Committee advances bill allowing independent sanctioning authorities in clearinghouse screenings

Representative C C C presented PCS for HB 1069, describing it as a change that "deems an independent sanctioning authority to be a qualified entity for care provider clearing house screening purposes" and that authorizes an athletic coach who has not been screened to work under direct supervision of a screened coach. The sponsor said independent sanctioning authorities include organizations outside school sports, such as Little League.

Members questioned whether the bill would allow people with listed disqualifying offenses to coach under supervision. The sponsor responded that offenses listed in the staff summary (described at pages 3 and 4) remain disqualifying and would bar participation even under supervised arrangements. Representative Hart Lohman asked specifically about returning citizens and whether the bill would allow someone who had no disqualifying charges to return to coaching; the sponsor said he would follow up if further clarification was needed.

Supporters from youth sports and faith and advocacy groups—among them the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Youth Soccer Association—waived in support. The committee recorded 25 yeas, 0 nays and reported PCS for HB 1069 favorably.