S 1472

Florida Senate - 2026  SB 1472
By Senator Bernard
24-01454A-26  20261472__
1A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to required instruction; amending s.
31003.42, F.S.; providing requirements for instruction
4on the study of Hispanic contributions to the United
5States; providing an effective date.
6
7Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
8
9Section 1. Paragraph (q) of subsection (2) of section
101003.42, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
111003.42 Required instruction.—
12(2) Members of the instructional staff of the public
13schools, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education
14and the district school board, shall teach efficiently and
15faithfully, using the books and materials required that meet the
16highest standards for professionalism and historical accuracy,
17following the prescribed courses of study, and employing
18approved methods of instruction, the following:
19(q) The study of Hispanic contributions to the United
20States. Such instruction must include:
211. For grades K through 2, Hispanic American holidays,
22symbols, and traditions; Hispanic Americans who have made
23significant contributions to the country; how Hispanic Americans
24fit into the broader American social fabric; and the importance
25of respect, fairness, and kindness to all people.
262. For grades 3 through 5, Spanish exploration of the New
27World; the role of Hispanic leaders in the defense of the United
28States; influences of Hispanic culture in American life;
29Hispanic Americans who have excelled in the arts and sciences,
30business, and education; Hispanic Americans who have
31demonstrated perseverance, courage, and civic responsibility;
32and how fairness, hard work, and equality strengthen democracy.
333. For grades 6 through 8, the impact of Spanish
34colonization and Hispanic communities on the growth of the
35United States; how United States expansion affected Hispanic
36populations; Hispanic contributions during significant periods
37of United States history; how Hispanic Americans overcame
38barriers to achieve equality and opportunity; how Hispanic
39American experiences reflect the nation’s founding principles of
40liberty and equality; how prejudice, racism, and stereotyping
41limit individual freedoms; and how recognition of freedoms helps
42overturn unjust laws.
434. For grades 9 through 12, the role of Hispanic people in
44United States exploration, colonization, and expansion; Hispanic
45American participation in major United States conflicts;
46Hispanic American contributions to United States economic
47growth; the influence of Hispanic leaders in advancing civil
48rights; Hispanic American contributions to art, music,
49literature, science, and education; how Hispanic identity has
50evolved within American society; how hard work, merit, and
51responsibility align with the pursuit of happiness and success;
52instances where Hispanic Americans’ freedoms were infringed upon
53and how those injustices were addressed; Hispanic American
54contributions to civic life and governance; and stories of
55Hispanic Americans who prospered through perseverance and
56innovation.
57
58The State Board of Education is encouraged to adopt standards
59and pursue assessment of the requirements of this subsection.
60Instructional programming that incorporates the values of the
61recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and that is
62offered as part of a social studies, English Language Arts, or
63other schoolwide character building and veteran awareness
64initiative meets the requirements of paragraph (u).
65Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.