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PJI-CPP Urges Governor DeSantis to Sign Bill Protecting Parental Supervision Rights

May 7th, 2025

Tallahassee, FL – The Pacific Justice Institute – Center for Public Policy (PJI-CPP) proudly announces its support for Florida’s Supervision of Children Act (HB 1191/SB 1286). This landmark legislation protects parental rights by allowing parents to make decisions regarding age-appropriate independence for their children. In a letter, PJI-CPP called on Governor Ron DeSantis to sign this bill into law immediately to enhance protections for Florida’s children.

The Supervision of Children Act amends Florida law to revise definitions of “harm” and “neglect” in child protection and criminal child abuse provisions. It specifies that neglect occurs only when a caregiver’s failure to supervise is reckless or willful, endangering a child’s health or safety. Importantly, the law ensures that allowing children of sufficient maturity to engage in age-appropriate independent activities — such as walking or biking to school, playing outdoors, or staying home alone for reasonable periods — does not constitute neglect unless it poses a serious risk.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has long recognized that parents have a fundamental liberty interest in the care, custody, and control of their children, as affirmed in cases like Troxel v. Granville,” said Brad Dacus, president and founder of the Pacific Justice Institute. “Allowing a child to walk to school or play outside is not per se neglectful. It is parents – not the government – that are in the best position to make these decisions for their children.”

“We urge Governor DeSantis to sign this bill to promote both safety and independence for Florida’s children while curbing government overreach,” Brad Dacus continued. PJI-CPP invites all Floridians to join support this critical legislation. If signed by the Governor, the Supervision of Children Act will take effect on July 1, 2025. PJI has offices across the country, including Miami, Florida. If you live in Florida and have a legal need falling within PJI's mission, visit pji.org ([link removed]) or call us and ask for our Florida staff attorney, Alexander Bumbu.

The full text of the bill can be found here:

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