SB 7016 — Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
by Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and Senator Gaetz
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill (Chapter 2016-34, L.O.F.) reenacts provisions of law establishing and implementing the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (compact) and provides for future legislative review and repeal of the compact in 2019.
Participation in the compact enables member states to address educational transition issues faced by military families as they transfer from various states and school districts in accordance with official military orders. States are required to enact the compact into law in order to join the compact, which the Legislature did during the 2008 Regular Session. As of January 2015, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are active members of the compact. Since its enactment in 2008, Florida’s compact legislation has included a provision requiring automatic repeal of the compact after a period of time, unless reauthorized by the Legislature. The Legislature last reauthorized the compact in 2013, and provided for its repeal on April 10, 2016.
In addition to reauthorizing the compact and providing for future legislative review and repeal of the law, the bill also codifies in Florida Statutes that compact membership dues must be paid within existing resources by the Department of Education.
These provisions became law upon approval by the Governor on April 9, 2016.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 113-0