JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require school districts to remove employees from classroom contact within 24 hours of being notified about certain arrests. 

This comes after a string of misconduct allegations at schools across Duval County. The bill was introduced by State Sen. Clay Yarborough.

Tuesday Douglas Anderson School of the Arts notified parents about a part-time staffer who was removed following allegations of inappropriate conduct during a previous school year. Details remain limited as the investigation is active, and the staffer has not been identified.

The proposed legislation would require school district employees to self-report arrests for certain offenses within 48 hours. Districts would then have 24 hours to remove those employees from student contact.

“I don’t see why it’s not already there,” said Brett Frykberg, a Duval County parent. “Even if it’s a false accusation, it’s still important to pull them out away from students and rumors and things like that. As a parent, I don’t want my child anywhere near someone that’s been accused of that until it’s been proven that it’s not them.”

Frykberg emphasized the importance of parents having open conversations with their children about safety.

“It’s a scary world, especially with a daughter who’s ten in fourth grade,” he said. “It’s important that she knows that her body is her body.”

While many parents support the bill’s intent, some stress the need for thorough investigations.

“They need to do a very deep investigation because teachers can be accused, probably with no reason, so it’s good to see both sides of this story,” said Jane Figueroa. 

Figueroa and her son Gabriel recently moved to Jacksonville from South America.

Despite learning about these concerns as they settle into their new community, the family remains hopeful about the education system.

“I feel safe honestly here, and I hope it continues that way,” Gabriel said.

The bill passed unanimously in the state Senate last week and is now before the Florida House. First Coast News reached out to Duval County Public Schools for comment on the bill. We have not heard back yet.