House panel advances bipartisan bill to protect students with autism at public schools

A bill advancing in the House aims to make it easier for public schools to locate missing students who have autism spectrum disorder.

The House Education & Employment Committee unanimously approved the legislation (HB 423) from Reps. Anna Eskamani and Chase Tramont.

Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat, and Tramont, a Port Orange Republican, argued the measure is critical to prevent children on the autism spectrum who might be prone to walking off campus. Many School Districts lack protocols in place to take action when a student runs off, autism advocates said.

“This centers on ensuring that all of our students are safe in our public schools,” said Eskamani, adding that the proposal was inspired by programs already in place at schools in Polk and Broward counties. 

Under HB 423, public schools would be required to create a School Staff Assistance for Emergencies (SAFE) Team and develop a plan to jump into action when a student runs away. Part of that plan would include notifying training staff and the student’s parents.

For students with special needs who have a history of running away, schools would be required to create a quick, personalized guide that includes the student’s picture and details his or her medical issues and communication abilities, allowing schools to jump into action during a crisis. The guide would also list potential places where the student might go.

The guide would only be disclosed with the student’s parents and relevant school personnel, so it would not be a public record.

The bill only applies to students who have autism spectrum disorder.

Autism advocates argued the bill could protect young people with autism who are more at risk for drowning, proponents said.

“Children with autism often roam or elope, not to be defiant, but because they are overwhelmed,” said Monica Carretero, a board member of the Autism Society of Greater Orlando. She appeared Tuesday alongside her son, Ricky Lamoli, to urge lawmakers to advance the bill.

“Many have little awareness of danger and those who will elope face much higher risk of drowning,” Carretero said. “More than one-third cannot communicate basic information like their name or phone number or address. Yet many schools still lack clear procedures, leaving staff unprepared and children vulnerable.”

Lamoli added, “These plans can protect students like me and give families peace of mind.”

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle applauded the bill.

“You have my total support on the bill and this is one of those bills that we really need to make sure our students that are under that spectrum get the support and assistance that’s required,” said Rep. Wallace Aristide, a Miami Democrat.

Eskamani previously filed similar bills in 2023, 2024 and 2025 but they died in Committee. She is currently term-limited and is running for Orlando Mayor in 2027.

“It’s just a joy to see this moment happening and to see all the hard work that everybody’s put into this bill and watch it go across the finish line,” said Rep. Rita Harris, an Orlando Democrat. “Thank you for your tenacity.”

Tuesday’s hearing was the second and final Committee stop for the legislation. 

A similar Senate companion bill (SB 494) filed by Sen. Kristen Arrington was referred to three Committees but has yet to be called to a vote in the upper chamber.