Florida 2026 Session Status: Introduced 8 D cosponsors

SB 252 — Prohibited Discrimination Based on Hairstyle

Last action — Died in Judiciary

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced October 20, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee referral and hearing.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

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Prognosis

Not enough signal yet

Not enough signal yet to read this bill's trajectory — we surface a likelihood only once there's real movement (stage, sponsorship, committee, or votes) to point to.

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Summary

Prohibited Discrimination Based on Hairstyle; Citing this act as the "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or “CROWN Act"; prohibiting discrimination based on protected hairstyle against a student in the K-20 public education system; defining the terms “race” and “protected hairstyle” for purposes of public K-12 nondiscrimination requirements; defining the terms “race” and “protected hairstyle” for purposes of antidiscrimination requirements for private schools participating in the state school choice scholarship program, etc.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

6 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds protections against discrimination based on hairstyle in Florida's K-20 public education system and private schools participating in the state school choice scholarship program.

  • Section 1000.05

    As used in this section, the term “protected hairstyle” means hair characteristics historically associated with race, such as hair texture and styles, including, but not limited to, afros, braids, locks, or twists.

    Defines the term 'protected hairstyle' to include various hair characteristics associated with race.

  • Section 1000.05

    Additionally, discrimination based on a protected hairstyle against a student in the state system of public K-20 education is prohibited. → Additionally, discrimination based on a protected hairstyle against a student in the state system of public K-20 education is prohibited. A student may not be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any public K-20 education program or activity on the basis of a protected hairstyle.

    Prohibits discrimination based on protected hairstyle for students in K-20 public education.

  • Section 1002.20

    For purposes of this subsection, the term “race” is inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, and protected hairstyles.

    Expands the definition of 'race' to include characteristics like hair texture and protected hairstyles in K-12 nondiscrimination requirements.

  • Section 1002.20

    The term “protected hairstyle” includes, but is not limited to, afros, braids, locks, or twists.

    Defines 'protected hairstyle' in the context of K-12 educational rights.

  • Section 1002.421

    For purposes of this paragraph, the term “race” as used in 42 U.S.C. s. 2000d is inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, and protected hairstyles.

    Aligns the definition of 'race' in private school antidiscrimination provisions with the federal standards including hair characteristics.

  • Section 1002.421

    The term “protected hairstyle” includes, but is not limited to, afros, braids, locks, or twists.

    Defines 'protected hairstyle' for private schools participating in the state school choice scholarship program.

Action History

  1. Died in Judiciary

  2. Introduced

  3. Referred to Judiciary; Education Pre-K - 12; Rules

  4. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 7 co-sponsors · 156 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (7)

Not signed on (156)

156 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

civil-rights education
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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 252 do?
Prohibited Discrimination Based on Hairstyle; Citing this act as the "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or “CROWN Act"; prohibiting discrimination based on protected hairstyle against a student in the K-20 public education system; defining the terms “race” and “protected hairstyle” for purposes of public K-12 nondiscrimination requirements; defining the terms “race” and “protected hairstyle” for purposes of antidiscrimination requirements for private schools participating in the state school choice scholarship program, etc.
Who sponsors SB 252?
SB 252 is sponsored by Smith, Carlos Guillermo (Democrat), Jones, Shevrin D. "Shev" (Democrat), Davis, Tracie (Democrat), Osgood, Rosalind (Democrat), Arrington, Kristen Aston (Democrat), Bernard, Mack (Democrat), Berman, Lori (Democrat), and Sharief, Barbara (Democrat).
What is the current status of SB 252?
This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced October 20, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 252?
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Last checked for changes 2 months ago · updated continuously

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