CS/CS/HB 411 — Children’s Initiatives
by Health and Human Services Committee; Health Families Subcommittee; and Rep. Fullwood and others (SB 1322 by Senators Gibson, Bullard, Thompson, Garcia, Braynon, Margolis, and Flores)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee (CF)
Florida children’s initiatives were created to assist disadvantaged areas within the state in creating a community-based service network that develops, coordinates, and provides quality education, accessible health care, youth development programs, opportunities for employment, and safe and affordable housing for children and families living within its boundaries. There are currently three Florida children’s initiatives, the Miami Children’s Initiative, Inc., the New Town Success Zone, and Parramore Kidz Zone. The Miami Children’s Initiative, Inc. is the only initiative codified.
The bill codifies two other existing children’s initiatives:
- The New Town Success Zone in Council District 9 in Duval County – Jacksonville; and The Parramore Kidz Zone in Orange County – Orlando.
The bill also provides that in order to be consistent with existing law relating to the Miami Children’s Initiative:
- Both initiatives must be managed by a not-for-profit corporation, in accordance with ch. 617, F.S.;
- The corporation is subject to ch. 119, F.S., relating to public records, ch. 286, F.S., relating to public meetings and records, and ch. 287, F.S., relating to procurement of commodities or contractual services;
- The initiatives are not subject to control, supervision, or direction by any department of the state in any manner;
- Both initiatives are designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project; and
- The Department of Children and Families is required to contract with a not-for-profit corporation to implement the provisions of s. 409.147, F.S., on behalf of the Miami Children’s Initiative.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2013.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 115-0