Brandon Republican Ronda Storms' "academic freedom" bill (SB2692), which aims to protect teachers and students who want to discuss alternatives to evolution, cleared its final Senate committee on a partisan vote and is headed to the floor.

Critics worry the legislation opens the door to promoting a religious belief in public schools, but Storms says that is not her intent.

While other states including Louisiana have had evolution vs creationism legislation declared unconstitutional, Storms said her proposal isn't a constitutional violation because it "expressly declines to allow for the promotion of any religious doctrine or belief" such as creationism.

"The teaching of evolution is expressly supported to be taught in schools," Storms said.

The House companion to Storms' bill hasn't moved since it was filed last month.