Take Action: HB1255

The Florida House of Representatives will be holding a final vote on this education bill on Wednesday, April 23rd. Reach out your State House Rep (See below) and tell them to vote no on this bad bill.

Sponsors: Rep. Dana Trabulsy and Sen. Alexis Calatayud

• What it does: An alarming provision in this education bill would prohibit public schools, school districts, and charter schools from spending any state or federal funding on any programs or activities that advocate for or engage in undefined “political or social activism.” These programs and activities can help teach critical thinking and other important skills. A similar funding ban in higher education led to universities shutting down critical programs and activities that help a diverse range of students learn and thrive.

• What happened: HB 1255 PASSED by a 17-4 vote out of its final House committee. During the bill hearing, the sponsor committed to address concerns that Equality Florida and lawmakers raised regarding the provision defunding “political and social activism” in schools. The bill passed with a good amendment that added a parental opt-out from an instructional video on embryonic development that has attracted opposition as potential anti-abortion content, despite the sponsor’s disagreement with that assessment. Now, HB 1255 is scheduled for a final vote on the House floor this Wednesday, April 23rd at 10:00am ET.

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https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1255