Florida Senate - 2012 SENATOR AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 5201
Barcode 547388
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Senate . House
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Floor: 1/R/2R .
03/09/2012 09:38 PM .
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Senator Lynn moved the following:
1 Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
2
3 Delete everything after the enacting clause
4 and insert:
5 Section 1. Paragraph (j) is added to subsection (7) of
6 section 11.45, Florida Statutes, to read:
7 11.45 Definitions; duties; authorities; reports; rules.—
8 (7) AUDITOR GENERAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—
9 (j) The Auditor General shall notify the Legislative
10 Auditing Committee of any financial or operational audit report
11 prepared pursuant to this section which indicates that a state
12 university or state college has failed to take full corrective
13 action in response to a recommendation that was included in the
14 two preceding financial or operational audit reports.
15 1. The committee may direct the governing body of the state
16 university or state college to provide a written statement to
17 the committee explaining why full corrective action has not been
18 taken or, if the governing body intends to take full corrective
19 action, describing the corrective action to be taken and when it
20 will occur.
21 2. If the committee determines that the written statement
22 is not sufficient, the committee may require the chair of the
23 governing body of the state university or state college, or the
24 chair’s designee, to appear before the committee.
25 3. If the committee determines that the state university or
26 state college has failed to take full corrective action for
27 which there is no justifiable reason, or has failed to comply
28 with committee requests made pursuant to this section, the
29 committee may proceed in accordance with s. 11.40(2).
30 Section 2. Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) of section
31 287.057, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
32 287.057 Procurement of commodities or contractual
33 services.—
34 (3) When the purchase price of commodities or contractual
35 services exceeds the threshold amount provided in s. 287.017 for
36 CATEGORY TWO, no purchase of commodities or contractual services
37 may be made without receiving competitive sealed bids,
38 competitive sealed proposals, or competitive sealed replies
39 unless:
40 (f) The following contractual services and commodities are
41 not subject to the competitive-solicitation requirements of this
42 section:
43 1. Artistic services. For the purposes of this subsection,
44 the term “artistic services” does not include advertising or
45 typesetting. As used in this subparagraph, the term
46 “advertising” means the making of a representation in any form
47 in connection with a trade, business, craft, or profession in
48 order to promote the supply of commodities or services by the
49 person promoting the commodities or contractual services.
50 2. Academic program reviews if the fee for such services
51 does not exceed $50,000.
52 3. Lectures by individuals.
53 4. Legal services, including attorney, paralegal, expert
54 witness, appraisal, or mediator services.
55 5.a. Health services involving examination, diagnosis,
56 treatment, prevention, medical consultation, or administration.
57 b. Beginning January 1, 2011, health services, including,
58 but not limited to, substance abuse and mental health services,
59 involving examination, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or
60 medical consultation, when such services are offered to eligible
61 individuals participating in a specific program that qualifies
62 multiple providers and uses a standard payment methodology.
63 Reimbursement of administrative costs for providers of services
64 purchased in this manner shall also be exempt. For purposes of
65 this sub-subparagraph, “providers” means health professionals,
66 health facilities, or organizations that deliver or arrange for
67 the delivery of health services.
68 6. Services provided to persons with mental or physical
69 disabilities by not-for-profit corporations which have obtained
70 exemptions under the provisions of s. 501(c)(3) of the United
71 States Internal Revenue Code or when such services are governed
72 by the provisions of Office of Management and Budget Circular A
73 122. However, in acquiring such services, the agency shall
74 consider the ability of the vendor, past performance,
75 willingness to meet time requirements, and price.
76 7. Medicaid services delivered to an eligible Medicaid
77 recipient unless the agency is directed otherwise in law.
78 8. Family placement services.
79 9. Prevention services related to mental health, including
80 drug abuse prevention programs, child abuse prevention programs,
81 and shelters for runaways, operated by not-for-profit
82 corporations. However, in acquiring such services, the agency
83 shall consider the ability of the vendor, past performance,
84 willingness to meet time requirements, and price.
85 10. Training and education services provided to injured
86 employees pursuant to s. 440.491(6).
87 10.11. Contracts entered into pursuant to s. 337.11.
88 11.12. Services or commodities provided by governmental
89 agencies.
90 Section 3. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
91 402.7305, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
92 402.7305 Department of Children and Family Services;
93 procurement of contractual services; contract management.—
94 (2) PROCUREMENT OF COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES.—
95 (a) Notwithstanding s. 287.057(3)(f)11., 287.057(3)(f)12.,
96 whenever the department intends to contract with a public
97 postsecondary institution to provide a service, the department
98 must allow all public postsecondary institutions in this state
99 that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
100 Schools to bid on the contract. Thereafter, notwithstanding any
101 other provision to the contrary, if a public postsecondary
102 institution intends to subcontract for any service awarded in
103 the contract, the subcontracted service must be procured by
104 competitive procedures.
105 Section 4. Paragraph (q) of subsection (3) of section
106 413.011, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
107 413.011 Division of Blind Services, legislative policy,
108 intent; internal organizational structure and powers;
109 Rehabilitation Council for the Blind.—
110 (3) DIVISION STRUCTURE AND DUTIES.—The internal
111 organizational structure of the Division of Blind Services shall
112 be designed for the purpose of ensuring the greatest possible
113 efficiency and effectiveness of services to the blind and to be
114 consistent with chapter 20. The Division of Blind Services shall
115 plan, supervise, and carry out the following activities:
116 (q) Establish one or more training schools and workshops
117 for the employment of suitable blind persons; make expenditures
118 of funds for such purposes; receive moneys from sales of
119 commodities involved in such activities and from such funds make
120 payments of wages, repairs, insurance premiums, and replacements
121 of equipment. All of the activities provided for in this section
122 may be carried on in cooperation with private workshops for the
123 blind, except that all tools and equipment furnished by the
124 division shall remain the property of the state. If any property
125 leased by the Division of Blind Services and located in Daytona
126 Beach, including an existing sublease upon the expiration of its
127 current term, is no longer needed for the expansion of the
128 division’s programs, Daytona State College shall be given
129 priority for the use of such available property. In addition,
130 future construction of any facilities not related to programs
131 under the Division of Blind Services may not be commenced
132 without prior approval by the Division of Blind Services and the
133 Division of State Lands.
134 Section 5. Subsection (3) of section 427.0135, Florida
135 Statutes, is amended to read:
136 427.0135 Purchasing agencies; duties and responsibilities.
137 Each purchasing agency, in carrying out the policies and
138 procedures of the commission, shall:
139 (3) Not procure transportation disadvantaged services
140 without initially negotiating with the commission, as provided
141 in s. 287.057(3)(f)11., 287.057(3)(f)12., or unless otherwise
142 authorized by statute. If the purchasing agency, after
143 consultation with the commission, determines that it cannot
144 reach mutually acceptable contract terms with the commission,
145 the purchasing agency may contract for the same transportation
146 services provided in a more cost-effective manner and of
147 comparable or higher quality and standards. The Medicaid agency
148 shall implement this subsection in a manner consistent with s.
149 409.908(18) and as otherwise limited or directed by the General
150 Appropriations Act.
151 Section 6. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
152 440.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
153 440.15 Compensation for disability.—Compensation for
154 disability shall be paid to the employee, subject to the limits
155 provided in s. 440.12(2), as follows:
156 (2) TEMPORARY TOTAL DISABILITY.—
157 (c) Temporary total disability benefits paid pursuant to
158 this subsection shall include such period as may be reasonably
159 necessary for training in the use of artificial members and
160 appliances, and shall include such period as the employee may be
161 receiving training and education under a program pursuant to s.
162 440.491.
163 Section 7. Subsection (3) of section 440.33, Florida
164 Statutes, is repealed.
165 Section 8. Section 440.491, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
166 Section 9. Subsection (5) of section 440.50, Florida
167 Statutes, is amended to read:
168 440.50 Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund.—
169 (5) Funds appropriated by an operating appropriation or a
170 nonoperating transfer from the Workers’ Compensation
171 Administration Trust Fund to the Department of Education, the
172 Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of
173 Business and Professional Regulation, the Department of
174 Management Services, the First District Court of Appeal, and the
175 Justice Administrative Commission remaining unencumbered as of
176 June 30 or undisbursed as of September 30 each year shall revert
177 to the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund.
178 Section 10. Subsection (7) is added to section 1001.02,
179 Florida Statutes, to read:
180 1001.02 General powers of State Board of Education.—
181 (7) The State Board of Education shall delegate to the
182 Division of Florida Colleges oversight responsibility for
183 Florida College System institutions that have significant
184 potential management or academic issues.
185 Section 11. Subsection (47) of section 1001.64, Florida
186 Statutes, is amended, and subsection (48) is added to that
187 section, to read:
188 1001.64 Florida College System institution boards of
189 trustees; powers and duties.—
190 (47) Each contract or employment agreement, or renewal or
191 renegotiation of an existing contract or employment agreement,
192 containing a provision for severance pay with an officer, agent,
193 employee, or contractor must include the provisions required in
194 s. 215.425. A board of trustees may not enter into an employment
195 contract that requires the Florida College System institution to
196 pay a Florida College System institution president an amount
197 from state funds in excess of 1 year of the president’s annual
198 salary for termination, buyout, or any other type of contract
199 settlement. This subsection does not prohibit the payment of
200 leave and benefits accrued by the president in accordance with
201 the Florida College System institution’s leave and benefits
202 policies before the contract terminates.
203 (48) Each board of trustees shall enter into consortia and
204 cooperative agreements to maximize the purchasing power for
205 goods and services. A consortium or cooperative agreement may be
206 statewide, regional, or a combination of institutions, as
207 appropriate to achieve the lowest cost, with the goal of
208 achieving a 5 percent savings on existing contract prices
209 through the use of new cooperative arrangements or new
210 consortium contracts.
211 Section 12. Paragraph (i) is added to subsection (3) and
212 paragraph (e) is added to subsection (4) of section 1001.706,
213 Florida Statutes, and paragraph (d) of subsection (6) of that
214 section is amended, to read:
215 1001.706 Powers and duties of the Board of Governors.—
216 (3) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ORGANIZATION AND
217 OPERATION OF STATE UNIVERSITIES.—
218 (i) The Board of Governors shall adopt regulations
219 requiring universities to enter into consortia and cooperative
220 agreements to maximize the purchasing power for goods and
221 services. A consortium or cooperative agreement may be
222 statewide, regional, or a combination of institutions, as
223 appropriate to achieve the lowest cost, with the goal of
224 achieving a 5 percent savings on existing contract prices
225 through the use of new cooperative arrangements or new
226 consortium contracts.
227 (4) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO FINANCE.—
228 (e) The Board of Governors may approve the transfer between
229 institutions of unused budget authority from the
230 Education/General Student and Other Fees Trust Fund.
231 (6) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO PERSONNEL.—
232 (d) Each contract or employment agreement, or renewal or
233 renegotiation of an existing contract or employment agreement,
234 containing a provision for severance pay with an officer, agent,
235 employee, or contractor must include the provisions required in
236 s. 215.425. The Board of Governors, or the board’s designee, may
237 not enter into an employment contract that requires it to pay an
238 employee an amount from state funds in excess of 1 year of the
239 employee’s annual salary for termination, buyout, or any other
240 type of contract settlement. This paragraph does not prohibit
241 the payment of leave and benefits accrued by the employee in
242 accordance with the board’s or designee’s leave and benefits
243 policies before the contract terminates.
244 Section 13. Section 1004.092, Florida Statutes, is created
245 to read:
246 1004.092 Florida Degree Consortium.—
247 (1) The Florida Degree Consortium is established by merging
248 the Florida Distance Learning Consortium as provided in s.
249 1004.091, the computer assisted student advising system as
250 provided in s. 1007.28, and the degree completion pilot program
251 as provided in s. 1004.093.
252 (2) The Florida Degree Consortium is established for the
253 purpose of serving as a central point of contact for:
254 (a) Information about online courses, programs, and degrees
255 offered by colleges and universities in the state and shall
256 provide assistance to individuals wishing to enroll in online
257 instruction offered by the colleges and universities.
258 (b) Information and links to student and library support
259 services and electronic resources that will guide the student
260 toward the successful completion of an online degree.
261 (3) The Chancellor of the State University System and the
262 Chancellor of the Florida College System shall jointly oversee
263 the implementation of the Florida Degree Consortium.
264 Section 14. Section 1004.093, Florida Statutes, is created
265 to read:
266 1004.093 Degree completion pilot program.—
267 (1) The degree completion pilot program is established for
268 the purpose of recruiting, recovering, and retaining the state’s
269 adult learners and assisting them in completing an associate
270 degree or baccalaureate degree that is aligned to high-wage,
271 high-skill workforce needs. As used in this section, the term
272 “adult learner” means a student who has left an institution in
273 good standing before completing his or her associate degree or
274 baccalaureate degree. Priority attention shall be given to adult
275 learners who are veterans and active-duty servicemembers.
276 (2) The Chancellor of the State University System and the
277 Chancellor of the Florida College System shall jointly oversee
278 the implementation of the pilot program. The pilot program shall
279 be implemented in collaboration with the University of West
280 Florida, which is the lead institution, and the University of
281 South Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and St.
282 Petersburg College. The pilot program shall include the
283 associate, applied baccalaureate, and baccalaureate degree
284 programs that those institutions have selected, in partnership
285 with public postsecondary education institutions providing areas
286 of specialization or concentration.
287 (3) The pilot program shall be implemented and administered
288 as an activity within the Florida Degree Consortium. The pilot
289 program shall provide adult learners with a single point of
290 access to information and links to innovative online and
291 accelerated distance learning courses, student and library
292 support services, and electronic resources that will guide the
293 adult learner toward the successful completion of a
294 postsecondary education degree.
295 (4) Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year, the pilot
296 program shall be implemented and must:
297 (a) Use the distance learning course catalog established
298 pursuant to ss. 1004.09 and 1004.091 to communicate course
299 availability to the adult learner.
300 (b) Develop and implement an advising and student support
301 system that includes the use of degree completion specialists,
302 that is based on best practices and processes, and that includes
303 academic and career support services designed specifically for
304 the adult learner.
305 (c) Use the streamlined, automated, online registration
306 process for transient students established pursuant to s.
307 1004.091 and identify any additional admissions and registration
308 policies and practices that could be further streamlined and
309 automated for purposes of assisting the adult learner.
310 (d) Use competency-based evaluation tools to assess prior
311 performance, experience, and education for the award of college
312 credit, which must include the American Council on Education’s
313 collaborative link between the United States Department of
314 Defense and higher education through the review of military
315 training and experience for the award of equivalent college
316 credit for members of the Armed Forces.
317 (e) Develop and implement an evaluation process that
318 collects, analyzes, and provides information to participating
319 postsecondary education institutions, the chairs of the
320 legislative appropriations committees, and the Executive Office
321 of the Governor which details the effectiveness of the pilot
322 program and the attainment of its goals. The evaluation process
323 must include a management information system that collects the
324 appropriate student, programmatic, and fiscal data necessary to
325 complete the evaluation of the pilot program.
326 (f) Develop and implement a statewide marketing campaign
327 targeted at recruiting the adult learners, in particular
328 veterans and active-duty servicemembers, for enrollment in the
329 degree programs offered through the pilot program.
330 (5) For purposes of the pilot program, each postsecondary
331 education institution’s current tuition and fee structure shall
332 be used. However, participating postsecondary education
333 institutions shall collaboratively identify the applicable cost
334 components associated with developing and delivering distance
335 learning courses and submit the information regarding such cost
336 components to the pilot program director.
337 (6) By August 1, 2012, the Chancellor of the State
338 University System and the Chancellor of the Florida College
339 System shall submit to the chairs of the legislative
340 appropriations committees a detailed project plan that defines
341 the major work activities, timeline, and cost for implementing
342 and administering the pilot program.
343 Section 15. Section 1004.935, Florida Statutes, is created
344 to read:
345 1004.935 Adults with Disabilities Workforce Education Pilot
346 Program.—
347 (1) The Adults with Disabilities Workforce Education Pilot
348 Program is established for 2 years in Charlotte County, DeSoto
349 County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County to provide the
350 option of receiving a scholarship for instruction at private
351 schools for up to 30 students who:
352 (a) Have a disability;
353 (b) Are 22 years of age;
354 (c) Are receiving instruction from an instructor in a
355 private school to meet the high school graduation requirements
356 in s. 1003.428;
357 (d) Do not have a standard high school diploma or a special
358 high school diploma; and
359 (e) Receive supported employment services, which is
360 employment that is located or provided in an integrated work
361 setting, with earnings paid on a commensurate wage basis, and
362 for which continued support is needed for job maintenance.
363
364 As used in this subsection, the term “student with a disability”
365 includes a student who is documented as having an intellectual
366 disability; a speech impairment; a language impairment; a
367 hearing impairment, including deafness; a visual impairment,
368 including blindness; a dual sensory impairment; an orthopedic
369 impairment; another health impairment; an emotional or
370 behavioral disability; a specific learning disability,
371 including, but not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or
372 developmental aphasia; a traumatic brain injury; a developmental
373 delay; or autism spectrum disorder.
374 (2) A student participating in the pilot program may
375 continue to participate in the program until the student
376 graduates from high school, or reaches the age of 30 years,
377 whichever occurs first.
378 (3) The supported employment services may be provided at
379 more than one site.
380 (4) The provider of supported employment services must be a
381 nonprofit corporation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
382 Code which serves Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Manatee
383 County, or Sarasota County and must contract with a private
384 school in this state which meets the requirements in subsection
385 (5).
386 (5) A private school that participates in the program may
387 be sectarian or nonsectarian and must:
388 (a) Be academically accountable for meeting the educational
389 needs of the student by annually providing to the provider of
390 supported employment services a written explanation of the
391 student’s progress.
392 (b) Comply with the antidiscrimination provisions of 42
393 U.S.C. s. 2000d.
394 (c) Meet state and local health and safety laws and codes.
395 (d) Provide to the provider of supported employment
396 services all documentation required for a student’s
397 participation, including the private school’s and student’s fee
398 schedules, at least 30 days before any quarterly scholarship
399 payment is made for the student. A student is not eligible to
400 receive a quarterly scholarship payment if the private school
401 fails to meet this deadline.
402
403 The inability of a private school to meet the requirements of
404 this subsection constitutes a basis for the ineligibility of the
405 private school to participate in the scholarship program.
406 (6)(a) If the student chooses to participate in the program
407 and is accepted by the provider of supported employment
408 services, the student must notify the Department of Education of
409 his or her acceptance into the program 60 days before the first
410 scholarship payment and before participating in the program in
411 order to be eligible for the scholarship.
412 (b) Upon receipt of a scholarship warrant, the student or
413 parent to whom the warrant is made must restrictively endorse
414 the warrant to the provider of supported employment services for
415 deposit into the account of the provider. The student or parent
416 may not designate any entity or individual associated with the
417 participating provider of supported employment services as the
418 student’s or parent’s attorney in fact to endorse a scholarship
419 warrant. A participant who fails to comply with this paragraph
420 forfeits the scholarship.
421 (7) Funds for the scholarship shall be provided from the
422 appropriation from the school district’s Workforce Development
423 Fund in the General Appropriations Act for students who reside
424 in the Charlotte County School District, the DeSoto County
425 School District, the Manatee County School District, or the
426 Sarasota County School District. During the 2-year pilot
427 program, the scholarship amount granted for an eligible student
428 with a disability shall be equal to the cost per unit of a full
429 time equivalent adult general education student, multiplied by
430 the adult general education funding factor, and multiplied by
431 the district cost differential pursuant to the formula required
432 by s. 1011.80(6)(a) for the district in which the student
433 resides.
434 (8) Upon notification by the Department of Education that
435 it has received the required documentation, the Chief Financial
436 Officer shall make scholarship payments in four equal amounts no
437 later than September 1, November 1, February 1, and April 1 of
438 each academic year in which the scholarship is in force. The
439 initial payment shall be made after the Department of Education
440 verifies that the student was accepted into the program, and
441 subsequent payments shall be made upon verification of continued
442 participation in the program. Payment must be by individual
443 warrant made payable to the student or parent and mailed by the
444 Department of Education to the provider of supported employment
445 services, and the student or parent shall restrictively endorse
446 the warrant to the provider of supported employment services for
447 deposit into the account of that provider.
448 (9) Subsequent to each scholarship payment, the Department
449 of Education shall request from the Department of Financial
450 Services a sample of endorsed warrants to review and confirm
451 compliance with endorsement requirements.
452 Section 16. Section 1006.73, Florida Statutes, is created
453 to read:
454 1006.73 Florida Education Library Resource Center.—
455 (1) The Florida Education Library Resource Center is
456 established for the purpose of facilitating the collaboration
457 among academic libraries in acquiring resources and deploying
458 services, leveraging their assets through formal and informal
459 cooperative agreements and collaborative action, and providing
460 coordination and leadership for services in support of teaching,
461 learning, research, and public service.
462 (2)(a) The Chancellor of the State University System and
463 the Chancellor of the Florida College System, or their designees
464 as appropriate and applicable, shall jointly govern and oversee
465 the center, with the assistance of a board of directors and
466 members council, using the administrative and operational
467 policies and procedures of the center.
468 (b)1. A board of directors shall make recommendations to
469 the chancellors and approve and implement bylaws governing the
470 policies and operations of the center. The board of directors
471 shall consist, at a minimum, of:
472 a. A university provost selected by the Chancellor of the
473 State University System;
474 b. A college academic vice president selected by the
475 Chancellor of the Florida College System;
476 c. The chair, past chair, and chair-elect of the members
477 council;
478 d. One university representative selected by the members
479 council; and
480 e. One college representative selected by the members
481 council.
482 2. The members council shall consist of one representative
483 from each state university library and college library who shall
484 advise the board of directors regarding services and products
485 offered by the center. The membership of the council may be
486 expanded to include representatives of other types of libraries
487 contracting for services through the center as provided in the
488 bylaws of the center.
489 (3) The center may enter into a contract with a
490 postsecondary education institution for fiscal services and
491 administrative support services or may, at the discretion of the
492 chancellors, provide such services and support internally. The
493 services and fees charged by the postsecondary education
494 institution shall be negotiated with the center and may not
495 exceed the actual cost for providing the services.
496 (4) The center shall maintain an unencumbered balance of 5
497 percent of the approved operating budget.
498 (5) By June 30, 2013, the Florida Center for Library
499 Automation and the College Center for Library Automation shall
500 cease independent operations and all remaining assets and
501 responsibilities, not otherwise disposed of, shall be
502 transferred to the center.
503 (6) In order to support academic libraries in fulfilling
504 their missions, the center shall:
505 (a) Provide services as determined by its board of
506 directors and authorized by the chancellors. The center shall
507 develop a menu of core and optional services, including areas
508 that must be offered to and used by institutions at no charge.
509 (b) Provide for the cost-efficient and cost-effective use
510 of the technological infrastructure needed to deliver its
511 services through the acquisition of a next generation library
512 management system and its associated services, including a
513 discovery tool. The library management system and discovery tool
514 shall replace the tools provided to postsecondary academic
515 libraries by the Florida Center for Library Automation and the
516 College Center for Library Automation. The center may also
517 assist member institutions in and through the acquisition or
518 implementation of other specialized tools and resources in
519 support of or on behalf of member institutions.
520 (c) Build upon existing opportunities and seek new
521 opportunities for formal and informal cooperative agreements and
522 partnerships to foster continuing collaborative action that
523 leverages institutional and statewide resources.
524 (d) Coordinate the negotiation of statewide licensing and
525 preferred pricing agreements with content and service providers
526 that result in cost savings for member institutions pursuant to
527 s. 1006.72.
528 (e) Have the authority to enter into contracts, issue
529 purchase orders, and own or lease property and equipment. The
530 center may secure assistance and services from other state
531 universities and colleges in order to avail itself of the
532 necessary expertise and support in the most cost-effective
533 manner possible.
534 (f) Have the authority, upon recommendation of the board of
535 directors and approval of the chancellors, to apply for and
536 accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from local, state, or
537 federal governments, or from any of their agencies, or any other
538 public or private source and use such funds to defray
539 administrative costs and implement programs as may be necessary
540 to carry out the center’s purpose and assist member institutions
541 and the students, faculty, and staff that the center serves and
542 supports.
543 Section 17. Subsection (6) of section 1007.33, Florida
544 Statutes, is amended to read:
545 1007.33 Site-determined baccalaureate degree access.—
546 (6)(a) Beginning July 1, 2010, and each subsequent July 1,
547 the Division of Florida Colleges may accept and review
548 applications from a Florida College System institution to obtain
549 an exemption from the State Board of Education’s approval for
550 subsequent degrees as required in subsection (5), if the Florida
551 College System institution is accredited by the Commission on
552 Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as
553 a baccalaureate-degree-granting institution and has been
554 offering baccalaureate degree programs for 3 or more years. The
555 division shall develop criteria for determining eligibility for
556 an exemption based upon demonstrated compliance with the
557 requirements for baccalaureate degrees, primary mission, and
558 fiscal, including, but not limited to:
559 1. Obtaining and maintaining appropriate SACS
560 accreditation;
561 2. The maintenance of qualified faculty and institutional
562 resources;
563 3. The maintenance of enrollment projections in previously
564 approved programs;
565 4. The appropriate management of fiscal resources;
566 5. Compliance with the primary mission and responsibility
567 requirements in subsections (2) and (3);
568 6. The timely submission of the institution’s annual
569 performance accountability report; and
570 7. Other indicators of success such as program completers,
571 placements, and surveys of students and employers.
572 (b) If the Florida College System institution has
573 demonstrated satisfactory progress in fulfilling the eligibility
574 criteria in this subsection, the Division of Florida Colleges
575 may recommend to the State Board of Education that the
576 institution be exempt from the requirement in subsection (5) for
577 approval of future baccalaureate degree programs. The State
578 Board of Education shall review the division’s recommendation
579 and determine if an exemption is warranted. If the State Board
580 of Education approves the application, the Florida College
581 System institution is exempt from subsequent program approval
582 under subsection (5) and such authority is delegated to the
583 Florida College System institution board of trustees. If the
584 State Board of Education disapproves of the Florida College
585 System institution’s request for an exemption, the college shall
586 continue to be subject to the State Board of Education’s
587 approval of subsequent baccalaureate degree programs.
588 (a)(c) Prior to developing or proposing a new baccalaureate
589 degree program, all Florida College System institutions,
590 regardless of an exemption from subsection (5), shall:
591 1. Engage in need, demand, and impact discussions with the
592 state university in their service district and other local and
593 regional, accredited postsecondary providers in their region.
594 2. Send documentation, data, and other information from the
595 inter-institutional discussions regarding program need, demand,
596 and impact required in subparagraph 1. to the college’s board of
597 trustees, the Division of Florida Colleges, and the Chancellor
598 of the State University System.
599 3. Base board of trustees approval of the new program upon
600 the documentation, data, and other information required in this
601 paragraph and the factors in subsection (5)(d).
602
603 The Division of Florida Colleges shall use the documentation,
604 data, and other information required in this subsection,
605 including information from the Chancellor of the State
606 University System, in its compliance review.
607 (b)(d) The board of trustees of a Florida College System
608 institution that is exempt from subsection (5) must submit newly
609 approved programs to the Division of Florida Colleges and SACS
610 within 30 days after approval.
611 (c)(e) Within 30 days after receiving the approved
612 baccalaureate degree program, the Division of Florida Colleges
613 shall conduct a compliance review and notify the college if the
614 proposal meets the criteria for implementation based upon the
615 criteria in paragraphs (5)(d) and (6)(a) (6)(c). If the program
616 fails to meet the criteria for implementation as determined by
617 the Division of Florida Colleges, the college may not proceed
618 with implementation of the program until the State Board of
619 Education reviews the proposal and the compliance materials and
620 gives its final approval of the program.
621 Section 18. Subsection (3) of section 1009.215, Florida
622 Statutes, is amended to read:
623 1009.215 Student enrollment pilot program for the spring
624 and summer terms.—
625 (3) Students who are enrolled in the pilot program and who
626 are eligible to receive Bright Futures Scholarships under ss.
627 1009.53-1009.536 shall be eligible to receive the scholarship
628 award for attendance during the summer term. A student may not
629 receive the scholarship award for more than 2 semesters in any
630 given fiscal year in the spring and summer terms but are not
631 eligible to receive the scholarship for attendance during the
632 fall term.
633 Section 19. Subsection (1) of section 1009.25, Florida
634 Statutes, is amended to read:
635 1009.25 Fee exemptions.—
636 (1) The following students are exempt from the payment of
637 tuition and fees, including lab fees, at a school district that
638 provides workforce education postsecondary career programs,
639 Florida College System institution, or state university:
640 (a) A student enrolled in a dual enrollment or early
641 admission program pursuant to s. 1007.27 or s. 1007.271.
642 (b) A student enrolled in an approved apprenticeship
643 program, as defined in s. 446.021.
644 (c) A student who is or was at the time he or she reached
645 18 years of age in the custody of the Department of Children and
646 Family Services or who, after spending at least 6 months in the
647 custody of the department after reaching 16 years of age, was
648 placed in a guardianship by the court. Such exemption includes
649 fees associated with enrollment in career-preparatory
650 instruction. The exemption remains valid until the student
651 reaches 28 years of age.
652 (d) A student who is or was at the time he or she reached
653 18 years of age in the custody of a relative under s. 39.5085 or
654 who was adopted from the Department of Children and Family
655 Services after May 5, 1997. Such exemption includes fees
656 associated with enrollment in career-preparatory instruction.
657 The exemption remains valid until the student reaches 28 years
658 of age.
659 (e) A student enrolled in an employment and training
660 program under the welfare transition program. The regional
661 workforce board shall pay the state university, Florida College
662 System institution, or school district for costs incurred for
663 welfare transition program participants.
664 (f) A student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate
665 nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a
666 public or private shelter designed to provide temporary
667 residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a
668 public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as,
669 a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
670 (g) A student who is a proprietor, owner, or worker of a
671 company whose business has been at least 50 percent negatively
672 financially impacted by the buyout of property around Lake
673 Apopka by the State of Florida. Such student may receive a fee
674 exemption only if the student has not received compensation
675 because of the buyout, the student is designated a Florida
676 resident for tuition purposes, pursuant to s. 1009.21, and the
677 student has applied for and been denied financial aid, pursuant
678 to s. 1009.40, which would have provided, at a minimum, payment
679 of all student fees. The student is responsible for providing
680 evidence to the postsecondary education institution verifying
681 that the conditions of this paragraph have been met, including
682 supporting documentation provided by the Department of Revenue.
683 The student must be currently enrolled in, or begin coursework
684 within, a program area by fall semester 2000. The exemption is
685 valid for a period of 4 years after the date that the
686 postsecondary education institution confirms that the conditions
687 of this paragraph have been met.
688 (h) A student for whom the full program cost is paid by
689 another party.
690 Section 20. Subsections (2) and (7) of section 1009.286,
691 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
692 1009.286 Additional student payment for hours exceeding
693 baccalaureate degree program completion requirements at state
694 universities.—
695 (2) State universities shall require a student to pay an
696 excess hour surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate
697 for each credit hour in excess of 115 percent of the number of
698 credit hours required to complete the baccalaureate degree
699 program in which the student is enrolled. The excess hour
700 surcharge shall become effective for students who enter a
701 Florida College System institution or a state university for the
702 first time as follows:
703 (a) For the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic years, an
704 excess hour surcharge equal to 50 percent of the tuition rate
705 for each credit hour in excess of 120 percent;
706 (b) For the 2011-2012 academic year, an excess hour
707 surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate for each
708 credit hour in excess of 115 percent; and
709 (c) For the 2012-2013 academic year and thereafter, an
710 excess hour surcharge equal to 100 percent of the tuition rate
711 for each credit hour in excess of 110 percent.
712 (7) The provisions of this section become effective for
713 students who enter a Florida College System institution or a
714 state university for the first time in the 2011-2012 academic
715 year and thereafter.
716 Section 21. Subsections (2) and (7) of section 1009.531,
717 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
718 1009.531 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
719 student eligibility requirements for initial awards.—
720 (2)(a) For students graduating from high school prior to
721 the 2010-2011 academic year, a student is eligible to accept an
722 initial award for 3 years following high school graduation and
723 to accept a renewal award for 7 years following high school
724 graduation. A student who applies for an award by high school
725 graduation and who meets all other eligibility requirements, but
726 who does not accept his or her award, may reapply during
727 subsequent application periods up to 3 years after high school
728 graduation. For a student who enlists in the United States Armed
729 Forces immediately after completion of high school, the 3-year
730 eligibility period for his or her initial award shall begin upon
731 the date of separation from active duty. For a student who is
732 receiving a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship and discontinues
733 his or her education to enlist in the United States Armed
734 Forces, the remainder of his or her 7-year renewal period shall
735 commence upon the date of separation from active duty.
736 (b) For students graduating from high school in the 2010
737 2011 and 2011-2012 academic years year and thereafter, a student
738 is eligible to accept an initial award for 3 years following
739 high school graduation and to accept a renewal award for 5 years
740 following high school graduation. A student who applies for an
741 award by high school graduation and who meets all other
742 eligibility requirements, but who does not accept his or her
743 award, may reapply during subsequent application periods up to 3
744 years after high school graduation. For a student who enlists in
745 the United States Armed Forces immediately after completion of
746 high school, the 3-year eligibility period for his or her
747 initial award and the 5-year renewal period shall begin upon the
748 date of separation from active duty. For a student who is
749 receiving a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship award and
750 discontinues his or her education to enlist in the United States
751 Armed Forces, the remainder of his or her 5-year renewal period
752 shall commence upon the date of separation from active duty. If
753 a course of study is not completed after 5 academic years, an
754 exception of 1 year to the renewal timeframe may be granted due
755 to a verifiable illness or other documented emergency pursuant
756 to s. 1009.40(1)(b)4.
757 (c) For students graduating from high school in the 2012
758 2013 academic year and thereafter, a student is eligible to
759 accept an initial award for 2 years after high school graduation
760 and to accept a renewal award for 5 years after high school
761 graduation. A student who applies for an award by high school
762 graduation and who meets all other eligibility requirements, but
763 who does not accept his or her award, may reapply during
764 subsequent application periods up to 2 years after high school
765 graduation. For a student who enlists in the United States Armed
766 Forces immediately after the completion of high school, the 2
767 year eligibility period for his or her initial award and the 5
768 year renewal period shall begin upon the date of separation from
769 active duty. For a student who is receiving a Florida Bright
770 Futures Scholarship award and discontinues his or her education
771 to enlist in the United States Armed Forces, the remainder of
772 his or her 5-year renewal period shall begin upon the date of
773 separation from active duty. If a course of study is not
774 completed after 5 academic years, an exception of 1 year to the
775 renewal timeframe may be granted due to a verifiable illness or
776 other documented emergency pursuant to s. 1009.40(1)(b)4.
777 (7) To be eligible for an initial and for each renewal
778 award under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a
779 student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
780 which is complete and error free prior to disbursement of funds.
781 The department may provide an alternate form for use by students
782 who do not choose to submit a Free Application for Federal
783 Student Aid. The alternate form shall provide the appropriate
784 information, including, but not limited to, information
785 regarding funds and assets.
786 Section 22. Subsection (3) of section 1009.532, Florida
787 Statutes, is amended to read:
788 1009.532 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
789 student eligibility requirements for renewal awards.—
790 (3)(a) A student who is initially eligible prior to the
791 2010-2011 academic year and is enrolled in a program that
792 terminates in an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree may
793 receive an award for a maximum of 110 percent of the number of
794 credit hours required to complete the program. A student who is
795 enrolled in a program that terminates in a career certificate
796 may receive an award for a maximum of 110 percent of the credit
797 hours or clock hours required to complete the program up to 90
798 credit hours.
799 (b) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2010
800 2011 and 2011-2012 academic years term and thereafter, the
801 student may receive an award for a maximum of 100 percent of the
802 number of credit hours required to complete an associate degree
803 program or a baccalaureate degree program, or the student may
804 receive an award for a maximum of 100 percent of the credit
805 hours or clock hours required to complete up to 90 credit hours
806 of a program that terminates in a career certificate.
807 (c) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2012
808 2013 academic year and thereafter, the student may receive an
809 award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours
810 required to complete an associate degree program or a
811 baccalaureate degree program. A student may earn a Florida Gold
812 Seal Vocational Scholarship for a maximum of 100 percent of the
813 credit hours or equivalent clock hours as provided in s.
814 1009.536(4)(c). A student who transfers from one of these
815 program levels to another becomes eligible for the higher of the
816 two credit hour limits.
817 Section 23. Subsection (5) of section 1009.534, Florida
818 Statutes, is amended to read:
819 1009.534 Florida Academic Scholars award.—
820 (5) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (4), a Florida
821 Academic Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount
822 specified in the General Appropriations Act. The Legislature may
823 provide in the General Appropriations Act an additional
824 supplement for upper-division courses in the fields of science,
825 technology, engineering, and mathematics.
826 Section 24. Subsection (4) of section 1009.535, Florida
827 Statutes, is amended to read:
828 1009.535 Florida Medallion Scholars award.—
829 (4) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a Florida Medallion
830 Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified
831 in the General Appropriations Act. The Legislature may provide
832 in the General Appropriations Act an additional supplement for
833 upper-division courses in the fields of science, technology,
834 engineering, and mathematics.
835 Section 25. Section 1009.536, Florida Statutes, is amended
836 to read:
837 1009.536 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award.—The
838 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award is created within
839 the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to recognize and
840 reward academic achievement and career preparation by high
841 school students who wish to continue their education.
842 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal
843 Vocational Scholars award if the student meets the general
844 eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures
845 Scholarship Program and the student:
846 (a) Completes the secondary school portion of a sequential
847 program of studies that requires at least three secondary school
848 career credits taken over at least 2 academic years, and is
849 continued in a planned, related postsecondary education program.
850 If the student’s school does not offer such a two-plus-two or
851 tech-prep program, the student must complete a job-preparatory
852 career education program selected by Workforce Florida, Inc.,
853 for its ability to provide high-wage employment in an occupation
854 with high potential for employment opportunities. On-the-job
855 training may not be substituted for any of the three required
856 career credits.
857 (b) Demonstrates readiness for postsecondary education by
858 earning a passing score on the Florida College Entry Level
859 Placement Test or its equivalent as identified by the Department
860 of Education.
861 (c) Earns a minimum cumulative weighted grade point average
862 of 3.0, as calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, on all subjects
863 required for a standard high school diploma, excluding elective
864 courses.
865 (d) Earns a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5
866 on a 4.0 scale for secondary career courses comprising the
867 career program.
868 (e) Beginning with high school students graduating in the
869 2011-2012 academic year and thereafter, completes a program of
870 community service work approved by the district school board or
871 the administrators of a nonpublic school, which shall include a
872 minimum of 30 hours of service work, and identifies a social
873 problem that interests him or her, develops a plan for his or
874 her personal involvement in addressing the problem, and, through
875 papers or other presentations, evaluates and reflects upon his
876 or her experience.
877 (2) A Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholar is eligible for
878 an award equal to the amount specified in the General
879 Appropriations Act required to pay 75 percent of tuition and
880 fees, if the student is enrolled in a public postsecondary
881 education institution. A student who is enrolled in a nonpublic
882 postsecondary education institution is eligible for an award
883 equal to the amount that would be required to pay 75 percent of
884 the tuition and mandatory fees of a public postsecondary
885 education institution at the comparable level.
886 (3) To be eligible for a renewal award as a Florida Gold
887 Seal Vocational Scholar, a student must maintain the equivalent
888 of a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale with
889 an opportunity for restoration one time as provided in this
890 chapter.
891 (4)(a) A student who is initially eligible before the 2010
892 2011 academic year may earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational
893 Scholarship for 110 percent of the number of credit hours
894 required to complete the program, up to 90 credit hours or the
895 equivalent.
896 (b) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2010
897 2011 and 2011-2012 academic terms term and thereafter, the
898 student may earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship for
899 100 percent of the number of credit hours required to complete
900 the program, up to 90 credit hours or the equivalent.
901 (c) For a student who is initially eligible in the 2012
902 2013 academic term and thereafter, the student may earn a
903 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship for up to 100 percent
904 of the number of credit hours or equivalent clock hours required
905 to complete one of the following programs:
906 1. Up to 60 credit hours or equivalent clock hours in an
907 applied technology diploma program as defined in s. 1004.02(8);
908 2. Up to 72 credit hours in a technology degree education
909 program as defined in s. 1004.02(14); and
910 3. Up to the prescribed number of credit hours or
911 equivalent clocks hours, not to exceed 72, required for a career
912 certificate program as defined in s.1004.02(21).
913 (5) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a Florida Gold Seal
914 Vocational Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount
915 specified in the General Appropriations Act.
916 Section 26. Present subsection (7) of section 1009.60,
917 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (8), and a new
918 subsection (7) is added to that section, to read:
919 1009.60 Minority teacher education scholars program.—There
920 is created the minority teacher education scholars program,
921 which is a collaborative performance-based scholarship program
922 for African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and
923 Native American students. The participants in the program
924 include Florida’s Florida College System institutions and its
925 public and private universities that have teacher education
926 programs.
927 (7) The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc., shall use
928 a contingency collections agency to collect repayments of
929 defaulted scholarships.
930 Section 27. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
931 1009.605, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
932 1009.605 Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc.—
933 (2)
934 (b) The corporation shall report to the Department of
935 Education, by the date established by the department, the
936 eligible students to whom scholarship moneys are disbursed each
937 academic term, the annual balance of the corporation’s assets
938 and cash reserves, and any other information requested by the
939 department in accordance with s. 1009.94. By June 30 of each
940 fiscal year, the corporation shall remit to the department any
941 appropriated funds that were not distributed for scholarships,
942 less the 5 percent for administration, including administration
943 of the required training program, authorized pursuant to
944 subsection (3).
945 Section 28. Section 1010.30, Florida Statutes, is amended
946 to read:
947 1010.30 Audits required.—
948 (1) School districts, Florida College System institutions,
949 and other institutions and agencies under the supervision of the
950 State Board of Education and state universities under the
951 supervision of the Board of Governors are subject to the audit
952 provisions under ss. 11.45 and 218.39.
953 (2) If an audit contains a significant finding, the
954 district school board, the Florida College System institution
955 board of trustees, or the university board of trustees shall
956 conduct an audit overview during a public meeting.
957 Section 29. Subsection (2) of section 1012.83, Florida
958 Statutes, is amended to read:
959 1012.83 Contracts with administrative and instructional
960 staff.—
961 (2) Each contract or employment agreement, or renewal or
962 renegotiation of an existing contract or employment agreement,
963 containing a provision for severance pay with an officer, agent,
964 employee, or contractor must include the provisions required in
965 s. 215.425. A Florida College System institution board of
966 trustees may not enter into an employment contract that requires
967 the Florida College System institution to pay an employee an
968 amount from appropriated state funds in excess of 1 year of the
969 employee’s annual salary for termination, buyout, or any other
970 type of contract settlement. This subsection does not prohibit
971 the payment of leave and benefits accrued by the employee in
972 accordance with the Florida College System institution’s leave
973 and benefits policies before the contract terminates.
974 Section 30. Notwithstanding the 5 percent limitation
975 provided in s. 1010.62(2)(a), Florida Statutes, the University
976 of Florida is authorized to use revenues derived from the
977 activity and service fee to pay and secure debt in an amount not
978 to exceed $2.55 per credit hour to finance the renovation and
979 expansion of the university’s J. Wayne Reitz Union.
980 Section 31. The Higher Education Coordinating Council,
981 created pursuant to s. 1004.015, Florida Statutes, shall review
982 and evaluate the current higher education governance structure
983 in this state and shall make recommendations to the Legislature
984 regarding potential revisions to the higher education delivery
985 system to improve student services, access, affordability, and
986 accountability. At a minimum, the council shall consider
987 academics, fiscal efficiencies, and regional demographics. The
988 council shall report its findings and recommendations to the
989 Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the
990 House of Representatives.
991 Section 32. This act shall take effect July 1, 2012.
992
993 ================= T I T L E A M E N D M E N T ================
994 And the title is amended as follows:
995 Delete everything before the enacting clause
996 and insert:
997 A bill to be entitled
998 An act relating to postsecondary education; amending
999 s. 11.45, F.S.; requiring that the Auditor General
1000 notify the Legislative Auditing Committee of any
1001 financial or operational audit report indicating that
1002 a state university or state college has failed to take
1003 full corrective action in response to recommendations
1004 in previous audit reports; authorizing the committee
1005 to direct the governing body of the state university
1006 or state college to provide a written statement
1007 explaining why full corrective action has not been
1008 taken or notifying that it intends to take full
1009 corrective action; requiring that a hearing be held if
1010 the committee determines that the state university or
1011 state college has, without justification, failed to
1012 take full corrective action; amending s. 287.057,
1013 F.S.; deleting a provision that exempts from
1014 competitive-solicitation requirements training and
1015 education services for injured employees, to conform
1016 to changes made by the act; amending s. 402.7305,
1017 F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending s.
1018 413.011, F.S.; revising the duties of the Division of
1019 Blind Services within the Department of Education;
1020 requiring that Daytona State College be given priority
1021 for the use of available property located in Daytona
1022 Beach which is no longer needed by the division;
1023 requiring prior approval by the Division of Blind
1024 Services and the Division of State Lands within the
1025 Department of Environmental Protection for the future
1026 construction of facilities not related to programs
1027 under the Division of Blind Services; amending s.
1028 427.0135, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending
1029 s. 440.15, F.S.; revising provisions to conform to
1030 changes made by the act; repealing s. 440.33(3), F.S.,
1031 relating to provisions that authorize a judge of
1032 compensation claims to request an evaluation pursuant
1033 to s. 440.491, F.S., to conform to changes made by the
1034 act; repealing s. 440.491, F.S., relating to the
1035 reemployment of injured workers and rehabilitation;
1036 amending s. 440.50, F.S.; revising provisions to
1037 conform to changes made by the act; amending s.
1038 1001.02, F.S.; requiring that the State Board of
1039 Education delegate to the Division of Florida Colleges
1040 oversight responsibility for certain Florida College
1041 System institutions; amending s. 1001.64, F.S.;
1042 requiring that each contract or employment agreement,
1043 or renewal or renegotiation of an existing contract or
1044 employment agreement, containing a provision for
1045 severance pay include certain provisions; requiring
1046 that each board of trustees enter into consortia and
1047 cooperative agreements; providing that a consortium or
1048 cooperative agreement may be statewide, regional, or a
1049 combination of institutions, as appropriate to achieve
1050 the lowest cost; amending s. 1001.706, F.S.; requiring
1051 that the Board of Governors adopt regulations
1052 requiring universities to enter into consortia and
1053 cooperative agreements; authorizing the Board of
1054 Governors to approve the transfer between institutions
1055 of unused budget authority from the Education/General
1056 Student and Other Fees Trust Fund; revising provisions
1057 relating to employment contracts with the Board of
1058 Governors; requiring that each contract or employment
1059 agreement, or renewal or renegotiation of an existing
1060 contract or employment agreement, containing a
1061 provision for severance pay include certain
1062 provisions; creating s. 1004.092, F.S.; establishing
1063 the Florida Degree Consortium by merging the Florida
1064 Distance Learning Consortium, the computer-assisted
1065 student advising system, and the degree completion
1066 pilot program; providing a purpose; requiring that the
1067 Chancellor of the State University System and the
1068 Chancellor of the Florida College System jointly
1069 oversee the implementation of the Florida Degree
1070 Consortium; creating s. 1004.093, F.S.; creating the
1071 degree completion pilot program; providing a purpose;
1072 requiring that the Chancellor of the State University
1073 System and the Chancellor of the Florida College
1074 System jointly oversee the implementation of the pilot
1075 program; defining the term “adult learner”; providing
1076 that priority attention be given to adult learners who
1077 are veterans and active-duty servicemembers; providing
1078 for implementation and requirements of the pilot
1079 program; requiring that the chancellors submit a
1080 detailed project plan to the Legislature by a
1081 specified date; creating s. 1004.935, F.S.;
1082 establishing the Adults with Disabilities Workforce
1083 Education Pilot Program for a specified period in
1084 certain counties; providing a purpose; providing
1085 eligibility requirements for participation in the
1086 program; providing a definition for the term “student
1087 with a disability” for purposes of the pilot program;
1088 providing requirements for providers of supported
1089 employment services and private schools to participate
1090 in the pilot program; providing notice requirements
1091 for students who are accepted into the pilot program;
1092 providing funding; requiring that the Chief Financial
1093 Officer make scholarship payments; requiring that the
1094 Department of Education request from the Department of
1095 Financial Services a sample of endorsed warrants after
1096 each scholarship payment; creating s. 1006.73, F.S.;
1097 establishing the Florida Education Library Resource
1098 Center; providing a purpose; requiring that the
1099 Chancellor of the State University System and the
1100 Chancellor of the Florida College System jointly
1101 govern and oversee the center; providing for
1102 membership; authorizing the center to enter into
1103 contracts with postsecondary education institutions
1104 for certain support services; requiring that the
1105 Florida Center for Library Automation and the College
1106 Center for Library Automation cease independent
1107 operations by a specified date; providing for all
1108 remaining assets and responsibilities to be
1109 transferred to the center; providing authority and
1110 duties of the center; amending s. 1007.33, F.S.;
1111 deleting provisions providing a procedure for a
1112 Florida College System institution to apply for an
1113 exemption from certain requirements for approval of
1114 additional baccalaureate degree programs; amending s.
1115 1009.215, F.S.; providing that students who are
1116 enrolled in the student enrollment pilot program and
1117 who are eligible to receive Bright Futures
1118 Scholarships may receive the scholarship award during
1119 the summer term; prohibiting a student from receiving
1120 the scholarship award for more than 2 semesters in any
1121 given fiscal year; amending s. 1009.25, F.S.; revising
1122 provisions relating to exemptions from the payment of
1123 tuition and fees at a school district that provides
1124 workforce education for certain students; providing
1125 such exemption for a student for whom the full program
1126 cost is paid by another party; amending s. 1009.286,
1127 F.S.; requiring that state universities require each
1128 student to pay an excess hour surcharge; providing for
1129 application; amending s. 1009.531, F.S.; revising
1130 provisions relating to student eligibility for Florida
1131 Bright Futures Scholarships; providing that certain
1132 students are eligible to accept an initial award and a
1133 renewal award for a specified period after high school
1134 graduation; providing exceptions; authorizing the
1135 Department of Education to provide an alternate form
1136 to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for
1137 purposes of eligibility under the Florida Bright
1138 Futures Scholarship Program; amending s. 1009.532,
1139 F.S.; revising provisions relating to student
1140 eligibility requirements for renewal awards of a
1141 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship; providing that
1142 certain students may receive an award for a maximum
1143 percentage of the number of credit hours required to
1144 complete an associate degree program or a
1145 baccalaureate degree program; providing that a student
1146 may receive a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
1147 award for a maximum percentage of the credit hours or
1148 equivalent clock hours; amending ss. 1009.534 and
1149 1009.535, F.S.; authorizing the Legislature to provide
1150 an additional supplement in the General Appropriations
1151 Act for upper-division courses in the fields of
1152 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for
1153 the Florida Academic Scholars and Florida Medallion
1154 Scholars awards; amending s. 1009.536, F.S.; revising
1155 the eligibility requirements for receiving a Florida
1156 Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award; providing that a
1157 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholar is eligible for
1158 an award equal to the amount specified in the General
1159 Appropriations Act; providing that certain students
1160 may earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
1161 for up to a specified percentage of the credit hours
1162 or equivalent clock hours required to complete an
1163 applied technology diploma program, a technology
1164 degree program, or a career certificate program;
1165 amending s. 1009.60, F.S.; requiring that the Florida
1166 Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc., use a contingency
1167 collections agency to collect repayments of defaulted
1168 scholarships awarded through the minority teacher
1169 education scholars program; amending s. 1009.605,
1170 F.S.; requiring that the Florida Fund for Minority
1171 Teachers, Inc., report the annual balance of the
1172 corporation’s assets and cash reserves to the
1173 Department of Education; amending s. 1010.30, F.S.;
1174 requiring that the district school board, the Florida
1175 College System institution board of trustees, or the
1176 university board of trustees conduct an audit overview
1177 during a public meeting if an audit contains
1178 significant findings; amending s. 1012.83, F.S.;
1179 revising provisions relating to employment contracts
1180 with Florida College System institutions; requiring
1181 that each contract or employment agreement, or renewal
1182 or renegotiation of an existing contract or employment
1183 agreement, containing a provision for severance pay
1184 include certain provisions; authorizing the University
1185 of Florida to use revenues from the activity and
1186 service fee to finance the renovation and expansion of
1187 the university’s J. Wayne Reitz Union; requiring that
1188 the Higher Education Coordinating Council review and
1189 evaluate the current higher education governance
1190 structure in this state and make recommendations to
1191 the Legislature for potential revisions to the higher
1192 education delivery system; requiring that the council
1193 report its findings and recommendations to the
1194 Governor and Legislature; providing an effective date.