The Florida House unanimously passed a bill 113-0 on Wednesday that would require cursive handwriting in grades two through five and other proficiencies to improve their cursive penmanship.
Rep. Tobin "Toby" Overdorf (R-Palm City) explained his bill (HB 921) on the House floor.
"In a digital age, we must not lose sight of the foundational skills that connect us to our history and sharpen our minds," Overdorf said. "If our students can't read cursive, they can't read the Declaration of Independence, the U.S Constitution, or even a grandparent's handwritten letter."
"Cursive writing isn't just a skill, it's a link to our heritage and a tool for lifelong learning. This bill adds cursive writing to the statutorily required instruction for students in grades two through five. Under the bill, students must be taught how to form cursive letters, proper spacing and alignment, and must practice writing complete words and sentences in cursive," Overdorf added.
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers) shared how her son, who has autism, learned cursive writing perfectly.
"Thank you for bringing this bill. Cursive writing will not only teach our kids to be able to read important documents and communicate with others, but there's so many other great benefits that might be unseen that it brings," Persons-Mulicka said.
Sen. Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce) filed (SB 1394) an identical bill in the Senate. Her bill has three committee stops left.
"In a world glued to screens, cursive just isn't handwriting. It's a master key to our past, a rocket boost for sharp minds, and a ticket to adult independence. Without it, kids can't read the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, a grandparent's note, or even sign their name on a mortgage with pride," Overdorf said.
"This isn't nostalgia. It's about empowering them to claim their heritage, unleash their potential, and step into life's big moments with a signature that's all their own," Overdorf added.
If signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 921/SB 1394 would take effect on July 1.
