Florida Senate - 2021                               CS for SB 86
       
       
        
       By the Committee on Education; and Senator Baxley
       
       
       
       
       
       581-02942-21                                            202186c1
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to student financial aid; creating s.
    3         1006.75, F.S.; requiring the Board of Governors of the
    4         State University System to create an online dashboard;
    5         specifying minimum information to be included in the
    6         dashboard; requiring the dashboard to be available by
    7         a specified date; requiring each state university
    8         office of admissions website to contain a link to the
    9         dashboard; requiring each state university board of
   10         trustees to adopt certain procedures; requiring the
   11         procedures to include placing a hold on certain
   12         students’ registration; specifying the requirements
   13         for students to lift the hold; requiring the Board of
   14         Governors to approve such procedures by a specified
   15         date; amending s. 1009.25, F.S.; making technical
   16         changes; amending s. 1009.40, F.S.; conforming
   17         provisions to changes made by the act; revising
   18         eligibility for an award under the Bright Futures
   19         Scholarship Program or the Benacquisto Scholarship
   20         Program; specifying funding award levels for students
   21         initially funded in a certain academic year; requiring
   22         postsecondary educational institutions to verify
   23         funding levels before award disbursement; creating s.
   24         1009.46, F.S.; specifying the duties of certain
   25         postsecondary educational institutions with regard to
   26         financial aid and tuition assistance programs;
   27         specifying penalties for noncompliance; requiring the
   28         Board of Governors, the State Board of Education, and
   29         the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida
   30         to each approve, by a specified date, a list of career
   31         certificate and undergraduate and graduate degree
   32         programs that they determine do not lead directly to
   33         employment; requiring that each list include specified
   34         information; requiring that the state board list
   35         include programs at independent colleges and
   36         universities licensed by the Commission for
   37         Independent Education; requiring each entity to
   38         publish the methodology used in determining whether
   39         programs are included on the list; requiring that the
   40         lists be updated annually, by a specified date, to be
   41         effective the next academic year; amending s. 1009.50,
   42         F.S.; revising the formula for calculating how Florida
   43         Public Student Assistance Grant Program funds are
   44         distributed; deleting a provision authorizing Florida
   45         Public Student Assistance Grant Program funds to be
   46         deposited in the State Student Financial Assistance
   47         Trust Fund; deleting a provision requiring any balance
   48         in the trust fund which was allocated to the Florida
   49         Public Student Assistance Grant Program at the end of
   50         the fiscal year to remain therein; amending s.
   51         1009.505, F.S.; deleting a provision authorizing
   52         Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student
   53         Assistance Grant Program funds to be deposited in the
   54         trust fund; deleting a provision requiring any balance
   55         in the trust fund which was allocated to the Florida
   56         Public Postsecondary Career Education Student
   57         Assistance Grant Program at the end of the fiscal year
   58         to remain therein; amending s. 1009.51, F.S.; revising
   59         the formula for calculating how Florida Private
   60         Student Assistance Grant Program funds are
   61         distributed; deleting a provision authorizing Florida
   62         Private Student Assistance Grant Program funds to be
   63         deposited in the trust fund; deleting a provision
   64         requiring any balance in the trust fund which was
   65         allocated to the Florida Private Student Assistance
   66         Grant Program at the end of the fiscal year to remain
   67         therein; amending s. 1009.52, F.S.; revising the
   68         formula for how Florida Postsecondary Student
   69         Assistance Grant Program funds are distributed;
   70         deleting a provision authorizing Florida Postsecondary
   71         Student Assistance Grant Program funds to be deposited
   72         in the trust fund; deleting a provision requiring any
   73         balance in the trust fund which was allocated to the
   74         Florida Postsecondary Student Assistance Grant Program
   75         at the end of the fiscal year to remain therein;
   76         amending s. 1009.53, F.S.; requiring the Department of
   77         Education to advertise the Florida Bright Futures
   78         Scholarship Program to specified persons no later than
   79         a specified date of each year; deleting a provision
   80         authorizing unused Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
   81         Program funds to be carried forward; deleting a
   82         provision authorizing certain students to receive
   83         specified loans; amending s. 1009.532, F.S.;
   84         requiring, beginning with a specified academic year,
   85         that the maximum number of credit hours which can be
   86         awarded under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
   87         Program be reduced by the number of postsecondary
   88         credit hours the student has earned from certain
   89         articulated acceleration mechanisms which are applied
   90         toward certificate, diploma, or specified degree
   91         requirements or to general education requirements;
   92         amending s. 1009.534, F.S.; revising and expanding
   93         eligibility requirements of the Florida Academic
   94         Scholars award; providing that a Florida Academic
   95         Scholar is eligible for an award equal to the amount
   96         specified in the General Appropriations Act; amending
   97         s. 1009.5341, F.S.; authorizing a Florida Bright
   98         Futures Scholarship recipient to apply the unused
   99         portion of a Florida Academic Scholars award or
  100         Florida Medallion Scholars award toward graduate study
  101         for a specified academic year; authorizing a Florida
  102         Bright Futures Scholarship recipient to apply the
  103         unused portion of a Florida Academic Scholars award or
  104         Florida Medallion Scholars award toward graduate study
  105         in a specified degree field, paid at the undergraduate
  106         rate, beginning with a specified academic year;
  107         amending s. 1009.535, F.S.; revising and expanding
  108         eligibility for a Florida Medallion Scholars award;
  109         providing a Florida Medallion Scholar is eligible for
  110         an award equal to the amount specified in the General
  111         Appropriations Act; creating s. 1009.71, F.S.;
  112         establishing the Florida Bright Opportunities Grant
  113         Program; requiring the program to be administered by
  114         the participating institutions subject to state board
  115         rules; providing the purpose of the program;
  116         specifying eligibility requirements for the program;
  117         prohibiting institutions from imposing additional
  118         eligibility requirements on students; requiring the
  119         program to cover remaining tuition and fees for
  120         eligible students after the application of all other
  121         federal and state financial aid, with a stipend for
  122         books as specified in the General Appropriations Act;
  123         requiring program awards to be allocated on a first
  124         come, first-served basis; requiring returning students
  125         to receive priority over new students; providing the
  126         duration of the award; requiring funds to be
  127         distributed to eligible institutions based on a
  128         formula approved by the state board; requiring the
  129         formula to take into account specified criteria;
  130         requiring grants to be transmitted to institutions in
  131         advance of the registration period; requiring
  132         institutions to notify students of award amounts;
  133         requiring institutions to determine the eligibility
  134         status of each student at a specified time;
  135         prohibiting institutions from being required to
  136         reevaluate student eligibility after the specified
  137         time; requiring institutions to report specified
  138         information to the department; requiring institutions
  139         to remit to the department any undisbursed advances
  140         within a specified timeframe; requiring the state
  141         board to adopt rules; creating s. 1009.711, F.S.;
  142         establishing the Florida Endeavor Scholarship Program;
  143         requiring the award to cover tuition, registration,
  144         and testing fees for eligible students at a Florida
  145         College System institution, a career center, or a
  146         charter technical career center; providing that
  147         students who earned a high school credential before
  148         enrolling at the institution are not eligible for the
  149         program; requiring enrollment in specified programs;
  150         requiring that students meet specified statutory
  151         requirements; requiring that students demonstrate
  152         readiness for enrollment in a postsecondary clock hour
  153         program by meeting a specified requirement,
  154         demonstrating specified literacy and numeracy skills,
  155         or by enrolling in an Integrated Education and
  156         Training program; specifying criteria for continuing
  157         eligibility and for a renewal award; prohibiting
  158         institutions from imposing additional criteria to
  159         determine a student’s initial eligibility; providing
  160         that students are eligible to receive award amounts
  161         equal to certain tuition and registration fees;
  162         requiring program awards to be allocated on a first
  163         come, first-served basis, with returning students
  164         given priority over new students; requiring funds to
  165         be distributed to eligible institutions based on a
  166         formula approved by the state board; requiring that
  167         the formula take into account specified criteria;
  168         requiring that grants be transmitted to institutions
  169         in advance of the registration period; requiring
  170         institutions to notify students of award amounts;
  171         requiring institutions to determine the eligibility
  172         status of each student at a specified time;
  173         prohibiting institutions from being required to
  174         reevaluate student eligibility after the specified
  175         time; requiring institutions to report specified
  176         information to the department; requiring institutions
  177         to remit to the department any undisbursed advances
  178         within a specified timeframe; requiring the state
  179         board to adopt rules; amending s. 1009.893, F.S.;
  180         requiring a student who enrolls in a baccalaureate
  181         degree program in specified academic years to comply
  182         with certain requirements to attain a Benacquisto
  183         Scholarship; providing that the amount awarded under
  184         the program will be as specified in the General
  185         Appropriations Act; providing an effective date.
  186          
  187  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
  188  
  189         Section 1. Section 1006.75, Florida Statutes, is created to
  190  read:
  191         1006.75 State university career planning and information.—
  192         (1) To assist students and families in making better
  193  informed decisions about educational options and future
  194  employment opportunities, the Board of Governors of the State
  195  University System shall publicly publish an online dashboard.
  196  The dashboard must present data, by academic discipline, of
  197  graduates of state universities, including at least the
  198  following information:
  199         (a) Post-graduation median salary 1, 5, and 10 years after
  200  graduation;
  201         (b) Median student loan debt;
  202         (c) Debt-to-income ratio;
  203         (d) Estimated monthly loan payment as a percentage of gross
  204  monthly income; and
  205         (e) The percentage of graduates who have continued their
  206  education beyond the baccalaureate level.
  207         (2)The online dashboard must be available by January 1,
  208  2022. A link to the dashboard shall be prominently displayed on
  209  each state university’s office of admissions website.
  210         (3)(a)Each state university board of trustees shall adopt
  211  procedures to connect undergraduate students to career planning,
  212  coaching, and related programs during the first academic year of
  213  the student’s enrollment. Such procedures must be approved by
  214  the Board of Governors and include placing a hold on student
  215  registration before the end of the first year of each student’s
  216  enrollment. To lift the hold and register for classes, each
  217  student shall:
  218         1. Register with the university’s career center;
  219         2. Complete a career readiness training module provided by
  220  the career center; and
  221         3. Be directed to the dashboard established in subsection
  222  (1).
  223         (b)The Board of Governors of the State University System
  224  shall review and approve each university’s procedures by March
  225  1, 2022.
  226         Section 2. Paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (1) of
  227  section 1009.25, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  228         1009.25 Fee exemptions.—
  229         (1) The following students are exempt from the payment of
  230  tuition and fees, including lab fees, at a school district that
  231  provides workforce education programs, Florida College System
  232  institution, or state university:
  233         (c) A student who is, or was at the time he or she reached
  234  18 years of age, in the custody of the Department of Children
  235  and Families or who, after spending at least 6 months in the
  236  custody of the department after reaching 16 years of age, was
  237  placed in a guardianship by the court. Such exemption includes
  238  fees associated with enrollment in applied academics for adult
  239  education instruction. The exemption remains valid until the
  240  student reaches 28 years of age.
  241         (d) A student who is, or was at the time he or she reached
  242  18 years of age, in the custody of a relative or nonrelative
  243  under s. 39.5085 or s. 39.6225 or who was adopted from the
  244  Department of Children and Families after May 5, 1997. Such
  245  exemption includes fees associated with enrollment in applied
  246  academics for adult education instruction. The exemption remains
  247  valid until the student reaches 28 years of age.
  248         Section 3. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
  249  1009.40, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is
  250  added to that subsection, to read:
  251         1009.40 General requirements for student eligibility for
  252  state financial aid awards and tuition assistance grants.—
  253         (1)(a) The general requirements for eligibility of students
  254  for state financial aid awards and tuition assistance grants
  255  consist of the following:
  256         1. Achievement of the academic requirements of and
  257  acceptance at a state university or Florida College System
  258  institution; a nursing diploma school approved by the Florida
  259  Board of Nursing; a Florida college or university which is
  260  accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the State
  261  Board of Education; a Florida institution the credits of which
  262  are acceptable for transfer to state universities; a career
  263  center; or a private career institution accredited by an
  264  accrediting agency recognized by the State Board of Education.
  265         2. Residency in this state for no less than 1 year
  266  preceding the award of aid or a tuition assistance grant for a
  267  program established pursuant to s. 1009.50, s. 1009.505, s.
  268  1009.51, s. 1009.52, s. 1009.53, s. 1009.60, s. 1009.62, s.
  269  1009.71, s. 1009.711, s. 1009.72, s. 1009.73, s. 1009.75, s.
  270  1009.77, s. 1009.89, or s. 1009.891, or s. 1009.894. Residency
  271  in this state must be for purposes other than to obtain an
  272  education. Resident status for purposes of receiving state
  273  financial aid awards shall be determined in the same manner as
  274  resident status for tuition purposes pursuant to s. 1009.21.
  275         3. Submission of certification attesting to the accuracy,
  276  completeness, and correctness of information provided to
  277  demonstrate a student’s eligibility to receive state financial
  278  aid awards or tuition assistance grants. Falsification of such
  279  information shall result in the denial of a pending application
  280  and revocation of an award or grant currently held to the extent
  281  that no further payments shall be made. Additionally, students
  282  who knowingly make false statements in order to receive state
  283  financial aid awards or tuition assistance grants commit a
  284  misdemeanor of the second degree subject to the provisions of s.
  285  837.06 and shall be required to return all state financial aid
  286  awards or tuition assistance grants wrongfully obtained.
  287         (c)Eligibility for funding for state merit-based
  288  scholarship program awards under the Bright Futures Scholarship
  289  Program and the Benacquisto Scholarship Program is contingent
  290  upon a student meeting the minimum requirements specified in
  291  paragraphs (a) and (b) and any additional requirements specified
  292  in ss. 1009.531, 1009.532, 1009.534, 1009.535, 1009.536, and
  293  1009.893, subject to the following:
  294         1. Beginning with students who initially receive an award
  295  in the 2023-2024 academic year:
  296         a.A student enrolled in an associate in arts degree
  297  program, or a student enrolled in a state university who has not
  298  been admitted to an academic program, may receive an award up to
  299  the maximum amount established for the scholarship program for a
  300  maximum of 60 credit hours.
  301         b.A student enrolled in a certificate program, technical
  302  diploma program, career degree program, or major as a part of a
  303  baccalaureate degree program:
  304         (I)May receive an award up to the maximum amount
  305  established for the program if the certificate, diploma, career
  306  degree, or major is not identified on the list established
  307  pursuant to s. 1009.46(2)(a).
  308         (II) May receive a reduced award from the maximum
  309  established for the program in the General Appropriations Act if
  310  the certificate, diploma, career degree, or major is identified
  311  on the list established pursuant to s. 1009.46(2)(a).
  312         2.Student eligibility for a reduced award from the maximum
  313  award established for the scholarship program, as determined in
  314  the General Appropriations Act, applies to a program of study
  315  that was identified on the list pursuant to s. 1009.46(2)(a) at
  316  the time of the student’s initial enrollment, or if the student
  317  changes his or her major program to a program identified on the
  318  list. A student may receive a maximum award established for the
  319  program if the program of study is removed from the list after
  320  the student’s initial enrollment, but before the student’s
  321  admission to the major.
  322         3. Before disbursement of an award, each postsecondary
  323  educational institution shall verify that the funding level a
  324  student is provided aligns with the provisions established in
  325  this paragraph.
  326         Section 4. Section 1009.46, Florida Statutes, is created to
  327  read:
  328         1009.46 Duties relating to state financial aid and tuition
  329  assistance programs.
  330         (1)(a)Each postsecondary educational institution that
  331  receives state funds for state financial aid and tuition
  332  assistance programs shall:
  333         1.Complete and return the annual application for state aid
  334  funds in the format and by the date established by the
  335  Department of Education;
  336         2.Maintain complete, accurate, and auditable student
  337  records documenting the institution’s administration of state
  338  financial aid and tuition assistance funds;
  339         3.Verify eligibility of enrolled students with the
  340  department each academic term;
  341         4.Report each student’s program of study to the department
  342  using the most recent classification of instructional programs
  343  taxonomy for the certificate or degree level as developed by the
  344  United States Department of Education’s National Center for
  345  Education Statistics;
  346         5.Disburse state financial aid and tuition assistance to
  347  eligible students;
  348         6.Notify students annually regarding the renewal
  349  requirements for each state-funded award for which they are
  350  eligible;
  351         7.Complete and return to the department all reports for
  352  the administration of state funds in the format and by the date
  353  established by the department;
  354         8.Complete and return to the department all legislatively
  355  required reports in the format and by the date established by
  356  the department;
  357         9.Retain required records for the later of 5 years or
  358  until such records are audited and any audit exceptions are
  359  resolved; and
  360         10.Refund to the department any undisbursed advances
  361  within 60 days after the end of the regular registration period
  362  each fall and spring term, within 30 days after the end of the
  363  summer term, or within 60 days after the date a student’s
  364  ineligibility is determined.
  365         (b)These requirements do not preclude higher standards
  366  specified in other sections of this part or rules of the State
  367  Board of Education.
  368         (c)An institution that fails to perform its duties in
  369  administering state financial aid or tuition assistance programs
  370  must be placed on probation by the department.
  371         1.The department shall provide allocations on a
  372  reimbursement basis to a participating institution that fails to
  373  timely remit undisbursed funds for the previous academic year.
  374         2.The department may suspend or revoke an institution’s
  375  eligibility to participate in state-funded programs if the
  376  institution fails to provide the required audits, fails to
  377  resolve audit findings, or fails to timely provide statutorily
  378  required reports by established deadlines.
  379         (2)(a)By December 31, 2021, the Board of Governors, the
  380  State Board of Education, and the Independent Colleges and
  381  Universities of Florida shall each identify and publish a list
  382  of career certificate and undergraduate and graduate degree
  383  programs offered by a district career center, charter technical
  384  career center, Florida College System institution, independent
  385  college or university, or state university, as applicable, which
  386  do not lead directly to employment.
  387         (b)In determining which programs will be included on a
  388  list, the Board of Governors, the State Board of Education, and
  389  the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida shall
  390  consider national, state, and regional industry demand for
  391  certificateholders and graduates of such degree programs. For
  392  each certificate and degree program listed, the Board of
  393  Governors and the State Board of Education must identify
  394  occupations, current job openings, estimates of job growth, and
  395  employment wages. The State Board of Education list must include
  396  programs at independent colleges and universities licensed by
  397  the Commission for Independent Education.
  398         (c) The Board of Governors, the State Board of Education,
  399  and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida must
  400  publish the methodology used in determining whether programs
  401  were included on a list.
  402         (d)The respective lists must be updated annually, by
  403  December 31, to be effective in the next academic year.
  404         Section 5. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection
  405  (5) of section 1009.50, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  406         1009.50 Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program;
  407  eligibility for grants.—
  408         (4)(a) The funds appropriated for the Florida Public
  409  Student Assistance Grant Program shall be distributed to
  410  eligible institutions in accordance with a formula approved by
  411  the State Board of Education. The formula must consider at least
  412  the prior year’s distribution of funds and, the number of
  413  eligible applicants who did not receive awards, the
  414  standardization of the expected family contribution, and
  415  provisions for unused funds. The formula must account for
  416  changes in the number of eligible students across all student
  417  assistance grant programs established pursuant to this section
  418  and ss. 1009.505, 1009.51, and 1009.52.
  419         (5)Funds appropriated by the Legislature for state student
  420  assistance grants may be deposited in the State Student
  421  Financial Assistance Trust Fund. Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and
  422  pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end
  423  of any fiscal year which has been allocated to the Florida
  424  Public Student Assistance Grant Program shall remain therein and
  425  shall be available for carrying out the purposes of this
  426  section.
  427         Section 6. Subsection (5) of section 1009.505, Florida
  428  Statutes, is amended to read:
  429         1009.505 Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education
  430  Student Assistance Grant Program.—
  431         (5) Funds appropriated by the Legislature for state student
  432  assistance grants may be deposited in the State Student
  433  Financial Assistance Trust Fund. Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and
  434  pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end
  435  of any fiscal year which has been allocated to the Florida
  436  Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant
  437  Program shall remain therein and shall be available for carrying
  438  out the purposes of this section.
  439         Section 7. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection
  440  (5) of section 1009.51, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  441         1009.51 Florida Private Student Assistance Grant Program;
  442  eligibility for grants.—
  443         (4)(a) The funds appropriated for the Florida Private
  444  Student Assistance Grant Program shall be distributed to
  445  eligible institutions in accordance with a formula approved by
  446  the State Board of Education. The formula must consider at least
  447  the prior year’s distribution of funds and, the number of
  448  eligible applicants who did not receive awards, the
  449  standardization of the expected family contribution, and
  450  provisions for unused funds. The formula must account for
  451  changes in the number of eligible students across all student
  452  assistance grant programs established pursuant to this section
  453  and ss. 1009.50, 1009.505, and 1009.52.
  454         (5) Funds appropriated by the Legislature for Florida
  455  private student assistance grants may be deposited in the State
  456  Student Financial Assistance Trust Fund. Notwithstanding s.
  457  216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust
  458  fund at the end of any fiscal year which has been allocated to
  459  the Florida Private Student Assistance Grant Program shall
  460  remain therein and shall be available for carrying out the
  461  purposes of this section and as otherwise provided by law.
  462         Section 8. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection
  463  (6) of section 1009.52, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  464         1009.52 Florida Postsecondary Student Assistance Grant
  465  Program; eligibility for grants.—
  466         (4)(a) The funds appropriated for the Florida Postsecondary
  467  Student Assistance Grant Program shall be distributed to
  468  eligible institutions in accordance with a formula approved by
  469  the State Board of Education. The formula must consider at least
  470  the prior year’s distribution of funds and, the number of
  471  eligible applicants who did not receive awards, the
  472  standardization of the expected family contribution, and
  473  provisions for unused funds. The formula must account for
  474  changes in the number of eligible students across all student
  475  assistance grant programs established pursuant to this section
  476  and ss. 1009.50, 1009.505, and 1009.51.
  477         (6) Funds appropriated by the Legislature for Florida
  478  postsecondary student assistance grants may be deposited in the
  479  State Student Financial Assistance Trust Fund. Notwithstanding
  480  s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust
  481  fund at the end of any fiscal year which has been allocated to
  482  the Florida Postsecondary Student Assistance Grant Program shall
  483  remain therein and shall be available for carrying out the
  484  purposes of this section and as otherwise provided by law.
  485         Section 9. Subsections (3), (4), and (7) of section
  486  1009.53, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  487         1009.53 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.—
  488         (3) The Department of Education shall administer the Bright
  489  Futures Scholarship Program according to rules and procedures
  490  established by the State Board of Education. A single
  491  application must be sufficient for a student to apply for any of
  492  the awards. The department shall advertise the availability of
  493  the scholarship program and shall notify students, teachers,
  494  parents, certified school counselors, and principals or other
  495  relevant school administrators of the criteria and application
  496  procedures. The department must begin this process of
  497  notification no later than September January 1 of each year.
  498         (4) Funding for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program must
  499  be allocated from the Education Enhancement Trust Fund and must
  500  be provided before allocations from that fund are calculated for
  501  disbursement to other educational entities.
  502         (a) If funds appropriated are not adequate to provide the
  503  maximum allowable award to each eligible applicant, awards in
  504  all components of the program must be prorated using the same
  505  percentage reduction.
  506         (b) Notwithstanding s. 216.301, if all funds allocated to
  507  the Bright Futures Scholarship Program are not used in any
  508  fiscal year, up to 10 percent of the total allocation may be
  509  carried forward and used for awards in the following year.
  510         (7) A student may receive only one type of award from the
  511  Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program at any given time,
  512  but may transfer from one type of award to another through the
  513  renewal application process, if the student’s eligibility status
  514  changes. However, a student is not eligible to transfer from a
  515  Florida Medallion Scholarship, a Florida Gold Seal CAPE
  516  Scholarship, or a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship to a
  517  Florida Academic Scholarship. A student who receives an award
  518  from the program may also receive a federal family education
  519  loan or a federal direct loan, and the value of the award must
  520  be considered in the certification or calculation of the
  521  student’s loan eligibility.
  522         Section 10. Paragraph (c) is added to subsection (3) of
  523  section 1009.532, Florida Statutes, to read:
  524         1009.532 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
  525  student eligibility requirements for renewal awards.—
  526         (3) 
  527         (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), beginning with students
  528  initially funded in the 2022-2023 academic year, the maximum
  529  number of credit hours which can be awarded must be reduced by
  530  the number of postsecondary credit hours the student has earned
  531  from articulated acceleration mechanisms under s. 1007.27 which
  532  are accepted by the postsecondary educational institution toward
  533  the requirements of a career certificate, an applied technology
  534  diploma, an associate in applied science degree, or an associate
  535  in science degree or in partial fulfillment of general education
  536  coursework requirements of an associate or baccalaureate degree.
  537         Section 11. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 1009.534,
  538  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  539         1009.534 Florida Academic Scholars award.—
  540         (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Academic Scholars
  541  award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements
  542  for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and:
  543         (a) Has achieved a 3.5 weighted grade point average as
  544  calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, or its equivalent, in high
  545  school courses that are designated by the State Board of
  546  Education as college-preparatory academic courses and has
  547  attained at least the score required under s. 1009.531(6)(a) on
  548  the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
  549  Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
  550  Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
  551  or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
  552         (b) Has attended a home education program according to s.
  553  1002.41 during grades 11 and 12, has completed the International
  554  Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the International
  555  Baccalaureate Diploma, or has completed the Advanced
  556  International Certificate of Education curriculum but failed to
  557  earn the Advanced International Certificate of Education
  558  Diploma, and has attained at least the score required under s.
  559  1009.531(6)(a) on the combined verbal and quantitative parts of
  560  the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or
  561  the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College
  562  Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT
  563  Assessment Program;
  564         (c) Has been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma
  565  from the International Baccalaureate Office or an Advanced
  566  International Certificate of Education Diploma from the
  567  University of Cambridge International Examinations Office;
  568         (d) Has been recognized by the merit or achievement
  569  programs of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a
  570  scholar or finalist; or
  571         (e) Has been granted academic honors by one or more of the
  572  College Board National Recognition Programs for students from
  573  underrepresented communities; or recognized by the National
  574  Hispanic Recognition Program as a scholar recipient
  575         (f) For a high school student who graduated in the 2021
  576  2022 academic year and thereafter:
  577         1. Has earned an associate degree with a minimum
  578  postsecondary cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0
  579  scale before graduating from high school; or
  580         2. Has earned a College Board Advanced Placement Capstone
  581  Diploma with scores of 4 or higher on six Advanced Placement
  582  examinations.
  583  
  584  The student must complete a program of volunteer service work,
  585  as approved by the district school board, the administrators of
  586  a nonpublic school, or the Department of Education for home
  587  education program students, which must include a minimum of 75
  588  hours of service work for high school students graduating in the
  589  2010-2011 academic year and 100 hours of service work for high
  590  school students graduating in the 2011-2012 academic year and
  591  thereafter. The student must identify a social or civic issue or
  592  a professional area that interests him or her, develop a plan
  593  for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issue or
  594  learning about the area, and, through papers or other
  595  presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her experience.
  596  Except for credit earned through service-learning courses
  597  adopted pursuant to s. 1003.497, the student may not receive
  598  remuneration or academic credit for the volunteer service work
  599  performed. Such work may include, but is not limited to, a
  600  business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit
  601  community service organization, or activities on behalf of a
  602  candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer service must
  603  be documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the
  604  student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a representative
  605  of the organization for which the student performed the
  606  volunteer service work.
  607         (2) A Florida Academic Scholar who is enrolled in a
  608  certificate, diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree program
  609  at a public or nonpublic postsecondary educational education
  610  institution is eligible for an award equal to the amount
  611  specified necessary to pay 100 percent of tuition and fees
  612  established under ss. 1009.22(3), (5), (6), and (7); 1009.23(3),
  613  (4), (7), (8), (10), and (11); and 1009.24(4), (7)-(13),
  614  (14)(r), and (16), as applicable, and is eligible for an
  615  additional stipend for textbooks, to assist with the payment of
  616  educational expenses as funds are specifically appropriated in
  617  the General Appropriations Act to assist with the payment of
  618  educational expenses.
  619         Section 12. Section 1009.5341, Florida Statutes, is amended
  620  to read:
  621         1009.5341 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards for
  622  graduate study.—
  623         (1) For the 2021-2022 academic year, Florida Bright Futures
  624  Scholarship recipients who graduate in the 2010-2011 academic
  625  year and thereafter with a baccalaureate degree in 7 semesters,
  626  or the equivalent or fewer hours, and wish to pursue graduate
  627  study may apply the unused portion of their Florida Academic
  628  Scholars award or Florida Medallion Scholars award toward 1
  629  semester of graduate study, not to exceed 15 semester hours paid
  630  at the undergraduate rate. A baccalaureate degree may include,
  631  but is not limited to, college credits earned through
  632  articulated acceleration mechanisms pursuant to s. 1007.27.
  633         (2) Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, a Florida
  634  Bright Futures Scholarship recipient may apply the unused
  635  portion of his or her Florida Academic Scholars award or Florida
  636  Medallion Scholars award toward graduate study in a degree field
  637  that is not identified on a list developed pursuant to s.
  638  1009.46(2)(a), which must be paid at the undergraduate rate.
  639         Section 13. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 1009.535,
  640  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  641         1009.535 Florida Medallion Scholars award.—
  642         (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Medallion Scholars
  643  award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements
  644  for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and:
  645         (a) Has achieved a weighted grade point average of 3.0 as
  646  calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, or the equivalent, in high
  647  school courses that are designated by the State Board of
  648  Education as college-preparatory academic courses and has
  649  attained at least the score required under s. 1009.531(6)(b) on
  650  the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
  651  Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
  652  Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
  653  or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
  654         (b) Has completed the International Baccalaureate
  655  curriculum but failed to earn the International Baccalaureate
  656  Diploma or has completed the Advanced International Certificate
  657  of Education curriculum but failed to earn the Advanced
  658  International Certificate of Education Diploma, and has attained
  659  at least the score required under s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the
  660  combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
  661  Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
  662  Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
  663  or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
  664         (c) Has attended a home education program according to s.
  665  1002.41 during grades 11 and 12 and has attained at least the
  666  score required under s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the combined verbal
  667  and quantitative parts of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the
  668  Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered Scholastic
  669  Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination, or an
  670  equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
  671         (d) Has been recognized by the merit or achievement program
  672  of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a scholar or
  673  finalist but has not completed the program of volunteer service
  674  work required under s. 1009.534; or
  675         (e) Has been granted academic honors by one or more of the
  676  College Board National Recognition Programs for students from
  677  underrepresented communities recognized by the National Hispanic
  678  Recognition Program as a scholar, but has not completed the
  679  program of volunteer service work required under s. 1009.534; or
  680         (f) For a high school student who graduates in the 2021
  681  2022 academic year and thereafter:
  682         1.Has earned an associate degree with a minimum cumulative
  683  postsecondary grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale before
  684  graduating from high school; or
  685         2. Has earned an Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma with
  686  scores of 3 or higher on six Advanced Placement Examinations.
  687  
  688  A high school student graduating in the 2011-2012 academic year
  689  and thereafter must complete at least 75 hours of volunteer
  690  service work approved by the district school board, the
  691  administrators of a nonpublic school, or the Department of
  692  Education for home education program students. The student must
  693  identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that
  694  interests him or her, develop a plan for his or her personal
  695  involvement in addressing the issue or learning about the area,
  696  and, through papers or other presentations, evaluate and reflect
  697  upon his or her experience. Except for credit earned through
  698  service-learning courses adopted pursuant to s. 1003.497, the
  699  student may not receive remuneration or academic credit for
  700  volunteer service work performed. Such work may include, but is
  701  not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for
  702  a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on
  703  behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer
  704  service must be documented in writing, and the document must be
  705  signed by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a
  706  representative of the organization for which the student
  707  performed the volunteer service work.
  708         (2) A Florida Medallion Scholar who is enrolled in a
  709  certificate, diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree program
  710  at a public or nonpublic postsecondary educational education
  711  institution is eligible, beginning in the fall 2018 semester,
  712  for an award equal to the amount specified in the General
  713  Appropriations Act necessary to pay 75 percent of tuition and
  714  fees established under ss. 1009.22(3), (5), (6), and (7);
  715  1009.23(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), and (11); and 1009.24(4), (7)
  716  (13), (14)(r), and (16), as applicable, to assist with the
  717  payment of educational expenses. Beginning in the fall 2021
  718  semester, a Florida Medallion Scholar who is enrolled in an
  719  associate degree program at a Florida College System institution
  720  is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified in the
  721  General Appropriations Act necessary to pay 100 percent of
  722  tuition and fees established under s. 1009.23(3), (4), (7), (8),
  723  (10), and (11) to assist with the payment of educational
  724  expenses.
  725         Section 14. Section 1009.71, Florida Statutes, is created
  726  to read:
  727         1009.71 Florida Bright Opportunities Grant Program.—
  728         (1) ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSE.—The Florida Bright
  729  Opportunities Grant Program is established and shall be
  730  administered by the participating institutions in accordance
  731  with rules of the State Board of Education. The program shall
  732  provide an award equal to the amount necessary to cover tuition
  733  and registration fees, after applying all other federal and
  734  state financial aid, for eligible students at a Florida College
  735  System institution, a career center operated by a district
  736  school board under s. 1001.44, or a charter technical career
  737  center under s. 1002.34.
  738         (2)ELIGIBILITY.In order to be eligible for the program, a
  739  student must have a tuition and registration fee balance not
  740  covered by all federal financial and state financial aid, and:
  741         (a)Be enrolled as a student seeking a degree or career
  742  certificate in an associate degree, technical certificate,
  743  applied technology diploma, or clock hour certificate program at
  744  a Florida College System institution, or a clock hour career
  745  certificate or diploma program at a district career center or
  746  charter technical career center. The students must be enrolled
  747  for at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent per term at a
  748  Florida College System institution, district career center, or
  749  charter technical career center;
  750         (b)Meet the requirements under s. 1009.40(1)(a)2. and 3.
  751  and (c); and
  752         (c)Qualify and remain eligible each academic year for the
  753  Pell Grant.
  754  
  755  An institution may not impose additional criteria to determine a
  756  student’s eligibility to receive a grant under this section.
  757         (3)GRANT AWARD.The program shall:
  758         (a)Cover remaining tuition and registration fees, with a
  759  stipend for books as specified in the General Appropriations
  760  Act, for eligible students after all other federal and state
  761  financial aid is applied to tuition and fees.
  762         (b)Be allocated, subject to the availability of funding,
  763  on a first-come, first-served basis. The award may not exceed
  764  the cost of tuition and fees at that institution, plus a stipend
  765  for books as determined in the General Appropriations Act.
  766  Returning students shall receive priority over new students.
  767         (4)AWARD DURATION.A student is eligible to receive an
  768  award for the number of semesters or quarters specified in s.
  769  1009.40(3).
  770         (5)DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.
  771         (a) The funds appropriated for the program must be
  772  distributed to eligible institutions in accordance with a
  773  formula approved by the State Board of Education. The formula
  774  must take into account at least the prior year’s distribution of
  775  funds and the number of eligible applicants who did not receive
  776  awards.
  777         (b) Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, payment of
  778  grants must be transmitted to the institution in advance of the
  779  registration period. Institutions shall notify students of the
  780  amount of their awards.
  781         (c) The eligibility status of each student to receive a
  782  disbursement must be determined by each institution as of the
  783  end of its regular registration period, inclusive of a drop-add
  784  period. Institutions may not be required to reevaluate a
  785  student’s eligibility status after this date for purposes of
  786  changing eligibility determinations previously made.
  787         (d) Each participating institution shall report to the
  788  department by the established date the number of students
  789  eligible for the program for each academic term. Each
  790  institution also shall report to the department any necessary
  791  demographic and eligibility data for such students.
  792         (e) Institutions shall certify to the department within 30
  793  days after the end of regular registration each term the amount
  794  of funds disbursed to each student. Institutions shall remit to
  795  the department any undisbursed advances for the fall, spring,
  796  and summer terms within 30 days after the end of the summer
  797  term.
  798         (6) RULES.—The State Board of Education shall adopt rules
  799  to implement this section.
  800         Section 15. Section 1009.711, Florida Statutes, is created
  801  to read:
  802         1009.711Florida Endeavor Scholarship Program.—
  803         (1) ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSE.—The Florida Endeavor
  804  Scholarship Program is established and shall be administered by
  805  participating institutions in accordance with rules of the State
  806  Board of Education. The program shall provide an award equal to
  807  the amount necessary to cover tuition, registration, and testing
  808  fees, including high school equivalency diploma test fees, for
  809  eligible students at a Florida College System institution, a
  810  career center operated by a district school board under s.
  811  1001.44, or a charter technical career center under s. 1002.34.
  812         (2)ELIGIBILITY.In order to be eligible for the program, a
  813  student may not have earned a high school credential before
  814  enrolling at the institution, and must:
  815         (a)Be enrolled in a career certificate or noncollege
  816  credit applied technology diploma program or in a General
  817  Education Program at a Florida College System institution, a
  818  district career center, or a charter technical career center;
  819         (b)Meet the requirements under s. 1009.40(1)(a)2. and 3.
  820  and (c);
  821         (c)Demonstrate readiness for enrollment in a postsecondary
  822  clock hour program. The student shall:
  823         1.Meet the basic skills assessment requirement for the
  824  certificate or diploma program;
  825         2.Demonstrate grade 9 level or above literacy and numeracy
  826  skills on an assessment approved by the State Board of Education
  827  for basic skills; or
  828         3.Enroll for at least one term in a school district or
  829  Florida College System institution Integrated Education and
  830  Training program.
  831         (d)To maintain eligibility after the initial term of
  832  enrollment, a student must demonstrate progress toward the
  833  completion of a clock hour certificate or diploma program
  834  through attendance and successful completion of program
  835  standards. A student who does not maintain attendance and
  836  progress toward completion of courses in the program is not
  837  eligible for a renewal award.
  838  
  839  An institution may not impose additional criteria to determine a
  840  student’s initial eligibility to receive a grant under this
  841  section.
  842         (3)SCHOLARSHIP AWARD.A student is eligible to receive an
  843  award equal to the amount to cover tuition and registration fees
  844  for a career certificate or applied technology diploma program
  845  for the number of semesters or quarters specified in s.
  846  1009.40(3). The award may not exceed the cost of tuition and
  847  registration fees at that institution. The institution shall
  848  award scholarships subject to the availability of funding, on a
  849  first-come, first-served basis. Returning students must be given
  850  priority over new students.
  851         (4)DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.
  852         (a) The funds appropriated for the program must be
  853  distributed to eligible institutions in accordance with a
  854  formula approved by the State Board of Education. The formula
  855  must take into account at least the prior year’s distribution of
  856  funds and the number of eligible applicants who did not receive
  857  awards.
  858         (b) Subject to the appropriation of funds by the
  859  Legislature, the department shall transmit payment of grants to
  860  the institution in advance of the registration period.
  861  Institutions shall notify students of the amount of their
  862  awards.
  863         (c) The eligibility status of each student to receive a
  864  disbursement must be determined by each institution as of the
  865  end of its regular registration period, inclusive of a drop-add
  866  period. Institutions may not be required to reevaluate a
  867  student’s eligibility status after this date for purposes of
  868  changing eligibility determinations previously made.
  869         (d) Each participating institution shall report to the
  870  department by the established date the number of students
  871  eligible for the program for each academic term. Each
  872  institution also shall report to the department any necessary
  873  demographic and eligibility data for such students.
  874         (e) Institutions shall certify to the department within 30
  875  days after the end of regular registration each term the amount
  876  of funds disbursed to each student. Institutions shall remit to
  877  the department any undisbursed advances for the fall, spring,
  878  and summer terms within 30 days after the end of the summer
  879  term.
  880         (5) RULES.—The State Board of Education shall adopt rules
  881  to implement this section.
  882         Section 16. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) and subsection
  883  (5) of section 1009.893, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  884         1009.893 Benacquisto Scholarship Program.—
  885         (4) In order to be eligible for an initial award under the
  886  scholarship program, a student must meet the requirements of
  887  paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).
  888         (b) A student who initially enrolls in a baccalaureate
  889  degree program in the 2018-2019 through 2021-2022 academic years
  890  year or later and who is not a resident of this state, as
  891  determined in s. 1009.40 and rules of the State Board of
  892  Education, must:
  893         1. Physically reside in this state on or near the campus of
  894  the postsecondary educational institution in which the student
  895  is enrolled;
  896         2. Earn a high school diploma from a school outside Florida
  897  which is comparable to a standard Florida high school diploma or
  898  its equivalent pursuant to s. 1002.3105, s. 1003.4281, s.
  899  1003.4282, or s. 1003.435 or must complete a home education
  900  program in another state; and
  901         3. Be accepted by and enrolled full-time in a baccalaureate
  902  degree program at an eligible regionally accredited Florida
  903  public or independent postsecondary educational institution
  904  during the fall academic term following high school graduation.
  905         (5)(a)1. An eligible student who meets the requirements of
  906  paragraph (4)(a), who is a National Merit Scholar, and who
  907  attends a Florida public postsecondary educational institution
  908  shall receive a scholarship award as specified in the General
  909  Appropriations Act equal to the institutional cost of attendance
  910  minus the sum of the student’s Florida Bright Futures
  911  Scholarship and National Merit Scholarship.
  912         2. An eligible student who meets the requirements of
  913  paragraph (4)(b), who is a National Merit Scholar, and who
  914  attends a Florida public postsecondary educational institution
  915  shall receive a scholarship award as specified in the General
  916  Appropriations Act equal to the institutional cost of attendance
  917  for a resident of this state minus the student’s National Merit
  918  Scholarship. Such student is exempt from the payment of out-of
  919  state fees.
  920         (b) An eligible student who is a National Merit Scholar and
  921  who attends a Florida independent postsecondary educational
  922  institution shall receive a scholarship award as specified in
  923  the General Appropriations Act equal to the highest cost of
  924  attendance for a resident of this state enrolled at a Florida
  925  public university, as reported by the Board of Governors of the
  926  State University System, minus the sum of the student’s Florida
  927  Bright Futures Scholarship and National Merit Scholarship.
  928         Section 17. This act shall take effect July 1, 2021.