Background Screenings

Added a new definition for 'team based in this state' to clarify that a team is in-state if assembled in Florida to compete and primarily practices there.

Added explicit authority for independent sanctioning authorities to allow certain persons to act as coaches or referees without passing standard background screening qualifications under specific circumstances.

Modified the background screening requirements section to include the new definition and expanded authority for exemptions.

Added a specific definition for 'athletic coach' to clarify who is subject to background screening requirements.

Required qualified entities to designate a user administrator for specific purposes related to background screening.

Mandated the Department of Law Enforcement to disclose sealed criminal history records under specified circumstances.

Prohibited entities from denying or failing to acknowledge criminal history records that have been legally expunged or sealed.

Reenacted several existing statutes to incorporate amendments regarding the dissemination of criminal justice information and lawful self-defense expunction.

The bill title and summary were changed to focus exclusively on background screenings for athletic coaches rather than general background screening requirements.

A new provision allows individuals who have not undergone standard background screening to act as athletic coaches if they are under the direct supervision of a coach who has met screening requirements.

A rebuttable presumption was added stating that independent sanctioning authorities are not negligent in authorizing coaches if they complied with background screening requirements.

The bill now explicitly defines independent sanctioning authorities as qualified entities participating in the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.