CS/CS/CS/HB 1279 - School District Accountability

• Requires Auditor General to contact district school boards with audit findings and recommendations, with boards providing evidence of corrective action within 45-180 days or face notification to Legislative Auditing Committee.

• Prohibits former appointed district school superintendents from lobbying the school district for 2 years after leaving office.

• Requires district school board members to obtain prior approval for travel exceeding $500, with out-of-state travel requiring itemized expense details and public comment opportunity before approval.

• Mandates school districts receiving over $500 million in annual funds employ an internal auditor with unrestricted scope covering all functional and program areas; authorizes internal auditors for smaller districts.

• Creates fiscal transparency requirements including website posting of budget graphical representations, 3-year fiscal trends, and a web-based tool comparing financial efficiency across districts.

• Withholds salaries of school board members and superintendents if financial emergency conditions exist under s. 218.503(1), with exceptions for officials elected/appointed after conditions identified.