FL H1139

Establishes the Blue Ribbon Panel Task Force within the Department of Education to study the impact of increasing school counselors in public schools on mental health detection, academic performance, attendance, graduation rates, and behavioral disruptions.

Task force comprises 9 members including representatives from workforce boards, school principals, parent-teacher organizations, school counselor associations, school administrators, and legislative members, with appointments completed by August 1, 2014.

Task force shall hold initial meeting by October 1, 2014, meet quarterly, and requires five members for a quorum with majority vote for final actions.

Members serve without compensation but receive per diem and travel expense reimbursement; Department of Education provides staff and administrative support.

Task force must submit report to Governor and Legislature by December 15, 2016, containing findings on school counselor expansion benefits and recommended updates to Florida's School Counseling and Guidance Framework, then terminates.