ORLANDO, Fla. — A Florida Senate panel has approved a proposal that would mean later school start times for students.
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The bill would prevent middle schools from starting earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools from starting earlier than 8:30 a.m.
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The proposal comes amid a long-running debate about whether earlier start times contribute to sleep deprivation for teens.
The Florida House is scheduled to take up its version of the bill on Thursday.
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If the proposal is approved, school districts would have to use the later start times by July 1, 2026.
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