DeSantis Signs Law Allowing Armed Training for Florida Child Care Workers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law expanding the state's school guardian program to allow child care center employees to undergo a 144-hour training course enabling them to carry firearms at work. This legislation aims to enhance school security in response to past tragedies like the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with 53 counties currently participating in the program. The law also revises school door locking requirements to address concerns from sheriffs, allowing temporary locks and adjusting safety protocols to balance security with practicality. Additionally, DeSantis signed House Bill 279, known as the "anti-swatting" bill, which increases penalties for false 911 reports, including felony charges when such reports cause serious harm or death. Another bill, HB 1099, grants police officers discretion over immediate arrests in healthcare and assisted living facilities. These measures collectively reflect Florida's broader efforts to improve public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.