The Florida Senate

1001.29  Discounted computers and Internet access for students.--

(1)  There is created a program to offer computers and Internet access at a discounted price to students enrolled in grades 5 through 12 in a public school, including a charter school, or a home education program in the state.

(2)  The Department of Education shall negotiate with computer manufacturers and with nonprofit corporations that obtain reconditioned computer hardware concerning:

(a)  The prices of discounted computers and whether computer accessories such as printers or scanners will be offered to the students at reduced prices.

(b)  Specialized software and hardware packages, including, but not limited to:

1.  A word processor.

2.  Software and hardware necessary to enable broadband Internet access.

3.  An operating system.

(c)  The type of warranty that is to be provided to the students and whether an extended warranty will be available to the students and under what terms.

(3)  The Department of Education shall negotiate with broadband Internet access providers concerning the prices of discounted broadband Internet access packages. In areas in which broadband Internet access is not currently available, the department shall negotiate with non-broadband Internet access providers.

(4)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules concerning:

(a)  How to integrate into this program the provision of computer or technical training to students in their respective school districts.

(b)  How parents and students may be notified of the discounted computer and Internet access choices available.

(c)  The distribution of eligibility certificates to the students, the locations at which discounted computers and Internet access services are available for purchase, and how students may obtain and pay for the equipment and services covered by this program.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2006-137.