TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2013 On Friday, 10 more bills were filed by Florida lawmakers as the 2026 Legislative session approaches.<\/p>\n
These proposals involve rules for schools, flags, criminal statutes, and much more.<\/p>\n
The full list of the new bills filed on Nov. 7 is as follows.<\/p>\n
SB 424<\/a> \u2014 Schools of Hope<\/p>\n Senate Bill 424 deletes provisions of state law that allow Schools of Hope<\/a> to use vacant or underused public school facilities.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 426<\/a> \u2014 Flag Rules<\/p>\n Senate Bill 426 prohibits public schools, state universities, and government buildings from putting up flags that contain designs representing political ideologies, race, gender or sexual orientation.<\/p>\n [BELOW: Teachers may soon have to take this oath if Florida passes new bill]<\/p>\n Any governmental bodies that violate these rules could be liable for fines of $500 per day.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 428<\/a> \u2014 Swimming Vouchers<\/p>\n Senate Bill 428 revises the age limits of the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n Instead of a maximum age limit of 4 years, this bill includes children between 1 and 7 years old.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 430<\/a> \u2014 Teacher Oaths<\/p>\n Senate Bill 430 would require public educators and administrators<\/a> to take the following oath:<\/p>\n \u201cI do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a member of the school personnel in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a member of the school personnel in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and 38 character, so help me God.\u201d<\/p>\n Proposed oath, Senate Bill 430 (2025)<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 432<\/a> \u2014 Controlled Substances<\/p>\n Senate Bill 432 adds 7-Hydroxymitragynine (an opioid chemical found in kratom<\/a>) as a Schedule I controlled substance under state law.<\/p>\n The bill also lays out new criminal charges for those who illegally manufacture or sell xylazine.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on Oct. 1, 2026. However, the 7-Hydroxymitragynine rule would instead take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 434<\/a> \u2014 Property Assessments<\/p>\n Senate Bill 434 would create a new statute relating to property assessments for people\u2019s homes.<\/p>\n Under this bill, these assessments may not consider home changes aimed at improving resistance to wind damage, such as storm shutters, wind-resistant shingles, and gable-end bracing.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 436<\/a> \u2014 Felony Battery<\/p>\n Senate Bill 436 establishes harsher penalties for those who are already convicted of battery and resist an officer with violence.<\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 438<\/a> \u2014 Child Welfare<\/p>\n Senate Bill 438 would amend Florida statutes<\/a> relating to child welfare, listing parricide as an example of abuse.<\/p>\n Under this bill, if a parent attacks or tries to kill his\/her child\u2019s other parent, it would result in a rebuttable presumption that it\u2019s unsafe for the offending parent to visit the child.<\/p>\n As such, a child may be taken into custody and placed in a shelter under this bill if such a situation arises. <\/p>\n If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n SB 440<\/a> \u2014 Health Choices Program<\/p>\n