Florida Lawmakers Propose Banning Certain Convicted Teens from High School Sports
HB 545 Aims to Prevent Participation in Athletics for “Worst of the Worst” Crimes
Bill Stems from Pinellas County Family’s Complaint
In a decisive move, Florida lawmakers have taken a significant step towards preventing teenagers convicted of severe crimes from participating in high school sports. The proposed legislation, known as HB 545, aims to instruct the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to establish bylaws prohibiting students sentenced as adults for homicide, sexual assault, or lewd and lascivious offenses from taking part in athletic competitions.
The impetus for this bill stems from the concerns raised by a Pinellas County family who were outraged that the boy convicted of killing their daughter in a 2020 boat crash was allowed to play on the Osceola Fundamental High School lacrosse team.
Shelly Page’s Advocacy for Change
Shelly Page, the mother of Rachel Herring, expressed her fury and frustration over the school’s decision to allow the convicted boy, a classmate of her daughter, to be a part of the team. Despite her support for the boy’s probation after his conviction on felony vessel homicide, Page felt strongly that the school should have taken a stricter stance on the matter.
Upon learning that the eligibility decision was left to individual schools, Page approached the Pinellas County School Board, urging them to implement a strict districtwide policy that would prevent felons from participating in school teams. However, her efforts were met with limited success, as board member Stephanie Meyer failed to gain traction for such a rule at a workshop held a week later.
Bill Sponsor’s Rationale and Supporters’ Arguments
In response to the school board’s inaction, Page turned to local lawmakers, who filed legislation to accomplish what the board had not pursued. Bill sponsor, State Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, emphasized the need for consequences for students who commit crimes that violate society’s accepted norms. He drew a parallel to the ineligibility of students with low grade point averages, stating that those responsible for taking someone’s life should also be barred from participating in sports.
Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-Cape Coral, shared his personal experience of witnessing schools retaining athletes on the field despite their criminal actions. He believes that the proposed bill would rectify this issue and deter students from engaging in such behaviors. Rep. Jennifer Canaday, R-Lakeland, highlighted the importance of natural consequences in shaping children’s impulse control.
Opposition to the Bill and Concerns
Despite the strong support for the bill, several committee members expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such a ban. Rep. Christopher Benjamin, D-Miami Gardens, argued that the measure would place an undue burden on children who have already been punished by the courts and that it would ignore the concept of turning a child’s life around. He expressed particular concern for the impact on children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Rep. Alina Garcia, R-Miami, shared similar sentiments, suggesting that the bill would punish offenders beyond what the courts have deemed appropriate. Rep. Kimberly Daniels, D-Jacksonville, drew upon her personal experience of seeing her son turn his life around after facing potential imprisonment. She expressed her belief that such a rule would discourage hope and rehabilitation.
Balancing the Importance of Sports and Consequences
Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview, acknowledged the validity of both sides of the argument. While he recognized the importance of sports in shaping lives, he also emphasized that participation in sports is a privilege. He pointed out that students can be barred from sports for various reasons, including poor grades and school misbehavior, and that the threat of losing sports participation could serve as a deterrent against criminal behavior.
Bill’s Progress and Community Engagement
The bill was advanced by the committee in a 13-5 vote, moving it to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee for further consideration. An identical Senate companion bill, SB 530, sponsored by Sen. Nick DeCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, is yet to be heard.
In related news, the Tampa Bay Times is hosting a community conversation on the future of Florida public schools on Tuesday, January 30, at the Tampa Theatre. The event, titled “Spotlight on Education,” will feature expert discussions and a panel of students. Tickets are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Times’ Journalism Fund.
As the debate over HB 545 continues, the community awaits the next steps in this legislative process, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a safe and fair playing field for all student-athletes.
Join the discussion: Share your thoughts on HB 545 and its potential impact on high school sports in Florida. Let your voice be heard by commenting below.