CS/HB 7003 — Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
by Education Appropriations Subcommittee; K-12 Subcommittee; and Rep. Renuart, and others (CS/SB 138 by Appropriations Committee; and Senators Brandes, Dean, and Benacquisto)
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 2013-20, 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 2016.
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 Florida Legislature did in the 2008 Regular Session. Currently, 45 states and the District of Columbia are members of the compact. Since enactment in 2008, Florida’s compact legislation has included a repeal provision which requires automatic repeal of the compact after a period of time, unless reauthorized by the Legislature. The Legislature last reauthorized the compact in 2010, and provided for repeal of the compact in three years, which is May 11, 2013.
In addition to reauthorizing the compact and providing for future legislative review and repeal of the law, the bill also specifies 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 10, 2013.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 116-0