State May Pay School Districts That Require Uniforms
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida lawmakers approved a bill that would give school districts extra funding for implementing a uniform policy.
A House panel on Thursday approved a bill that would pay districts an extra $10 per student if a uniform policy is adopted. Districts are currently paid nearly $7,000 for each student.
Legislators backing the proposal say that uniforms could help improve school safety. They also say it would minimize disciplinary problems because of distractions caused by clothing.
The legislation is aimed at students in elementary and middle school. Districts would be shielded from lawsuits if they implement the uniform policy for those grades. School uniforms would have to feature solid colors.
The bill (HB 7043) passed by the House Education Appropriations subcommittee sets aside $10 million for districts that require uniforms.
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