News Article

New Law Applies to Colleges, Universities

Jun 8, 2012

It’s everyone’s job to protect our children. And that sentiment became Florida law as Governor Rick Scott signed a new bill that mandates all public and private colleges and universities in the state of Florida must report known or suspected child abuse, abandonment or neglect committed on College property or at College events or functions. Failure to follow this law can result in a $1 million fine. It was one of four he signed during ceremonies held today at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

“We fully support this new law and are already planning to educate our administrators, faculty, staff and students well before it goes into effect,” said J. Dudley Goodlette, Interim District President, Edison State College. “It is our job to do all we can to provide a safe learning environment for all of our students.”

The law goes into effect October 1, 2012.

About the New Law

Earlier this year, House Bill 1355 by Representative Chris Dorworth and its companion bill, Senate Bill 1816 by Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto were filed during the state legislative session following the child sexual abuse scandal that rocked Pennsylvania State University.  Administrators failed to report the suspected child abuse to the authorities, thus allowing it to continue against many victims.

As a result, Florida leaders were determined that should such terrible acts occur in one of Florida’s institutions of higher education -- public or private -- there would be mandatory reporting of the abuse or suspected abuse. There would also be significant penalties for the institution if a failure to report was proven. The law now mandates a $1,000,000 fine for each failure to report, applying to both institutional administrators and the institution’s law enforcement agency, if applicable.

Last Updated: June 8, 2012