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CS/HB 7-C — Security Grants
by Appropriations Committee and Rep. Fine and others (SB 6-C by Senator Calatayud)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Fiscal Policy Committee (FP)
In 2023, the Florida Legislature created the Nonprofit Security Grant Program within the Division of Emergency Management (division). The program’s purpose is to award grants to increase security and safety for nonprofit entities at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes.
The bill amends provisions governing the program to:
- Clarify that schools and museums can apply for a grant;
- Clarify that grants can be used to purchase and install materials for door hardening;
- Remove the prohibition on receiving both a state and federal grant;
- Direct the division to establish eligibility criteria based on the federal grant program;
- Prioritize applications for houses of worship or facilities that are frequented by children or students on a daily basis;
- Require the division to provide an annual list each June 1 to the Legislature of grants awarded; and
- Require the division to adopt rules to administer the program by December 31, 2023, and authorize the division to adopt emergency rules to implement the program.
The bill appropriates $20 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the division for the purpose of implementing the program.
The bill appropriates $15 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Education as fixed capital outlay to provide grants to full-time Jewish day schools and Jewish preschools for hardening security measures.
The bill appropriates $10 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Education to provide grants to full-time Jewish day schools and Jewish preschools for nonhardening security measures, such as hiring security personnel or providing training.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 109-0