Two Republican Florida lawmakers have introduced legislation to require cursive handwriting instruction in the state’s public schools, 15 years after it was removed from the curriculum.

State Representative Toby Overdorf and State Senator Erin Grall filed bills that would mandate cursive teaching from second through fifth grade, with students taking a state evaluation at the end of fifth grade. Cursive was dropped from Florida’s required curriculum in 2010.

Overdorf argues the skill is necessary because many students cannot read cursive writing, including historical documents like the nation’s founding papers. He also cites research suggesting cursive instruction supports brain development and motor coordination, and can help identify learning differences such as dyslexia.

The proposal faces opposition from some educators. Lee Bryant, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, said the mandate would add another burden to teachers who already face numerous requirements. Bryant pointed out that none of the bill’s official documents were written in cursive and questioned the relevance of the skill in an era of electronic signatures.

Bryant said legislators should prioritize other issues, particularly teacher compensation. He noted that Florida ranks 50th nationally in teacher pay for the second consecutive year.

The bill is currently under review by the House Education and Employment Committee. If approved during the legislative session beginning January 13, cursive instruction could resume in Florida classrooms as early as next school year.

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