Two bills have been filed in the Florida Senate and House that will help protect children from involuntary psychiatric examinations, called a Baker Act. These bills would amend the law so that schools must contact a parent or a legal guardian to notify them that their child is in danger of being sent for an involuntary psychiatric examination so that they may take appropriate measures in time. In creating this protection, the state would be prevented from infringing on the fundamental rights of a parent to be involved in any involuntary examination of their child. This change is also in alignment with a provision in the Baker Act law that the "help of willing family" can be taken into consideration as a solution instead of taken the child into custody.

Both bills have now unanimously passed their first committee hearings!

These bills must get get through a series of hearings before they can become law. All of the petition signatures are making a difference! Please continue to share this petition and thank you for your help and support!