HB 1175: School Safety Act of Broward County

• Creates an independent special district effective September 15, 2013, with boundaries coterminous to Broward County to provide school security and mental health referral services for all schools operated by the Broward County School Board.

• Establishes an 11-member Broward School Safety Board appointed by county commissioners (3), school board members (3), municipal governing bodies (3), and state legislators (2 as non-voting ex officio members).

• Authorizes the board to levy ad valorem taxes not to exceed one-half mill (50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation) upon voter approval through a referendum scheduled for the 2014 primary election.

• Requires the board to prepare annual budgets by July 1 each year, maintain financial records subject to audit, and submit annual reports to the School Board, County Commissioners, and Legislative Delegation by January 1.

• Provides for retention or dissolution of the district by voter referendum in the general election of November 2026, and every 12 years thereafter.