FL H0139

Revises definition of "athletic coach" to include persons authorized to work as coach, assistant coach, or referee for 20 or more hours per calendar year with direct contact to minors on youth athletic teams not affiliated with private schools

Requires independent sanctioning authorities to conduct level 1 background screenings on all current and prospective athletic coaches annually, with the duty non-delegable to individual teams

Mandates background screening include searches against state and federal sexual predator and sexual offender registries maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and U.S. Attorney General

Allows disqualification of coaches under section 435.03 or if identified on sexual predator/offender registries, with exemptions available if person meets requirements under section 435.07

Requires authorities to provide written notice of disqualification within 7 business days and maintain documentation of screening results and disqualification notices for at least 5 years

Takes effect July 1, 2014