CS/SB 1278 — Direct-support Organizations
by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee and Senators Simon and Rouson
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)
The bill authorizes the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a Direct Support Organization (DSO) for the purpose of supporting the DCF in carrying out its purposes and responsibilities. Specifically, the bill:
- Details the requirements of and certain purposes for which to operate the DSO under written contract with the DCF.
- Provides for the use of certain property and services of the DCF by the DSO.
- Requires the Secretary of the DCF to appoint the board of directors according to the DSO’s bylaws.
- Requires the DCF to adopt rules to operate the DSO.
- Allows the DSO to collect, expend, and provide funds for certain purposes and provide an annual financial audit in accordance with s. 215.981, F.S.
- Provides that the DSO is repealed on October 1, 2028, unless reviewed and saved from repeal by the Legislature.
The bill also authorizes district school boards to contract with a DSO for personal services or operations. The bill requires a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) employed to provide services under a contract with the school district to first satisfy the requirements of termination prior to providing such services and is subject to the reemployment restrictions relating to the FRS. The bill increases the threshold of expenditures and expenses that requires a DSO to provide for a financial audit to $250,000 from $100,000 and authorizes district school boards to contract with a vendor for an annual financial audit of a DSO.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 116-0