRead 2nd time -SJ 205
3/12/2025SenateCS/CS by Fiscal Policy read 1st time
3/10/2025SenatePlaced on Special Order Calendar, 03/12/25
3/10/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar, on 2nd reading
3/10/2025SenatePending reference review -under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
3/10/2025SenateCS/CS by- Fiscal Policy; YEAS 16 NAYS 0
3/6/2025SenateCS by Education Pre-K - 12 read 1st time
3/4/2025SenateIntroduced
3/4/2025SenateOn Committee agenda-- Fiscal Policy, 03/06/25, 9:00 am, 412 Knott Building
3/3/2025Senate
Bill Text
er
5/27/2025
c2
3/10/2025
c1
2/20/2025
Filed
2/5/2025