Senate committee advances bill requiring Florida public universities to post clear threat-reporting procedures

The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education voted to report CS for Senate Bill 176 favorably after adopting a staff-drafted amendment that narrows the requirement to conduct against persons and defined credible threats.

Senator Shirley Polsky, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure fills a gap in campus guidance after “a serious incident in which a faculty member feared for their safety and struggled to identify the appropriate reporting path.” She said the bill’s aim is transparency: institutions must identify “a point of coordination, establish clear internal and external reporting protocols, outline available protective measures, and provide timely updates to affected individuals.”

The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that the procedures address conduct against persons and credible threats. Chair Harrell asked whether the law would require public posting of contact names and numbers for students as well as staff; Senator Polsky replied the requirement covers students, faculty, staff and visitors but does not prescribe a specific publicity method, leaving implementation details to institutions.

Chair Harrell and several members framed the bill as a necessary step for higher education after noting similar concerns in K–12 settings, while stressing 911 remains available for immediate emergencies. After brief discussion the committee proceeded to a roll call; Senators Bracy Davis, Claudio, Leake, Vice Chair Bradley and Chair Harrell recorded support and Chair Harrell announced CS for SB 176 will be reported favorably.

What happens next: the committee’s favorable report advances the bill to the next committee or to the calendar under Senate rules. Implementation details — such as whether institutions must publish specific telephone numbers or an online portal — were left to each institution’s discretion under the bill language.