SB 1992 First Engrossed
20121992e1
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to postsecondary education; amending
3 s. 11.45, F.S.; requiring that the Auditor General
4 notify the Legislative Auditing Committee of any
5 financial or operational audit report indicating that
6 a state university or state college has failed to take
7 full corrective action in response to recommendations
8 in previous audit reports; authorizing the committee
9 to direct the governing body of the state university
10 or state college to provide a written statement
11 explaining why full corrective action has not been
12 taken or notifying that it intends to take full
13 corrective action; requiring that a hearing be held if
14 the committee determines that the state university or
15 state college has, without justification, failed to
16 take full corrective action; amending s. 287.057,
17 F.S.; deleting a provision that exempts from
18 competitive-solicitation requirements training and
19 education services for injured employees, to conform
20 to changes made by the act; amending s. 402.7305,
21 F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending s.
22 413.011, F.S.; revising the duties of the Division of
23 Blind Services within the Department of Education;
24 requiring that Daytona State College be given priority
25 for the use of available property located in Daytona
26 Beach which is no longer needed by the division;
27 requiring prior approval by the Division of Blind
28 Services and the Division of State Lands within the
29 Department of Environmental Protection for the future
30 construction of facilities not related to programs
31 under the Division of Blind Services; amending s.
32 427.0135, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending
33 s. 440.15, F.S.; revising provisions to conform to
34 changes made by the act; repealing s. 440.33(3), F.S.,
35 relating to provisions that authorize a judge of
36 compensation claims to request an evaluation pursuant
37 to s. 440.491, F.S., to conform to changes made by the
38 act; repealing s. 440.491, F.S., relating to the
39 reemployment of injured workers and rehabilitation;
40 amending s. 440.50, F.S.; revising provisions to
41 conform to changes made by the act; amending s.
42 1001.02, F.S.; requiring that the State Board of
43 Education delegate to the Division of Florida Colleges
44 oversight responsibility for certain Florida College
45 System institutions; amending s. 1001.64, F.S.;
46 requiring that each contract or employment agreement,
47 or renewal or renegotiation of an existing contract or
48 employment agreement, containing a provision for
49 severance pay include certain provisions; requiring
50 that each board of trustees enter into consortia and
51 cooperative agreements; providing that a consortium or
52 cooperative agreement may be statewide, regional, or a
53 combination of institutions, as appropriate to achieve
54 the lowest cost; amending s. 1001.706, F.S.; requiring
55 that the Board of Governors adopt regulations
56 requiring universities to enter into consortia and
57 cooperative agreements; authorizing the Board of
58 Governors to approve the transfer between institutions
59 of unused budget authority from the Education/General
60 Student and Other Fees Trust Fund; revising provisions
61 relating to employment contracts with the Board of
62 Governors; requiring that each contract or employment
63 agreement, or renewal or renegotiation of an existing
64 contract or employment agreement, containing a
65 provision for severance pay include certain
66 provisions; creating s. 1004.092, F.S.; establishing
67 the Florida Degree Consortium by merging the Florida
68 Distance Learning Consortium, the computer-assisted
69 student advising system, and the degree completion
70 pilot program; providing a purpose; requiring that the
71 Chancellor of the State University System and the
72 Chancellor of the Florida College System jointly
73 oversee the implementation of the Florida Degree
74 Consortium; creating s. 1004.093, F.S.; creating the
75 degree completion pilot program; providing a purpose;
76 requiring that the Chancellor of the State University
77 System and the Chancellor of the Florida College
78 System jointly oversee the implementation of the pilot
79 program; defining the term “adult learner”; providing
80 that priority attention be given to adult learners who
81 are veterans and active-duty servicemembers; providing
82 for implementation and requirements of the pilot
83 program; requiring that the chancellors submit a
84 detailed project plan to the Legislature by a
85 specified date; creating s. 1004.935, F.S.;
86 establishing the Adults with Disabilities Workforce
87 Education Pilot Program for a specified period in
88 certain counties; providing a purpose; providing
89 eligibility requirements for participation in the
90 program; providing a definition for the term “student
91 with a disability” for purposes of the pilot program;
92 providing requirements for providers of supported
93 employment services and private schools to participate
94 in the pilot program; providing notice requirements
95 for students who are accepted into the pilot program;
96 providing funding; requiring that the Chief Financial
97 Officer make scholarship payments; requiring that the
98 Department of Education request from the Department of
99 Financial Services a sample of endorsed warrants after
100 each scholarship payment; creating s. 1006.73, F.S.;
101 establishing the Florida Education Library Resource
102 Center; providing a purpose; requiring that the
103 Chancellor of the State University System and the
104 Chancellor of the Florida College System jointly
105 govern and oversee the center; providing for
106 membership; authorizing the center to enter into
107 contracts with postsecondary education institutions
108 for certain support services; requiring that the
109 Florida Center for Library Automation and the College
110 Center for Library Automation cease independent
111 operations by a specified date; providing for all
112 remaining assets and responsibilities to be
113 transferred to the center; providing authority and
114 duties of the center; amending s. 1007.33, F.S.;
115 deleting provisions providing a procedure for a
116 Florida College System institution to apply for an
117 exemption from certain requirements for approval of
118 additional baccalaureate degree programs; amending s.
119 1009.215, F.S.; providing that students who are
120 enrolled in the student enrollment pilot program and
121 who are eligible to receive Bright Futures
122 Scholarships may receive the scholarship award during
123 the summer term; prohibiting a student from receiving
124 the scholarship award for more than 2 semesters in any
125 given fiscal year; amending s. 1009.25, F.S.; revising
126 provisions relating to exemptions from the payment of
127 tuition and fees at a school district that provides
128 workforce education for certain students; providing
129 such exemption for a student for whom the full program
130 cost is paid by another party; amending s. 1009.286,
131 F.S.; requiring that state universities require each
132 student to pay an excess hour surcharge; providing for
133 application; amending s. 1009.531, F.S.; revising
134 provisions relating to student eligibility for Florida
135 Bright Futures Scholarships; providing that certain
136 students are eligible to accept an initial award and a
137 renewal award for a specified period after high school
138 graduation; providing exceptions; authorizing the
139 Department of Education to provide an alternate form
140 to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for
141 purposes of eligibility under the Florida Bright
142 Futures Scholarship Program; amending s. 1009.532,
143 F.S.; revising provisions relating to student
144 eligibility requirements for renewal awards of a
145 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship; providing that
146 certain students may receive an award for a maximum
147 percentage of the number of credit hours required to
148 complete an associate degree program or a
149 baccalaureate degree program; providing that a student
150 may receive a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
151 award for a maximum percentage of the credit hours or
152 equivalent clock hours; amending ss. 1009.534 and
153 1009.535, F.S.; authorizing the Legislature to provide
154 an additional supplement in the General Appropriations
155 Act for upper-division courses in the fields of
156 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for
157 the Florida Academic Scholars and Florida Medallion
158 Scholars awards; amending s. 1009.536, F.S.; revising
159 the eligibility requirements for receiving a Florida
160 Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award; providing that a
161 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholar is eligible for
162 an award equal to the amount specified in the General
163 Appropriations Act; providing that certain students
164 may earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
165 for up to a specified percentage of the credit hours
166 or equivalent clock hours required to complete an
167 applied technology diploma program, a technology
168 degree program, or a career certificate program;
169 amending s. 1009.60, F.S.; requiring that the Florida
170 Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc., use a contingency
171 collections agency to collect repayments of defaulted
172 scholarships awarded through the minority teacher
173 education scholars program; amending s. 1009.605,
174 F.S.; requiring that the Florida Fund for Minority
175 Teachers, Inc., report the annual balance of the
176 corporation’s assets and cash reserves to the
177 Department of Education; amending s. 1010.30, F.S.;
178 requiring that the district school board, the Florida
179 College System institution board of trustees, or the
180 university board of trustees conduct an audit overview
181 during a public meeting if an audit contains
182 significant findings; amending s. 1012.83, F.S.;
183 revising provisions relating to employment contracts
184 with Florida College System institutions; requiring
185 that each contract or employment agreement, or renewal
186 or renegotiation of an existing contract or employment
187 agreement, containing a provision for severance pay
188 include certain provisions; authorizing the University
189 of Florida to use revenues from the activity and
190 service fee to finance the renovation and expansion of
191 the university’s J. Wayne Reitz Union; requiring that
192 the Higher Education Coordinating Council review and
193 evaluate the current higher education governance
194 structure in this state and make recommendations to
195 the Legislature for potential revisions to the higher
196 education delivery system; requiring that the council
197 report its findings and recommendations to the
198 Governor and Legislature; providing an effective date.
199
200 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
201
202 Section 1. Paragraph (j) is added to subsection (7) of
203 section 11.45, Florida Statutes, to read:
204 11.45 Definitions; duties; authorities; reports; rules.—
205 (7) AUDITOR GENERAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—
206 (j) The Auditor General shall notify the Legislative
207 Auditing Committee of any financial or operational audit report
208 prepared pursuant to this section which indicates that a state
209 university or state college has failed to take full corrective
210 action in response to a recommendation that was included in the
211 two preceding financial or operational audit reports.
212 1. The committee may direct the governing body of the state
213 university or state college to provide a written statement to
214 the committee explaining why full corrective action has not been
215 taken or, if the governing body intends to take full corrective
216 action, describing the corrective action to be taken and when it
217 will occur.
218 2. If the committee determines that the written statement
219 is not sufficient, the committee may require the chair of the
220 governing body of the state university or state college, or the
221 chair’s designee, to appear before the committee.
222 3. If the committee determines that the state university or
223 state college has failed to take full corrective action for
224 which there is no justifiable reason, or has failed to comply
225 with committee requests made pursuant to this section, the
226 committee may proceed in accordance with s. 11.40(2).
227 Section 2. Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) of section
228 287.057, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
229 287.057 Procurement of commodities or contractual
230 services.—
231 (3) When the purchase price of commodities or contractual
232 services exceeds the threshold amount provided in s. 287.017 for
233 CATEGORY TWO, no purchase of commodities or contractual services
234 may be made without receiving competitive sealed bids,
235 competitive sealed proposals, or competitive sealed replies
236 unless:
237 (f) The following contractual services and commodities are
238 not subject to the competitive-solicitation requirements of this
239 section:
240 1. Artistic services. For the purposes of this subsection,
241 the term “artistic services” does not include advertising or
242 typesetting. As used in this subparagraph, the term
243 “advertising” means the making of a representation in any form
244 in connection with a trade, business, craft, or profession in
245 order to promote the supply of commodities or services by the
246 person promoting the commodities or contractual services.
247 2. Academic program reviews if the fee for such services
248 does not exceed $50,000.
249 3. Lectures by individuals.
250 4. Legal services, including attorney, paralegal, expert
251 witness, appraisal, or mediator services.
252 5.a. Health services involving examination, diagnosis,
253 treatment, prevention, medical consultation, or administration.
254 b. Beginning January 1, 2011, health services, including,
255 but not limited to, substance abuse and mental health services,
256 involving examination, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or
257 medical consultation, when such services are offered to eligible
258 individuals participating in a specific program that qualifies
259 multiple providers and uses a standard payment methodology.
260 Reimbursement of administrative costs for providers of services
261 purchased in this manner shall also be exempt. For purposes of
262 this sub-subparagraph, “providers” means health professionals,
263 health facilities, or organizations that deliver or arrange for
264 the delivery of health services.
265 6. Services provided to persons with mental or physical
266 disabilities by not-for-profit corporations which have obtained
267 exemptions under the provisions of s. 501(c)(3) of the United
268 States Internal Revenue Code or when such services are governed
269 by the provisions of Office of Management and Budget Circular A
270 122. However, in acquiring such services, the agency shall
271 consider the ability of the vendor, past performance,
272 willingness to meet time requirements, and price.
273 7. Medicaid services delivered to an eligible Medicaid
274 recipient unless the agency is directed otherwise in law.
275 8. Family placement services.
276 9. Prevention services related to mental health, including
277 drug abuse prevention programs, child abuse prevention programs,
278 and shelters for runaways, operated by not-for-profit
279 corporations. However, in acquiring such services, the agency
280 shall consider the ability of the vendor, past performance,
281 willingness to meet time requirements, and price.
282 10. Training and education services provided to injured
283 employees pursuant to s. 440.491(6).
284 10.11. Contracts entered into pursuant to s. 337.11.
285 11.12. Services or commodities provided by governmental
286 agencies.
287 Section 3. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
288 402.7305, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
289 402.7305 Department of Children and Family Services;
290 procurement of contractual services; contract management.—
291 (2) PROCUREMENT OF COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES.—
292 (a) Notwithstanding s. 287.057(3)(f)11., 287.057(3)(f)12.,
293 whenever the department intends to contract with a public
294 postsecondary institution to provide a service, the department
295 must allow all public postsecondary institutions in this state
296 that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
297 Schools to bid on the contract. Thereafter, notwithstanding any
298 other provision to the contrary, if a public postsecondary
299 institution intends to subcontract for any service awarded in
300 the contract, the subcontracted service must be procured by
301 competitive procedures.
302 Section 4. Paragraph (q) of subsection (3) of section
303 413.011, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
304 413.011 Division of Blind Services, legislative policy,
305 intent; internal organizational structure and powers;
306 Rehabilitation Council for the Blind.—
307 (3) DIVISION STRUCTURE AND DUTIES.—The internal
308 organizational structure of the Division of Blind Services shall
309 be designed for the purpose of ensuring the greatest possible
310 efficiency and effectiveness of services to the blind and to be
311 consistent with chapter 20. The Division of Blind Services shall
312 plan, supervise, and carry out the following activities:
313 (q) Establish one or more training schools and workshops
314 for the employment of suitable blind persons; make expenditures
315 of funds for such purposes; receive moneys from sales of
316 commodities involved in such activities and from such funds make
317 payments of wages, repairs, insurance premiums, and replacements
318 of equipment. All of the activities provided for in this section
319 may be carried on in cooperation with private workshops for the
320 blind, except that all tools and equipment furnished by the
321 division shall remain the property of the state. If any property
322 leased by the Division of Blind Services and located in Daytona
323 Beach, including an existing sublease upon the expiration of its
324 current term, is no longer needed for the expansion of the
325 division’s programs, Daytona State College shall be given
326 priority for the use of such available property. In addition,
327 future construction of any facilities not related to programs
328 under the Division of Blind Services may not be commenced
329 without prior approval by the Division of Blind Services and the
330 Division of State Lands.
331 Section 5. Subsection (3) of section 427.0135, Florida
332 Statutes, is amended to read:
333 427.0135 Purchasing agencies; duties and responsibilities.
334 Each purchasing agency, in carrying out the policies and
335 procedures of the commission, shall:
336 (3) Not procure transportation disadvantaged services
337 without initially negotiating with the commission, as provided
338 in s. 287.057(3)(f)11., 287.057(3)(f)12., or unless otherwise
339 authorized by statute. If the purchasing agency, after
340 consultation with the commission, determines that it cannot
341 reach mutually acceptable contract terms with the commission,
342 the purchasing agency may contract for the same transportation
343 services provided in a more cost-effective manner and of
344 comparable or higher quality and standards. The Medicaid agency
345 shall implement this subsection in a manner consistent with s.
346 409.908(18) and as otherwise limited or directed by the General
347 Appropriations Act.
348 Section 6. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
349 440.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
350 440.15 Compensation for disability.—Compensation for
351 disability shall be paid to the employee, subject to the limits
352 provided in s. 440.12(2), as follows:
353 (2) TEMPORARY TOTAL DISABILITY.—
354 (c) Temporary total disability benefits paid pursuant to
355 this subsection shall include such period as may be reasonably
356 necessary for training in the use of artificial members and
357 appliances, and shall include such period as the employee may be
358 receiving training and education under a program pursuant to s.
359 440.491.
360 Section 7. Subsection (3) of section 440.33, Florida
361 Statutes, is repealed.
362 Section 8. Section 440.491, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
363 Section 9. Subsection (5) of section 440.50, Florida
364 Statutes, is amended to read:
365 440.50 Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund.—
366 (5) Funds appropriated by an operating appropriation or a
367 nonoperating transfer from the Workers’ Compensation
368 Administration Trust Fund to the Department of Education, the
369 Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of
370 Business and Professional Regulation, the Department of
371 Management Services, the First District Court of Appeal, and the
372 Justice Administrative Commission remaining unencumbered as of
373 June 30 or undisbursed as of September 30 each year shall revert
374 to the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund.
375 Section 10. Subsection (7) is added to section 1001.02,
376 Florida Statutes, to read:
377 1001.02 General powers of State Board of Education.—
378 (7) The State Board of Education shall delegate to the
379 Division of Florida Colleges oversight responsibility for
380 Florida College System institutions that have significant
381 potential management or academic issues.
382 Section 11. Subsection (47) of section 1001.64, Florida
383 Statutes, is amended, and subsection (48) is added to that
384 section, to read:
385 1001.64 Florida College System institution boards of
386 trustees; powers and duties.—
387 (47) Each contract or employment agreement, or renewal or
388 renegotiation of an existing contract or employment agreement,
389 containing a provision for severance pay with an officer, agent,
390 employee, or contractor must include the provisions required in
391 s. 215.425. A board of trustees may not enter into an employment
392 contract that requires the Florida College System institution to
393 pay a Florida College System institution president an amount
394 from state funds in excess of 1 year of the president’s annual
395 salary for termination, buyout, or any other type of contract
396 settlement. This subsection does not prohibit the payment of
397 leave and benefits accrued by the president in accordance with
398 the Florida College System institution’s leave and benefits
399 policies before the contract terminates.
400 (48) Each board of trustees shall enter into consortia and
401 cooperative agreements to maximize the purchasing power for
402 goods and services. A consortium or cooperative agreement may be
403 statewide, regional, or a combination of institutions, as
404 appropriate to achieve the lowest cost, with the goal of
405 achieving a 5 percent savings on existing contract prices
406 through the use of new cooperative arrangements or new
407 consortium contracts.
408 Section 12. Paragraph (i) is added to subsection (3) and
409 paragraph (e) is added to subsection (4) of section 1001.706,
410 Florida Statutes, and paragraph (d) of subsection (6) of that
411 section is amended, to read:
412 1001.706 Powers and duties of the Board of Governors.—
413 (3) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ORGANIZATION AND
414 OPERATION OF STATE UNIVERSITIES.—
415 (i) The Board of Governors shall adopt regulations
416 requiring universities to enter into consortia and cooperative
417 agreements to maximize the purchasing power for goods and
418 services. A consortium or cooperative agreement may be
419 statewide, regional, or a combination of institutions, as
420 appropriate to achieve the lowest cost, with the goal of
421 achieving a 5 percent savings on existing contract prices
422 through the use of new cooperative arrangements or new
423 consortium contracts.
424 (4) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO FINANCE.—
425 (e) The Board of Governors may approve the transfer between
426 institutions of unused budget authority from the
427 Education/General Student and Other Fees Trust Fund.
428 (6) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO PERSONNEL.—
429 (d) Each contract or employment agreement, or renewal or
430 renegotiation of an existing contract or employment agreement,
431 containing a provision for severance pay with an officer, agent,
432 employee, or contractor must include the provisions required in
433 s. 215.425. The Board of Governors, or the board’s designee, may
434 not enter into an employment contract that requires it to pay an
435 employee an amount from state funds in excess of 1 year of the
436 employee’s annual salary for termination, buyout, or any other
437 type of contract settlement. This paragraph does not prohibit
438 the payment of leave and benefits accrued by the employee in
439 accordance with the board’s or designee’s leave and benefits
440 policies before the contract terminates.
441 Section 13. Section 1004.092, Florida Statutes, is created
442 to read:
443 1004.092 Florida Degree Consortium.—
444 (1) The Florida Degree Consortium is established by merging
445 the Florida Distance Learning Consortium as provided in s.
446 1004.091, the computer assisted student advising system as
447 provided in s. 1007.28, and the degree completion pilot program
448 as provided in s. 1004.093.
449 (2) The Florida Degree Consortium is established for the
450 purpose of serving as a central point of contact for:
451 (a) Information about online courses, programs, and degrees
452 offered by colleges and universities in the state and shall
453 provide assistance to individuals wishing to enroll in online
454 instruction offered by the colleges and universities.
455 (b) Information and links to student and library support
456 services and electronic resources that will guide the student
457 toward the successful completion of an online degree.
458 (3) The Chancellor of the State University System and the
459 Chancellor of the Florida College System shall jointly oversee
460 the implementation of the Florida Degree Consortium.
461 Section 14. Section 1004.093, Florida Statutes, is created
462 to read:
463 1004.093 Degree completion pilot program.—
464 (1) The degree completion pilot program is established for
465 the purpose of recruiting, recovering, and retaining the state’s
466 adult learners and assisting them in completing an associate
467 degree or baccalaureate degree that is aligned to high-wage,
468 high-skill workforce needs. As used in this section, the term
469 “adult learner” means a student who has left an institution in
470 good standing before completing his or her associate degree or
471 baccalaureate degree. Priority attention shall be given to adult
472 learners who are veterans and active-duty servicemembers.
473 (2) The Chancellor of the State University System and the
474 Chancellor of the Florida College System shall jointly oversee
475 the implementation of the pilot program. The pilot program shall
476 be implemented in collaboration with the University of West
477 Florida, which is the lead institution, and the University of
478 South Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and St.
479 Petersburg College. The pilot program shall include the
480 associate, applied baccalaureate, and baccalaureate degree
481 programs that those institutions have selected, in partnership
482 with public postsecondary education institutions providing areas
483 of specialization or concentration.
484 (3) The pilot program shall be implemented and administered
485 as an activity within the Florida Degree Consortium. The pilot
486 program shall provide adult learners with a single point of
487 access to information and links to innovative online and
488 accelerated distance learning courses, student and library
489 support services, and electronic resources that will guide the
490 adult learner toward the successful completion of a
491 postsecondary education degree.
492 (4) Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year, the pilot
493 program shall be implemented and must:
494 (a) Use the distance learning course catalog established
495 pursuant to ss. 1004.09 and 1004.091 to communicate course
496 availability to the adult learner.
497 (b) Develop and implement an advising and student support
498 system that includes the use of degree completion specialists,
499 that is based on best practices and processes, and that includes
500 academic and career support services designed specifically for
501 the adult learner.
502 (c) Use the streamlined, automated, online registration
503 process for transient students established pursuant to s.
504 1004.091 and identify any additional admissions and registration
505 policies and practices that could be further streamlined and
506 automated for purposes of assisting the adult learner.
507 (d) Use competency-based evaluation tools to assess prior
508 performance, experience, and education for the award of college
509 credit, which must include the American Council on Education’s
510 collaborative link between the United States Department of
511 Defense and higher education through the review of military
512 training and experience for the award of equivalent college
513 credit for members of the Armed Forces.
514 (e) Develop and implement an evaluation process that
515 collects, analyzes, and provides information to participating
516 postsecondary education institutions, the chairs of the
517 legislative appropriations committees, and the Executive Office
518 of the Governor which details the effectiveness of the pilot
519 program and the attainment of its goals. The evaluation process
520 must include a management information system that collects the
521 appropriate student, programmatic, and fiscal data necessary to
522 complete the evaluation of the pilot program.
523 (f) Develop and implement a statewide marketing campaign
524 targeted at recruiting the adult learners, in particular
525 veterans and active-duty servicemembers, for enrollment in the
526 degree programs offered through the pilot program.
527 (5) For purposes of the pilot program, each postsecondary
528 education institution’s current tuition and fee structure shall
529 be used. However, participating postsecondary education
530 institutions shall collaboratively identify the applicable cost
531 components associated with developing and delivering distance
532 learning courses and submit the information regarding such cost
533 components to the pilot program director.
534 (6) By August 1, 2012, the Chancellor of the State
535 University System and the Chancellor of the Florida College
536 System shall submit to the chairs of the legislative
537 appropriations committees a detailed project plan that defines
538 the major work activities, timeline, and cost for implementing
539 and administering the pilot program.
540 Section 15. Section 1004.935, Florida Statutes, is created
541 to read:
542 1004.935 Adults with Disabilities Workforce Education Pilot
543 Program.—
544 (1) The Adults with Disabilities Workforce Education Pilot
545 Program is established for 2 years in Charlotte County, DeSoto
546 County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County to provide the
547 option of receiving a scholarship for instruction at private
548 schools for up to 30 students who:
549 (a) Have a disability;
550 (b) Are 22 years of age;
551 (c) Are receiving instruction from an instructor in a
552 private school to meet the high school graduation requirements
553 in s. 1003.428;
554 (d) Do not have a standard high school diploma or a special
555 high school diploma; and
556 (e) Receive supported employment services, which is
557 employment that is located or provided in an integrated work
558 setting, with earnings paid on a commensurate wage basis, and
559 for which continued support is needed for job maintenance.
560
561 As used in this subsection, the term “student with a disability”
562 includes a student who is documented as having an intellectual
563 disability; a speech impairment; a language impairment; a
564 hearing impairment, including deafness; a visual impairment,
565 including blindness; a dual sensory impairment; an orthopedic
566 impairment; another health impairment; an emotional or
567 behavioral disability; a specific learning disability,
568 including, but not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or
569 developmental aphasia; a traumatic brain injury; a developmental
570 delay; or autism spectrum disorder.
571 (2) A student participating in the pilot program may
572 continue to participate in the program until the student
573 graduates from high school, or reaches the age of 30 years,
574 whichever occurs first.
575 (3) The supported employment services may be provided at
576 more than one site.
577 (4) The provider of supported employment services must be a
578 nonprofit corporation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
579 Code which serves Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Manatee
580 County, or Sarasota County and must contract with a private
581 school in this state which meets the requirements in subsection
582 (5).
583 (5) A private school that participates in the program may
584 be sectarian or nonsectarian and must:
585 (a) Be academically accountable for meeting the educational
586 needs of the student by annually providing to the provider of
587 supported employment services a written explanation of the
588 student’s progress.
589 (b) Comply with the antidiscrimination provisions of 42
590 U.S.C. s. 2000d.
591 (c) Meet state and local health and safety laws and codes.
592 (d) Provide to the provider of supported employment
593 services all documentation required for a student’s
594 participation, including the private school’s and student’s fee
595 schedules, at least 30 days before any quarterly scholarship
596 payment is made for the student. A student is not eligible to
597 receive a quarterly scholarship payment if the private school
598 fails to meet this deadline.
599
600 The inability of a private school to meet the requirements of
601 this subsection constitutes a basis for the ineligibility of the
602 private school to participate in the scholarship program.
603 (6)(a) If the student chooses to participate in the program
604 and is accepted by the provider of supported employment
605 services, the student must notify the Department of Education of
606 his or her acceptance into the program 60 days before the first
607 scholarship payment and before participating in the program in
608 order to be eligible for the scholarship.
609 (b) Upon receipt of a scholarship warrant, the student or
610 parent to whom the warrant is made must restrictively endorse
611 the warrant to the provider of supported employment services for
612 deposit into the account of the provider. The student or parent
613 may not designate any entity or individual associated with the
614 participating provider of supported employment services as the
615 student’s or parent’s attorney in fact to endorse a scholarship
616 warrant. A participant who fails to comply with this paragraph
617 forfeits the scholarship.
618 (7) Funds for the scholarship shall be provided from the
619 appropriation from the school district’s Workforce Development
620 Fund in the General Appropriations Act for students who reside
621 in the Charlotte County School District, the DeSoto County
622 School District, the Manatee County School District, or the
623 Sarasota County School District. During the 2-year pilot
624 program, the scholarship amount granted for an eligible student
625 with a disability shall be equal to the cost per unit of a full
626 time equivalent adult general education student, multiplied by
627 the adult general education funding factor, and multiplied by
628 the district cost differential pursuant to the formula required
629 by s. 1011.80(6)(a) for the district in which the student
630 resides.
631 (8) Upon notification by the Department of Education that
632 it has received the required documentation, the Chief Financial
633 Officer shall make scholarship payments in four equal amounts no
634 later than September 1, November 1, February 1, and April 1 of
635 each academic year in which the scholarship is in force. The
636 initial payment shall be made after the Department of Education
637 verifies that the student was accepted into the program, and
638 subsequent payments shall be made upon verification of continued
639 participation in the program. Payment must be by individual
640 warrant made payable to the student or parent and mailed by the
641 Department of Education to the provider of supported employment
642 services, and the student or parent shall restrictively endorse
643 the warrant to the provider of supported employment services for
644 deposit into the account of that provider.
645 (9) Subsequent to each scholarship payment, the Department
646 of Education shall request from the Department of Financial
647 Services a sample of endorsed warrants to review and confirm
648 compliance with endorsement requirements.
649 Section 16. Section 1006.73, Florida Statutes, is created
650 to read:
651 1006.73 Florida Education Library Resource Center.—
652 (1) The Florida Education Library Resource Center is
653 established for the purpose of facilitating the collaboration
654 among academic libraries in acquiring resources and deploying
655 services, leveraging their assets through formal and informal
656 cooperative agreements and collaborative action, and providing
657 coordination and leadership for services in support of teaching,
658 learning, research, and public service.
659 (2)(a) The Chancellor of the State University System and
660 the Chancellor of the Florida College System, or their designees
661 as appropriate and applicable, shall jointly govern and oversee
662 the center, with the assistance of a board of directors and
663 members council, using the administrative and operational
664 policies and procedures of the center.
665 (b)1. A board of directors shall make recommendations to
666 the chancellors and approve and implement bylaws governing the
667 policies and operations of the center. The board of directors
668 shall consist, at a minimum, of:
669 a. A university provost selected by the Chancellor of the
670 State University System;
671 b. A college academic vice president selected by the
672 Chancellor of the Florida College System;
673 c. The chair, past chair, and chair-elect of the members
674 council;
675 d. One university representative selected by the members
676 council; and
677 e. One college representative selected by the members
678 council.
679 2. The members council shall consist of one representative
680 from each state university library and college library who shall
681 advise the board of directors regarding services and products
682 offered by the center. The membership of the council may be
683 expanded to include representatives of other types of libraries
684 contracting for services through the center as provided in the
685 bylaws of the center.
686 (3) The center may enter into a contract with a
687 postsecondary education institution for fiscal services and
688 administrative support services or may, at the discretion of the
689 chancellors, provide such services and support internally. The
690 services and fees charged by the postsecondary education
691 institution shall be negotiated with the center and may not
692 exceed the actual cost for providing the services.
693 (4) The center shall maintain an unencumbered balance of 5
694 percent of the approved operating budget.
695 (5) By June 30, 2013, the Florida Center for Library
696 Automation and the College Center for Library Automation shall
697 cease independent operations and all remaining assets and
698 responsibilities, not otherwise disposed of, shall be
699 transferred to the center.
700 (6) In order to support academic libraries in fulfilling
701 their missions, the center shall:
702 (a) Provide services as determined by its board of
703 directors and authorized by the chancellors. The center shall
704 develop a menu of core and optional services, including areas
705 that must be offered to and used by institutions at no charge.
706 (b) Provide for the cost-efficient and cost-effective use
707 of the technological infrastructure needed to deliver its
708 services through the acquisition of a next generation library
709 management system and its associated services, including a
710 discovery tool. The library management system and discovery tool
711 shall replace the tools provided to postsecondary academic
712 libraries by the Florida Center for Library Automation and the
713 College Center for Library Automation. The center may also
714 assist member institutions in and through the acquisition or
715 implementation of other specialized tools and resources in
716 support of or on behalf of member institutions.
717 (c) Build upon existing opportunities and seek new
718 opportunities for formal and informal cooperative agreements and
719 partnerships to foster continuing collaborative action that
720 leverages institutional and statewide resources.
721 (d) Coordinate the negotiation of statewide licensing and
722 preferred pricing agreements with content and service providers
723 that result in cost savings for member institutions pursuant to
724 s. 1006.72.
725 (e) Have the authority to enter into contracts, issue
726 purchase orders, and own or lease property and equipment. The
727 center may secure assistance and services from other state
728 universities and colleges in order to avail itself of the
729 necessary expertise and support in the most cost-effective
730 manner possible.
731 (f) Have the authority, upon recommendation of the board of
732 directors and approval of the chancellors, to apply for and
733 accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from local, state, or
734 federal governments, or from any of their agencies, or any other
735 public or private source and use such funds to defray
736 administrative costs and implement programs as may be necessary
737 to carry out the center’s purpose and assist member institutions
738 and the students, faculty, and staff that the center serves and
739 supports.
740 Section 17. Subsection (6) of section 1007.33, Florida
741 Statutes, is amended to read:
742 1007.33 Site-determined baccalaureate degree access.—
743 (6)(a) Beginning July 1, 2010, and each subsequent July 1,
744 the Division of Florida Colleges may accept and review
745 applications from a Florida College System institution to obtain
746 an exemption from the State Board of Education’s approval for
747 subsequent degrees as required in subsection (5), if the Florida
748 College System institution is accredited by the Commission on
749 Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as
750 a baccalaureate-degree-granting institution and has been
751 offering baccalaureate degree programs for 3 or more years. The
752 division shall develop criteria for determining eligibility for
753 an exemption based upon demonstrated compliance with the
754 requirements for baccalaureate degrees, primary mission, and
755 fiscal, including, but not limited to:
756 1. Obtaining and maintaining appropriate SACS
757 accreditation;
758 2. The maintenance of qualified faculty and institutional
759 resources;
760 3. The maintenance of enrollment projections in previously
761 approved programs;
762 4. The appropriate management of fiscal resources;
763 5. Compliance with the primary mission and responsibility
764 requirements in subsections (2) and (3);
765 6. The timely submission of the institution’s annual
766 performance accountability report; and
767 7. Other indicators of success such as program completers,
768 placements, and surveys of students and employers.
769 (b) If the Florida College System institution has
770 demonstrated satisfactory progress in fulfilling the eligibility
771 criteria in this subsection, the Division of Florida Colleges
772 may recommend to the State Board of Education that the
773 institution be exempt from the requirement in subsection (5) for
774 approval of future baccalaureate degree programs. The State
775 Board of Education shall review the division’s recommendation
776 and determine if an exemption is warranted. If the State Board
777 of Education approves the application, the Florida College
778 System institution is exempt from subsequent program approval
779 under subsection (5) and such authority is delegated to the
780 Florida College System institution board of trustees. If the
781 State Board of Education disapproves of the Florida College
782 System institution’s request for an exemption, the college shall
783 continue to be subject to the State Board of Education’s
784 approval of subsequent baccalaureate degree programs.
785 (a)(c) Prior to developing or proposing a new baccalaureate
786 degree program, all Florida College System institutions,
787 regardless of an exemption from subsection (5), shall:
788 1. Engage in need, demand, and impact discussions with the
789 state university in their service district and other local and
790 regional, accredited postsecondary providers in their region.
791 2. Send documentation, data, and other information from the
792 inter-institutional discussions regarding program need, demand,
793 and impact required in subparagraph 1. to the college’s board of
794 trustees, the Division of Florida Colleges, and the Chancellor
795 of the State University System.
796 3. Base board of trustees approval of the new program upon
797 the documentation, data, and other information required in this
798 paragraph and the factors in subsection (5)(d).
799
800 The Division of Florida Colleges shall use the documentation,
801 data, and other information required in this subsection,
802 including information from the Chancellor of the State
803 University System, in its compliance review.
804 (b)(d) The board of trustees of a Florida College System
805 institution that is exempt from subsection (5) must submit newly
806 approved programs to the Division of Florida Colleges and SACS
807 within 30 days after approval.
808 (c)(e) Within 30 days after receiving the approved
809 baccalaureate degree program, the Division of Florida Colleges
810 shall conduct a compliance review and notify the college if the
811 proposal meets the criteria for implementation based upon the
812 criteria in paragraphs (5)(d) and (6)(a) (6)(c). If the program
813 fails to meet the criteria for implementation as determined by
814 the Division of Florida Colleges, the college may not proceed
815 with implementation of the program until the State Board of
816 Education reviews the proposal and the compliance materials and
817 gives its final approval of the program.
818 Section 18. Subsection (3) of section 1009.215, Florida
819 Statutes, is amended to read:
820 1009.215 Student enrollment pilot program for the spring
821 and summer terms.—
822 (3) Students who are enrolled in the pilot program and who
823 are eligible to receive Bright Futures Scholarships under ss.
824 1009.53-1009.536 shall be eligible to receive the scholarship
825 award for attendance during the summer term. A student may not
826 receive the scholarship award for more than 2 semesters in any
827 given fiscal year in the spring and summer terms but are not
828 eligible to receive the scholarship for attendance during the
829 fall term.
830 Section 19. Subsection (1) of section 1009.25, Florida
831 Statutes, is amended to read:
832 1009.25 Fee exemptions.—
833 (1) The following students are exempt from the payment of
834 tuition and fees, including lab fees, at a school district that
835 provides workforce education postsecondary career programs,
836 Florida College System institution, or state university:
837 (a) A student enrolled in a dual enrollment or early
838 admission program pursuant to s. 1007.27 or s. 1007.271.
839 (b) A student enrolled in an approved apprenticeship
840 program, as defined in s. 446.021.
841 (c) A student who is or was at the time he or she reached
842 18 years of age in the custody of the Department of Children and
843 Family Services or who, after spending at least 6 months in the
844 custody of the department after reaching 16 years of age, was
845 placed in a guardianship by the court. Such exemption includes
846 fees associated with enrollment in career-preparatory
847 instruction. The exemption remains valid until the student
848 reaches 28 years of age.
849 (d) A student who is or was at the time he or she reached
850 18 years of age in the custody of a relative under s. 39.5085 or
851 who was adopted from the Department of Children and Family
852 Services after May 5, 1997. Such exemption includes fees
853 associated with enrollment in career-preparatory instruction.
854 The exemption remains valid until the student reaches 28 years
855 of age.
856 (e) A student enrolled in an employment and training
857 program under the welfare transition program. The regional
858 workforce board shall pay the state university, Florida College
859 System institution, or school district for costs incurred for
860 welfare transition program participants.
861 (f) A student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate
862 nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a
863 public or private shelter designed to provide temporary
864 residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a
865 public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as,
866 a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
867 (g) A student who is a proprietor, owner, or worker of a
868 company whose business has been at least 50 percent negatively
869 financially impacted by the buyout of property around Lake
870 Apopka by the State of Florida. Such student may receive a fee
871 exemption only if the student has not received compensation
872 because of the buyout, the student is designated a Florida
873 resident for tuition purposes, pursuant to s. 1009.21, and the
874 student has applied for and been denied financial aid, pursuant
875 to s. 1009.40, which would have provided, at a minimum, payment
876 of all student fees. The student is responsible for providing
877 evidence to the postsecondary education institution verifying
878 that the conditions of this paragraph have been met, including
879 supporting documentation provided by the Department of Revenue.
880 The student must be currently enrolled in, or begin coursework
881 within, a program area by fall semester 2000. The exemption is
882 valid for a period of 4 years after the date that the
883 postsecondary education institution confirms that the conditions
884 of this paragraph have been met.
885 (h) A student for whom the full program cost is paid by
886 another party.
887 Section 20. Subsections (2) and (7) of section 1009.286,
888 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
889 1009.286 Additional student payment for hours exceeding
890 baccalaureate degree program completion requirements at state
891 universities.—
892 (2) State universities shall require a student to pay an
893 excess hour surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate
894 for each credit hour in excess of 115 percent of the number of
895 credit hours required to complete the baccalaureate degree
896 program in which the student is enrolled. The excess hour
897 surcharge shall become effective for students who enter a
898 Florida College System institution or a state university for the
899 first time as follows:
900 (a) For the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic years, an
901 excess hour surcharge equal to 50 percent of the tuition rate
902 for each credit hour in excess of 120 percent;
903 (b) For the 2011-2012 academic year, an excess hour
904 surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate for each
905 credit hour in excess of 115 percent; and
906 (c) For the 2012-2013 academic year and thereafter, an
907 excess hour surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate
908 for each credit hour in excess of 110 percent.
909 (7) The provisions of this section become effective for
910 students who enter a Florida College System institution or a
911 state university for the first time in the 2011-2012 academic
912 year and thereafter.
913 Section 21. Subsections (2) and (7) of section 1009.531,
914 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
915 1009.531 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
916 student eligibility requirements for initial awards.—
917 (2)(a) For students graduating from high school prior to
918 the 2010-2011 academic year, a student is eligible to accept an
919 initial award for 3 years following high school graduation and
920 to accept a renewal award for 7 years following high school
921 graduation. A student who applies for an award by high school
922 graduation and who meets all other eligibility requirements, but
923 who does not accept his or her award, may reapply during
924 subsequent application periods up to 3 years after high school
925 graduation. For a student who enlists in the United States Armed
926 Forces immediately after completion of high school, the 3-year
927 eligibility period for his or her initial award shall begin upon
928 the date of separation from active duty. For a student who is
929 receiving a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship and discontinues
930 his or her education to enlist in the United States Armed
931 Forces, the remainder of his or her 7-year renewal period shall
932 commence upon the date of separation from active duty.
933 (b) For students graduating from high school in the 2010
934 2011 and 2011-2012 academic years year and thereafter, a student
935 is eligible to accept an initial award for 3 years following
936 high school graduation and to accept a renewal award for 5 years
937 following high school graduation. A student who applies for an
938 award by high school graduation and who meets all other
939 eligibility requirements, but who does not accept his or her
940 award, may reapply during subsequent application periods up to 3
941 years after high school graduation. For a student who enlists in
942 the United States Armed Forces immediately after completion of
943 high school, the 3-year eligibility period for his or her
944 initial award and the 5-year renewal period shall begin upon the
945 date of separation from active duty. For a student who is
946 receiving a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship award and
947 discontinues his or her education to enlist in the United States
948 Armed Forces, the remainder of his or her 5-year renewal period
949 shall commence upon the date of separation from active duty. If
950 a course of study is not completed after 5 academic years, an
951 exception of 1 year to the renewal timeframe may be granted due
952 to a verifiable illness or other documented emergency pursuant
953 to s. 1009.40(1)(b)4.
954 (c) For students graduating from high school in the 2012
955 2013 academic year and thereafter, a student is eligible to
956 accept an initial award for 2 years after high school graduation
957 and to accept a renewal award for 5 years after high school
958 graduation. A student who applies for an award by high school
959 graduation and who meets all other eligibility requirements, but
960 who does not accept his or her award, may reapply during
961 subsequent application periods up to 2 years after high school
962 graduation. For a student who enlists in the United States Armed
963 Forces immediately after the completion of high school, the 2
964 year eligibility period for his or her initial award and the 5
965 year renewal period shall begin upon the date of separation from
966 active duty. For a student who is receiving a Florida Bright
967 Futures Scholarship award and discontinues his or her education
968 to enlist in the United States Armed Forces, the remainder of
969 his or her 5-year renewal period shall begin upon the date of
970 separation from active duty. If a course of study is not
971 completed after 5 academic years, an exception of 1 year to the
972 renewal timeframe may be granted due to a verifiable illness or
973 other documented emergency pursuant to s. 1009.40(1)(b)4.
974 (7) To be eligible for an initial and for each renewal
975 award under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a
976 student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
977 which is complete and error free prior to disbursement of funds.
978 The department may provide an alternate form for use by students
979 who do not choose to submit a Free Application for Federal
980 Student Aid. The alternate form shall provide the appropriate
981 information, including, but not limited to, information
982 regarding funds and assets.
983 Section 22. Subsection (3) of section 1009.532, Florida
984 Statutes, is amended to read:
985 1009.532 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
986 student eligibility requirements for renewal awards.—
987 (3)(a) A student who is initially eligible prior to the
988 2010-2011 academic year and is enrolled in a program that
989 terminates in an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree may
990 receive an award for a maximum of 110 percent of the number of
991 credit hours required to complete the program. A student who is
992 enrolled in a program that terminates in a career certificate
993 may receive an award for a maximum of 110 percent of the credit
994 hours or clock hours required to complete the program up to 90
995 credit hours.
996 (b) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2010
997 2011 and 2011-2012 academic years term and thereafter, the
998 student may receive an award for a maximum of 100 percent of the
999 number of credit hours required to complete an associate degree
1000 program or a baccalaureate degree program, or the student may
1001 receive an award for a maximum of 100 percent of the credit
1002 hours or clock hours required to complete up to 90 credit hours
1003 of a program that terminates in a career certificate.
1004 (c) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2012
1005 2013 academic year and thereafter, the student may receive an
1006 award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours
1007 required to complete an associate degree program or a
1008 baccalaureate degree program. A student may earn a Florida Gold
1009 Seal Vocational Scholarship for a maximum of 100 percent of the
1010 credit hours or equivalent clock hours as provided in s.
1011 1009.536(4)(c). A student who transfers from one of these
1012 program levels to another becomes eligible for the higher of the
1013 two credit hour limits.
1014 Section 23. Subsection (5) of section 1009.534, Florida
1015 Statutes, is amended to read:
1016 1009.534 Florida Academic Scholars award.—
1017 (5) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (4), a Florida
1018 Academic Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount
1019 specified in the General Appropriations Act. The Legislature may
1020 provide in the General Appropriations Act an additional
1021 supplement for upper-division courses in the fields of science,
1022 technology, engineering, and mathematics.
1023 Section 24. Subsection (4) of section 1009.535, Florida
1024 Statutes, is amended to read:
1025 1009.535 Florida Medallion Scholars award.—
1026 (4) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a Florida Medallion
1027 Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified
1028 in the General Appropriations Act. The Legislature may provide
1029 in the General Appropriations Act an additional supplement for
1030 upper-division courses in the fields of science, technology,
1031 engineering, and mathematics.
1032 Section 25. Section 1009.536, Florida Statutes, is amended
1033 to read:
1034 1009.536 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award.—The
1035 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award is created within
1036 the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to recognize and
1037 reward academic achievement and career preparation by high
1038 school students who wish to continue their education.
1039 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal
1040 Vocational Scholars award if the student meets the general
1041 eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures
1042 Scholarship Program and the student:
1043 (a) Completes the secondary school portion of a sequential
1044 program of studies that requires at least three secondary school
1045 career credits taken over at least 2 academic years, and is
1046 continued in a planned, related postsecondary education program.
1047 If the student’s school does not offer such a two-plus-two or
1048 tech-prep program, the student must complete a job-preparatory
1049 career education program selected by Workforce Florida, Inc.,
1050 for its ability to provide high-wage employment in an occupation
1051 with high potential for employment opportunities. On-the-job
1052 training may not be substituted for any of the three required
1053 career credits.
1054 (b) Demonstrates readiness for postsecondary education by
1055 earning a passing score on the Florida College Entry Level
1056 Placement Test or its equivalent as identified by the Department
1057 of Education.
1058 (c) Earns a minimum cumulative weighted grade point average
1059 of 3.0, as calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, on all subjects
1060 required for a standard high school diploma, excluding elective
1061 courses.
1062 (d) Earns a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5
1063 on a 4.0 scale for secondary career courses comprising the
1064 career program.
1065 (e) Beginning with high school students graduating in the
1066 2011-2012 academic year and thereafter, completes a program of
1067 community service work approved by the district school board or
1068 the administrators of a nonpublic school, which shall include a
1069 minimum of 30 hours of service work, and identifies a social
1070 problem that interests him or her, develops a plan for his or
1071 her personal involvement in addressing the problem, and, through
1072 papers or other presentations, evaluates and reflects upon his
1073 or her experience.
1074 (2) A Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholar is eligible for
1075 an award equal to the amount specified in the General
1076 Appropriations Act required to pay 75 percent of tuition and
1077 fees, if the student is enrolled in a public postsecondary
1078 education institution. A student who is enrolled in a nonpublic
1079 postsecondary education institution is eligible for an award
1080 equal to the amount that would be required to pay 75 percent of
1081 the tuition and mandatory fees of a public postsecondary
1082 education institution at the comparable level.
1083 (3) To be eligible for a renewal award as a Florida Gold
1084 Seal Vocational Scholar, a student must maintain the equivalent
1085 of a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale with
1086 an opportunity for restoration one time as provided in this
1087 chapter.
1088 (4)(a) A student who is initially eligible before the 2010
1089 2011 academic year may earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational
1090 Scholarship for 110 percent of the number of credit hours
1091 required to complete the program, up to 90 credit hours or the
1092 equivalent.
1093 (b) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2010
1094 2011 and 2011-2012 academic terms term and thereafter, the
1095 student may earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship for
1096 100 percent of the number of credit hours required to complete
1097 the program, up to 90 credit hours or the equivalent.
1098 (c) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2012
1099 2013 academic term and thereafter, the student may earn a
1100 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship for up to 100 percent
1101 of the number of credit hours or equivalent clock hours required
1102 to complete one of the following programs:
1103 1. Up to 60 credit hours or equivalent clock hours in an
1104 applied technology diploma program as defined in s. 1004.02(8);
1105 2. Up to 72 credit hours in a technology degree education
1106 program as defined in s. 1004.02(14); and
1107 3. Up to the prescribed number of credit hours or
1108 equivalent clocks hours, not to exceed 72, required for a career
1109 certificate program as defined in s.1004.02(21).
1110 (5) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a Florida Gold Seal
1111 Vocational Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount
1112 specified in the General Appropriations Act.
1113 Section 26. Present subsection (7) of section 1009.60,
1114 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (8), and a new
1115 subsection (7) is added to that section, to read:
1116 1009.60 Minority teacher education scholars program.—There
1117 is created the minority teacher education scholars program,
1118 which is a collaborative performance-based scholarship program
1119 for African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and
1120 Native American students. The participants in the program
1121 include Florida’s Florida College System institutions and its
1122 public and private universities that have teacher education
1123 programs.
1124 (7) The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc., shall use
1125 a contingency collections agency to collect repayments of
1126 defaulted scholarships.
1127 Section 27. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
1128 1009.605, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1129 1009.605 Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc.—
1130 (2)
1131 (b) The corporation shall report to the Department of
1132 Education, by the date established by the department, the
1133 eligible students to whom scholarship moneys are disbursed each
1134 academic term, the annual balance of the corporation’s assets
1135 and cash reserves, and any other information requested by the
1136 department in accordance with s. 1009.94. By June 30 of each
1137 fiscal year, the corporation shall remit to the department any
1138 appropriated funds that were not distributed for scholarships,
1139 less the 5 percent for administration, including administration
1140 of the required training program, authorized pursuant to
1141 subsection (3).
1142 Section 28. Section 1010.30, Florida Statutes, is amended
1143 to read:
1144 1010.30 Audits required.—
1145 (1) School districts, Florida College System institutions,
1146 and other institutions and agencies under the supervision of the
1147 State Board of Education and state universities under the
1148 supervision of the Board of Governors are subject to the audit
1149 provisions under ss. 11.45 and 218.39.
1150 (2) If an audit contains a significant finding, the
1151 district school board, the Florida College System institution
1152 board of trustees, or the university board of trustees shall
1153 conduct an audit overview during a public meeting.
1154 Section 29. Subsection (2) of section 1012.83, Florida
1155 Statutes, is amended to read:
1156 1012.83 Contracts with administrative and instructional
1157 staff.—
1158 (2) Each contract or employment agreement, or renewal or
1159 renegotiation of an existing contract or employment agreement,
1160 containing a provision for severance pay with an officer, agent,
1161 employee, or contractor must include the provisions required in
1162 s. 215.425. A Florida College System institution board of
1163 trustees may not enter into an employment contract that requires
1164 the Florida College System institution to pay an employee an
1165 amount from appropriated state funds in excess of 1 year of the
1166 employee’s annual salary for termination, buyout, or any other
1167 type of contract settlement. This subsection does not prohibit
1168 the payment of leave and benefits accrued by the employee in
1169 accordance with the Florida College System institution’s leave
1170 and benefits policies before the contract terminates.
1171 Section 30. Notwithstanding the 5 percent limitation
1172 provided in s. 1010.62(2)(a), Florida Statutes, the University
1173 of Florida is authorized to use revenues derived from the
1174 activity and service fee to pay and secure debt in an amount not
1175 to exceed $2.55 per credit hour to finance the renovation and
1176 expansion of the university’s J. Wayne Reitz Union.
1177 Section 31. The Higher Education Coordinating Council,
1178 created pursuant to s. 1004.015, Florida Statutes, shall review
1179 and evaluate the current higher education governance structure
1180 in this state and shall make recommendations to the Legislature
1181 regarding potential revisions to the higher education delivery
1182 system to improve student services, access, affordability, and
1183 accountability. At a minimum, the council shall consider
1184 academics, fiscal efficiencies, and regional demographics. The
1185 council shall report its findings and recommendations to the
1186 Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the
1187 House of Representatives.
1188 Section 32. This act shall take effect July 1, 2012.