FL S1700

Establishes legislative finding that law enforcement officers with firearms training are valuable assets to schools and encourages district school boards to place at least one school resource officer at each public school.

Authorizes part-time law enforcement officers (reserve officers) to serve as school resource officers or school safety officers, in addition to full-time certified law enforcement officers.

Requires that 50 percent of the salary for part-time law enforcement officers hired on or after July 1, 2018 to serve as school resource officers or school safety officers be funded by the employing district school board or law enforcement agency, with the remaining 50 percent provided through the General Appropriations Act.

Modifies school resource officer employment accountability so officers are responsible to the law enforcement agency in employment matters, while activities part of the school's instructional program remain under the school principal's direction.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.