Florida Senate Advances Bill to Repeal 2026 High School Start Time Mandate

Florida senators are advancing a bill to repeal mandated later start times for high schools, originally set for 2026, despite acknowledging the need for teenagers to get more sleep. The Senate Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Committee approved Senate Bill 296, citing logistical challenges faced by school districts, such as acquiring additional buses and managing after-school activities. Chairman Danny Burgess noted that, while research supports the benefits of later start times, the situation represents a 'collision between research and resources.' The House version of the bill, HB 261, is also under consideration, with House Speaker Daniel Perez stating that opinions vary across the state. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers regarding the impacts on parents and students, particularly those in rural areas who rely on early start times for employment opportunities. The bill's progress reflects ongoing debates about balancing educational research with practical implementation challenges.