Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618
By the Committee on Fiscal Policy; the Appropriations Committee
on Pre-K - 12 Education; and Senator Calatayud
594-03396-25 20251618c2
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to education; amending s. 11.45, F.S.;
3 deleting the Florida School for Competitive Academics
4 from the list of entities subject to certain audit
5 requirements; amending s. 11.51, F.S.; authorizing the
6 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
7 Accountability to develop contracts or agreements with
8 institutions in the State University System for a
9 specified purpose; amending s. 216.251, F.S.; deleting
10 the Florida School for Competitive Academics from
11 specified classification and pay plans; amending s.
12 251.001, F.S.; providing tuition assistance to active
13 members of the Florida State Guard; amending s.
14 288.036, F.S.; revising the duties of the Office of
15 Ocean Economy; amending s. 381.853, F.S.; specifying
16 that the President of the University of Florida
17 appoints the members of the scientific advisory
18 council within the Florida Center for Brain Tumor
19 Research; amending s. 413.407, F.S.; revising the
20 qualifications for members of the Assistive Technology
21 Advisory Council; increasing the maximum term length
22 for such members; amending s. 435.12, F.S.; revising
23 the dates for a screening schedule; amending s.
24 446.032, F.S.; revising the date by which the
25 Department of Education is required to publish an
26 annual report on apprenticeship and preapprenticeship
27 programs; amending s. 446.041, F.S.; requiring the
28 department to take into account underrepresented
29 groups in administering the apprenticeship training
30 program, rather than minority and gender diversity;
31 amending s. 447.203, F.S.; deleting the Florida School
32 for Competitive Academics from the definition of a
33 public employer; amending s. 1000.04, F.S.; deleting
34 the Florida School for Competitive Academics from the
35 components of Florida’s Early Learning-20 education
36 system; amending s. 1000.05, F.S.; renaming the
37 Florida Educational Equity Act as the “Florida
38 Educational Equality Act”; changing the term “gender”
39 to “sex”; requiring public schools and Florida College
40 System institutions to develop and implement methods
41 and strategies to increase participation of
42 underrepresented students, rather than students with
43 certain characteristics, in certain programs and
44 courses; requiring the Commissioner of Education and
45 the State Board of Education to utilize their
46 authority to enforce compliance; amending s. 1000.21,
47 F.S.; renaming Hillsborough Community College as
48 “Hillsborough College”; amending s. 1001.20, F.S.;
49 deleting oversight of the Florida School for
50 Competitive Academics from the duties of the Office of
51 Inspector General within the department; creating s.
52 1001.325, F.S.; prohibiting the expenditure of funds
53 by public schools, charter schools, school districts,
54 charter school administrators, or direct-support
55 organizations to purchase membership in, or goods or
56 services from, any organization that discriminates on
57 the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
58 disability, or religion; prohibiting the expenditure
59 of funds by public schools, charter schools, school
60 districts, charter school administrators, or direct
61 support organizations to promote, support, or maintain
62 certain programs or activities; authorizing the use of
63 student fees and school or district facilities by
64 student-led organizations under certain circumstances;
65 providing construction; requiring the state board to
66 adopt rules; amending s. 1001.452, F.S.; deleting a
67 provision requiring the Commissioner of Education to
68 determine whether school districts have maximized
69 efforts to include minority persons and persons of
70 lower socioeconomic status on their school advisory
71 councils; creating s. 1001.68, F.S.; authorizing
72 Florida College System institutions with a certain
73 number of full-time equivalent students to enter into
74 cooperative agreements to form a state college
75 regional consortium service organization; requiring
76 such organizations to provide at least a specified
77 number of certain services; requiring that regional
78 consortium service organizations be governed by a
79 board of directors consisting of specified members;
80 amending s. 1001.706, F.S.; deleting a requirement
81 that state universities provide student access to
82 certain information; amending s. 1001.7065, F.S.;
83 revising academic standards for the preeminent state
84 research university program to include a specified
85 average Classic Learning Test score; amending s.
86 1002.20, F.S.; authorizing public schools to purchase
87 or enter into arrangements for certain emergency
88 opioid antagonists, rather than only for naloxone;
89 requiring that district school board policies
90 authorizing corporal punishment include a requirement
91 that parental consent be provided before the
92 administration of corporal punishment; amending s.
93 1002.33, F.S.; requiring a charter school to comply
94 with statute relating to corporal punishment;
95 repealing s. 1002.351, F.S., relating to the Florida
96 School for Competitive Academics; amending s.
97 1002.394, F.S.; deleting the Florida School for
98 Competitive Academics from Family Empowerment
99 Scholarship prohibitions; amending s. 1002.395, F.S.;
100 deleting the Florida School for Competitive Academics
101 from Florida Tax Credit Scholarship prohibitions;
102 amending s. 1002.42, F.S.; authorizing certain private
103 schools to construct new facilities on property that
104 meets specified criteria; amending s. 1002.68, F.S.;
105 deleting a provision requiring the department to
106 confer with the Council for Early Grade Success before
107 receiving a certain approval; amending s. 1002.71,
108 F.S.; revising the conditions under which a student
109 may withdraw from a prekindergarten program and
110 reenroll in another program; amending s. 1002.945,
111 F.S.; revising the criteria required for a child care
112 facility, large family child care home, or family day
113 care home to obtain and maintain a designation as a
114 Gold Seal Quality Care provider; amending s. 1003.41,
115 F.S.; requiring that certain standards documents
116 contain only academic standards and benchmarks;
117 requiring the Commissioner of Education to revise
118 currently approved standards documents and submit them
119 to the state board by a specified date; amending s.
120 1003.42, F.S.; revising required instruction on the
121 principles of agriculture; requiring the department to
122 collaborate with specified entities to develop
123 associated standards and a curriculum; authorizing the
124 department to contract with certain agricultural
125 education organizations; amending s. 1003.4201, F.S.;
126 authorizing the inclusion of intensive reading
127 interventions in a school district comprehensive
128 reading instruction plan; requiring that intensive
129 reading interventions be delivered by instructional
130 personnel who possess a micro-credential or are
131 certified or endorsed in reading; requiring that such
132 interventions incorporate certain strategies;
133 requiring that instructional personnel with a micro
134 credential be supervised by an individual certified or
135 endorsed in reading; defining the term “supervised”;
136 authorizing the inclusion in the reading instruction
137 plans of a description of how school districts
138 prioritize the assignment of highly effective
139 teachers; amending s. 1003.4282, F.S.; adding
140 components to required instruction on financial
141 literacy; amending s. 1004.0971, F.S.; revising the
142 definition of the term “emergency opioid antagonist”;
143 amending s. 1004.933, F.S.; authorizing an institution
144 to enter into an agreement with an online provider for
145 the adult education or career instruction portion of
146 the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education
147 (GATE) Program; deleting the age limit for enrollment
148 in the program; clarifying that students are not
149 required to enroll in adult secondary and career
150 education coursework simultaneously; amending s.
151 1005.06, F.S.; authorizing certain institutions to
152 operate without licensure; specifying affirmations
153 required as a part of an affidavit; requiring
154 submission of requested documentation in a specified
155 timeframe; requiring the Commission for Independent
156 Education to review such affidavit in a public
157 meeting; specifying commission actions for
158 noncompliance; authorizing the commission to adopt
159 rules; amending s. 1006.73, F.S.; revising reporting
160 requirements relating to the Florida Postsecondary
161 Academic Library Network; amending s. 1007.27, F.S.;
162 requiring the state board to identify national
163 consortia to develop certain courses; authorizing the
164 department to join or establish a national consortium
165 as an additional alternative method to develop and
166 implement advanced placement courses; conforming a
167 provision to changes made by the act; amending s.
168 1007.34, F.S.; expanding the scope of the college
169 reach-out program to all low-income educationally
170 disadvantaged and underrepresented students regardless
171 of minority status; amending s. 1007.35, F.S.;
172 revising legislative findings; renaming the Florida
173 Partnership for Minority and Underrepresented Student
174 Achievement as the “Florida Partnership for
175 Underrepresented Student Achievement”; revising the
176 purposes and duties of the partnership to focus on all
177 underrepresented students regardless of minority
178 status; revising duties of the partnership; revising
179 which examinations public high schools are required to
180 administer; revising which examinations a partnership
181 must provide information to specified individuals and
182 entities; revising which examinations the department
183 must provide the learning data from to a certain
184 partnership; deleting duties of the partnership;
185 repealing s. 1008.2125, F.S., relating to the Council
186 for Early Grade Success; amending s. 1008.36, F.S.;
187 specifying the recipients of school recognition bonus
188 funds; amending s. 1008.365, F.S.; revising the types
189 of tutoring hours that may be counted toward meeting
190 the community service requirements for the Bright
191 Futures Scholarship Program; amending s. 1008.37,
192 F.S.; revising the date by which the Commissioner of
193 Education must deliver a report to specified entities;
194 revising the requirements of the report; amending s.
195 1009.23, F.S.; authorizing the Florida College System
196 to allocate a portion of financial aid fees to assist
197 underrepresented students, rather than students who
198 are members of a targeted gender or ethnic minority
199 population; amending s. 1009.26, F.S.; revising the
200 residency requirement for a grandparent for an out-of
201 state fee waiver; revising the residency criteria for
202 a grandparent in a specified attestation; amending s.
203 1009.536, F.S.; clarifying the required minimum
204 cumulative weighted grade point average for the
205 Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award; authorizing
206 students to apply for a Florida Gold Seal CAPE
207 Scholars award within a specified timeframe before or
208 after completing the GATE Program; amending s.
209 1009.8962, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
210 “institution”; amending s. 1009.897, F.S.; requiring
211 institutions receiving funds through the Prepping
212 Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners
213 through Incentives for Nursing Education Fund to
214 allocate funding to health care-related programs;
215 repealing s. 1011.58, F.S., relating to legislative
216 budget requests of the Florida School for Competitive
217 Academics; repealing s. 1011.59, F.S., relating to
218 funds for the Florida School for Competitive
219 Academics; amending s. 1011.71, F.S.; revising the
220 types of casualty insurance premiums that may be paid
221 by a district school tax; amending s. 1011.804, F.S.;
222 authorizing certain institutions to apply for and use
223 grant funds under the GATE Startup Grant Program for
224 specified purposes; amending s. 1012.315, F.S.;
225 revising educator certification and certain employment
226 screening standards; making technical changes;
227 amending s. 1012.56, F.S.; authorizing individuals to
228 demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, subject area
229 knowledge, or professional preparation and education
230 competence by providing a school district with
231 documentation of a valid certificate issued by the
232 American Board for Certification of Teacher
233 Excellence; amending s. 1012.77, F.S.; conforming a
234 provision to a change made by the act; specifying
235 entities eligible to submit nominees for the Teacher
236 of the Year and Ambassador for Education awards;
237 amending s. 1013.30, F.S.; revising the timeframe for
238 updates to state university campus master plans;
239 amending s. 1013.46, F.S.; deleting a provision
240 relating to set asides for construction contracts with
241 minority business enterprises; providing effective
242 dates.
243
244 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
245
246 Section 1. Paragraphs (d) and (f) of subsection (2) of
247 section 11.45, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
248 11.45 Definitions; duties; authorities; reports; rules.—
249 (2) DUTIES.—The Auditor General shall:
250 (d) Annually conduct financial audits of the accounts and
251 records of all district school boards in counties with
252 populations of less fewer than 150,000, according to the most
253 recent federal decennial statewide census; and the Florida
254 School for the Deaf and the Blind; and the Florida School for
255 Competitive Academics.
256 (f) At least every 3 years, conduct operational audits of
257 the accounts and records of state agencies, state universities,
258 state colleges, district school boards, the Florida Clerks of
259 Court Operations Corporation, water management districts, and
260 the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, and the Florida
261 School for Competitive Academics.
262
263 The Auditor General shall perform his or her duties
264 independently but under the general policies established by the
265 Legislative Auditing Committee. This subsection does not limit
266 the Auditor General’s discretionary authority to conduct other
267 audits or engagements of governmental entities as authorized in
268 subsection (3).
269 Section 2. Subsection (5) is added to section 11.51,
270 Florida Statutes, to read:
271 11.51 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
272 Accountability.—
273 (5) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
274 Accountability may develop contracts or agreements with
275 institutions in the State University System to use the expertise
276 of state university faculty and research staff to provide
277 assistance in analysis and evaluative research.
278 Section 3. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
279 216.251, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
280 216.251 Salary appropriations; limitations.—
281 (2)(a) The salary for each position not specifically
282 indicated in the appropriations acts shall be as provided in one
283 of the following subparagraphs:
284 1. Within the classification and pay plans provided for in
285 chapter 110.
286 2. Within the classification and pay plans established by
287 the Board of Trustees for the Florida School for the Deaf and
288 the Blind of the Department of Education and approved by the
289 State Board of Education for academic and academic
290 administrative personnel.
291 3. Within the classification and pay plan approved and
292 administered by the Board of Governors or the designee of the
293 board for those positions in the State University System.
294 4. Within the classification and pay plan approved by the
295 President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
296 Representatives, as the case may be, for employees of the
297 Legislature.
298 5. Within the approved classification and pay plan for the
299 judicial branch.
300 6. Within the classification and pay plans established by
301 the Board of Trustees for the Florida School for Competitive
302 Academics of the Department of Education and approved by the
303 State Board of Education for academic and academic
304 administrative personnel.
305 Section 4. Subsection (9) of section 251.001, Florida
306 Statutes, is amended to read:
307 251.001 Florida State Guard Act.—
308 (9) REIMBURSEMENT, BENEFIT, AND COMPENSATION.—
309 (a) The division shall reimburse members of the Florida
310 State Guard for per diem and travel expenses incurred to attend
311 required training or in the course of active service as provided
312 in s. 112.061.
313 (b) Members of the Florida State Guard may be compensated
314 for time spent training or in the course of active service at
315 rates established by the director, subject to appropriation.
316 (c) A member of the Florida State Guard may not make any
317 purchase or enter into any contract or agreement for purchases
318 or services as a charge against the state without the authority
319 of the director.
320 (d) As a benefit to the active members of the Florida State
321 Guard, subject to approval by the director of the Division of
322 the State Guard, each state university and Florida College
323 System institution shall waive tuition and fees for active
324 members of the Florida State Guard to enroll for up to 6 credit
325 hours of courses per term on a space-available basis.
326 Section 5. Subsections (3) and (4) of section 288.036,
327 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
328 288.036 Ocean economy development.—
329 (3) The Office of Ocean Economy shall:
330 (a) Develop and undertake activities and strategies with a
331 focus on research and development, technological innovation,
332 emerging industries, strategic business recruitment, public and
333 private funding opportunities, and workforce training and
334 education to promote and stimulate the ocean economy.
335 (b)1. Collaborate Foster relationships and coordinate with
336 state universities, private universities, career centers, and
337 Florida College System institutions, including the College of
338 the Florida Keys, to periodically survey surveying the
339 development of academic research relating to the ocean economy
340 across all disciplines and facilitating the transfer of
341 innovative technology into marketable goods and services. The
342 office shall encourage collaboration between state universities
343 and Florida College System institutions that have overlapping
344 areas of academic research.
345 2. Include and update on the office’s website information
346 related to:
347 a. An inventory of current research and current
348 collaborations, including contact information; and
349 b. Any available resources for research and technology
350 development, including financial opportunities.
351 (c) Collaborate with relevant industries to identify
352 economic challenges that may be solved through innovation in the
353 ocean economy, including commercializing or otherwise
354 facilitating public access to academic research and resources,
355 removing governmental barriers, strengthening the workforce, and
356 maximizing access to financial or other opportunities for growth
357 and development.
358 (d) Develop and facilitate a pipeline for innovative ideas
359 and strategies to be created, developed, researched,
360 commercialized, and financed. This includes promotion and
361 coordination of industry collaboration, academic research,
362 accelerator programs, training and technical assistance, and
363 startup or second-stage funding opportunities.
364 (e) Maintain and update on the office’s website:
365 1. Reports and data on the number, growth, and average
366 wages of jobs included in the ocean economy; the impacts on the
367 number, growth, and development of businesses in the ocean
368 economy; and the collaboration, transition, or adoption of
369 innovation and research into new, viable ideas employed in the
370 ocean economy.
371 2. A current inventory of programs related to the ocean
372 economy, an evaluation of additional opportunities to earn
373 credentials, and the institutions or training providers where
374 such credentials may be earned.
375 (f) Educate other state and local entities on the interests
376 of the ocean economy and how such entities may positively
377 address environmental issues while simultaneously considering
378 the economic impact of their policies.
379 (g) Communicate the state’s role as an integral component
380 of the ocean economy by promoting the state on national and
381 international platforms and other appropriate forums as the
382 premier destination for convening on pertinent subject matters.
383 (h) Collaborate with public and private educational and
384 industry organizations to make recommendations:
385 1. For strengthening employment opportunities in:
386 a. Commercial fishing;
387 b. Fisheries and aquaculture, marine and freshwater;
388 c. Processing and preserving fish, crustaceans, and
389 mollusks;
390 d. Shipbuilding and repair; and
391 e. Shipping, water transport such as sea and coastal and
392 inland water transportation of both freight and passengers,
393 ports, and related services and support activities.
394 2. Regarding the expansion of existing maritime programs
395 and the addition of new programs and strategies for a public
396 awareness campaign.
397 3. To increase the availability of dual enrollment,
398 preapprenticeship and apprenticeship, and work-study programs at
399 both public and private institutions.
400 4. For aligning the regulatory framework for fishing and
401 boat operations with the demand for personnel through
402 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
403 (4) By August 1, 2025, and each August 1 thereafter, the
404 office shall provide to the Board of Governors, the Governor,
405 the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
406 Representatives and post on its website a detailed report on
407 demonstrating the economic benefits of the office and the
408 development of emerging ocean economy industries. By August 1,
409 2026, the report must include the recommendations in paragraph
410 (3)(h).
411 Section 6. Subsection (4) of section 381.853, Florida
412 Statutes, is amended to read:
413 381.853 Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research.—
414 (4) There is established within the center a scientific
415 advisory council that includes biomedical researchers,
416 physicians, clinicians, and representatives from public and
417 private universities and hospitals. The council shall meet at
418 least annually.
419 (a) The council shall be composed consist of members
420 appointed by the President of the University of Florida, in
421 consultation with the dean of the University of Florida College
422 of Medicine:
423 1. Two members from the Florida Center for Brain Tumor
424 Research within the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain
425 Institute of the University of Florida appointed by the
426 Governor.
427 2. Two members from The Scripps Research Institute, one of
428 whom must have expertise in basic brain tumor research,
429 appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
430 3. Two members from other public and private universities
431 and institutions directly involved in brain tumor research
432 appointed by the President of the Senate.
433 4. One member from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who is
434 directly involved in the treatment of brain tumor patients or
435 who has expertise in basic brain tumor research appointed by the
436 State Surgeon General.
437 5. Two members from the Cleveland Clinic in Florida who are
438 directly involved in basic brain tumor research appointed by the
439 Governor.
440 6. One member from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and
441 Research Institute who is directly involved in the treatment of
442 brain tumor patients or who has expertise in basic brain tumor
443 research appointed by the Speaker of the House of
444 Representatives.
445 7. One member from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando
446 who is directly involved in the treatment of brain tumor
447 patients or who has expertise in basic brain tumor research
448 appointed by the President of the Senate.
449 (b) Council members shall serve staggered 4-year terms.
450 (c) Council members shall serve without compensation, and
451 each organization represented shall cover all expenses of its
452 representative.
453 Section 7. Paragraphs (d) and (f) of subsection (1) of
454 section 413.407, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
455 413.407 Assistive Technology Advisory Council.—There is
456 created the Assistive Technology Advisory Council, responsible
457 for ensuring consumer involvement in the creation, application,
458 and distribution of technology-related assistance to and for
459 persons who have disabilities. The council shall fulfill its
460 responsibilities through statewide policy development, state and
461 federal legislative initiatives, advocacy at the state and
462 federal levels, planning of statewide resource allocations,
463 policy-level management, and reviews of consumer responsiveness
464 and the adequacy of program service delivery and by performing
465 the functions listed in this section.
466 (1)
467 (d) Members of the council must be geographically
468 representative of the state and reflect the diversity of the
469 state’s population with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, age,
470 type of disability, and type of disability-related services and
471 devices received.
472 (f)1. Each member of the council shall serve for a term of
473 not more than 5 3 years, except that a member appointed to fill
474 a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which
475 a predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder
476 of such term.
477 2. A member of the council may not serve more than two
478 consecutive terms; however, any appointment under subparagraph
479 1., if for less than 18 months, is not considered a term for the
480 purposes of this section.
481 3. A member who has served two consecutive terms and has
482 been retired from the council for at least 3 years may be
483 reappointed to the council on the same basis as a new member.
484 Section 8. Subsection (3) of section 435.12, Florida
485 Statutes, is amended to read:
486 435.12 Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.—
487 (3)(a) Employees of each district unit under s. 1001.30,
488 special district units under s. 1011.24, the Florida School for
489 the Deaf and the Blind under s. 1002.36, the Florida Virtual
490 School under s. 1002.37, virtual instruction programs under s.
491 1002.45, charter schools under s. 1002.33, hope operators under
492 s. 1002.333, private schools participating in an educational
493 scholarship program established pursuant to chapter 1002, and
494 alternative schools under s. 1008.341 must be rescreened in
495 compliance with the following schedule:
496 1. Employees for whom the last screening was conducted on
497 or before June 30, 2021, must be rescreened by December 1 June
498 30, 2025.
499 2. Employees for whom the last screening was conducted
500 between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, must be rescreened by
501 December 1 June 30, 2026.
502 3. Employees for whom the last screening was conducted
503 between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, must be rescreened
504 by December 1 June 30, 2027.
505 Section 9. Subsection (2) of section 446.032, Florida
506 Statutes, is amended to read:
507 446.032 General duties of the department for apprenticeship
508 training.—The department shall:
509 (2) By November 30 September 1 of each year, publish an
510 annual report on apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.
511 The report must be published on the department’s website and, at
512 a minimum, include all of the following:
513 (a) A list of registered apprenticeship and
514 preapprenticeship programs, sorted by local educational agency,
515 as defined in s. 1004.02(18), and apprenticeship sponsor, under
516 s. 446.071.
517 (b) A detailed summary of each local educational agency’s
518 expenditure of funds for apprenticeship and preapprenticeship
519 programs, including:
520 1. The total amount of funds received for apprenticeship
521 and preapprenticeship programs.
522 2. The total amount of funds allocated by training
523 provider, program, and occupation.
524 3. The total amount of funds expended for administrative
525 costs by training provider, program, and occupation.
526 4. The total amount of funds expended for instructional
527 costs by training provider, program, and occupation.
528 (c) The number of apprentices and preapprentices per trade
529 and occupation.
530 (d) The percentage of apprentices and preapprentices who
531 complete their respective programs in the appropriate timeframe.
532 (e) Information and resources related to applications for
533 new apprenticeship programs and technical assistance and
534 requirements for potential applicants.
535 (f) Documentation of activities conducted by the department
536 to promote apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs through
537 public engagement, community-based partnerships, and other
538 initiatives and the outcomes of such activities and their impact
539 on establishing or expanding apprenticeship and
540 preapprenticeship programs.
541 (g) Retention and completion rates of participants
542 disaggregated by training provider, program, and occupation.
543 (h) Wage progression of participants as demonstrated by
544 starting, exit, and postapprenticeship wages at 1 and 5 years
545 after participants exit the program.
546 Section 10. Subsection (12) of section 446.041, Florida
547 Statutes, is amended to read:
548 446.041 Duties of the department.—The department shall:
549 (12) Ensure that underrepresented groups minority and
550 gender diversity are considered in administering this program.
551 Section 11. Subsection (2) of section 447.203, Florida
552 Statutes, is amended to read:
553 447.203 Definitions.—As used in this part:
554 (2) “Public employer” or “employer” means the state or any
555 county, municipality, or special district or any subdivision or
556 agency thereof which the commission determines has sufficient
557 legal distinctiveness properly to carry out the functions of a
558 public employer. With respect to all public employees determined
559 by the commission as properly belonging to a statewide
560 bargaining unit composed of State Career Service System
561 employees or Selected Professional Service employees, the
562 Governor is deemed to be the public employer; and the Board of
563 Governors of the State University System, or the board’s
564 designee, is deemed to be the public employer with respect to
565 all public employees of each constituent state university. The
566 board of trustees of a community college is deemed to be the
567 public employer with respect to all employees of the community
568 college. The district school board is deemed to be the public
569 employer with respect to all employees of the school district.
570 The Board of Trustees of the Florida School for the Deaf and the
571 Blind is deemed to be the public employer with respect to the
572 academic and academic administrative personnel of the Florida
573 School for the Deaf and the Blind. The Board of Trustees of the
574 Florida School for Competitive Academics is deemed to be the
575 public employer with respect to the academic and academic
576 administrative personnel of the Florida School for Competitive
577 Academics. The Governor is deemed to be the public employer with
578 respect to all employees in the Correctional Education Program
579 of the Department of Corrections established pursuant to s.
580 944.801.
581 Section 12. Subsection (7) of section 1000.04, Florida
582 Statutes, is amended to read:
583 1000.04 Components for the delivery of public education
584 within the Florida Early Learning-20 education system.—Florida’s
585 Early Learning-20 education system provides for the delivery of
586 early learning and public education through publicly supported
587 and controlled K-12 schools, Florida College System
588 institutions, state universities and other postsecondary
589 educational institutions, other educational institutions, and
590 other educational services as provided or authorized by the
591 Constitution and laws of the state.
592 (7) THE FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR COMPETITIVE ACADEMICS.—The
593 Florida School for Competitive Academics is a component of the
594 delivery of public education within Florida’s Early Learning-20
595 education system.
596 Section 13. Subsection (1), paragraph (d) of subsection
597 (2), paragraph (e) of subsection (3), and subsections (5) and
598 (7) of section 1000.05, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
599 1000.05 Discrimination against students and employees in
600 the Florida K-20 public education system prohibited; equality of
601 access required.—
602 (1) This section may be cited as the “Florida Educational
603 Equality Equity Act.”
604 (2)
605 (d) Students may be separated by sex for a single-sex
606 single-gender program, for any portion of a class that deals
607 with human reproduction, or during participation in bodily
608 contact sports. For the purpose of this section, bodily contact
609 sports include wrestling, boxing, rugby, ice hockey, football,
610 basketball, and other sports in which the purpose or major
611 activity involves bodily contact.
612 (3)
613 (e) A public school or Florida College System institution
614 may provide separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities
615 on the basis of sex gender, but such facilities shall be
616 comparable to such facilities provided for students of the other
617 sex.
618 (5) Public schools and Florida College System institutions
619 shall develop and implement methods and strategies to increase
620 the participation of underrepresented students of a particular
621 race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status
622 in programs and courses in which students of that particular
623 race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status
624 have been traditionally underrepresented, including, but not
625 limited to, mathematics, science, computer technology,
626 electronics, communications technology, engineering, and career
627 education.
628 (7) The functions of the Office of Equal Educational
629 Opportunity of the Department of Education shall include, but
630 are not limited to:
631 (a) Requiring all district school boards and Florida
632 College System institution boards of trustees to develop and
633 submit plans for the implementation of this section to the
634 Department of Education.
635 (b) Conducting periodic reviews of school districts and
636 Florida College System institutions to determine compliance with
637 this section and, after a finding that a school district or a
638 Florida College System institution is not in compliance with
639 this section, notifying the entity of the steps that it must
640 take to attain compliance and performing follow-up followup
641 monitoring.
642 (c) Providing technical assistance, including assisting
643 school districts or Florida College System institutions in
644 identifying unlawful discrimination and instructing them in
645 remedies for correction and prevention of such discrimination
646 and performing follow-up followup monitoring.
647 (d) Conducting studies of the effectiveness of methods and
648 strategies designed to increase the participation of students in
649 programs and courses in which students of a particular race,
650 color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status have
651 been traditionally underrepresented and monitoring the success
652 of students in such programs or courses, including performing
653 follow-up followup monitoring.
654 (e) Requiring all district school boards and Florida
655 College System institution boards of trustees to submit data and
656 information necessary to determine compliance with this section.
657 The Commissioner of Education shall prescribe the format and the
658 date for submission of such data and any other educational
659 equity data. If any board does not submit the required
660 compliance data or other required educational equity data by the
661 prescribed date, the commissioner shall notify the board of this
662 fact and, if the board does not take appropriate action to
663 immediately submit the required report, the State Board of
664 Education shall impose monetary sanctions.
665 (f) Based upon rules of the State Board of Education,
666 developing and implementing enforcement mechanisms with
667 appropriate penalties to ensure that public K-12 schools and
668 Florida College System institutions comply with Title IX of the
669 Education Amendments of 1972 and subsection (3) of this section.
670 However, the State Board of Education may not force a public
671 school or Florida College System institution to conduct, nor
672 penalize such entity for not conducting, a program of athletic
673 activity or athletic scholarship for female athletes unless it
674 is an athletic activity approved for women by a recognized
675 association whose purpose is to promote athletics and a
676 conference or league exists to promote interscholastic or
677 intercollegiate competition for women in that athletic activity.
678 (g) Reporting to The Commissioner of Education any district
679 school board or Florida College System institution board of
680 trustees found to be out of compliance with rules of the State
681 Board of Education adopted as required by paragraph (f) or
682 paragraph (3)(d). To penalize the board, the State Board of
683 Education shall:
684 1. Declare the school district or Florida College System
685 institution ineligible for competitive state grants.
686 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 216.192, direct the
687 Chief Financial Officer to withhold general revenue funds
688 sufficient to obtain compliance from the school district or
689 Florida College System institution.
690
691 The school district or Florida College System institution shall
692 remain ineligible and the funds shall not be paid until the
693 institution comes into compliance or the State Board of
694 Education approves a plan for compliance.
695
696 The Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education
697 shall use their authority under s. 1008.32 to enforce compliance
698 with this subsection.
699 Section 14. Paragraph (j) of subsection (5) of section
700 1000.21, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
701 1000.21 Systemwide definitions.—As used in the Florida
702 Early Learning-20 Education Code:
703 (5) “Florida College System institution” except as
704 otherwise specifically provided, includes all of the following
705 public postsecondary educational institutions in the Florida
706 College System and any branch campuses, centers, or other
707 affiliates of the institution:
708 (j) Hillsborough Community College, which serves
709 Hillsborough County.
710 Section 15. Paragraph (e) of subsection (4) of section
711 1001.20, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
712 1001.20 Department under direction of state board.—
713 (4) The Department of Education shall establish the
714 following offices within the Office of the Commissioner of
715 Education which shall coordinate their activities with all other
716 divisions and offices:
717 (e) Office of Inspector General.—Organized using existing
718 resources and funds and responsible for promoting
719 accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness and detecting
720 fraud and abuse within school districts, the Florida School for
721 the Deaf and the Blind, the Florida School for Competitive
722 Academics, and Florida College System institutions in Florida.
723 If the Commissioner of Education determines that a district
724 school board, the Board of Trustees for the Florida School for
725 the Deaf and the Blind, the Board of Trustees for the Florida
726 School for Competitive Academics, or a Florida College System
727 institution board of trustees is unwilling or unable to address
728 substantiated allegations made by any person relating to waste,
729 fraud, or financial mismanagement within the school district,
730 the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Florida
731 School for Competitive Academics, or the Florida College System
732 institution, the office must conduct, coordinate, or request
733 investigations into such substantiated allegations. The office
734 shall investigate allegations or reports of possible fraud or
735 abuse against a district school board made by any member of the
736 Cabinet; the presiding officer of either house of the
737 Legislature; a chair of a substantive or appropriations
738 committee with jurisdiction; or a member of the board for which
739 an investigation is sought. The office may investigate
740 allegations or reports of suspected violations of a student’s,
741 parent’s, or teacher’s rights. The office shall have access to
742 all information and personnel necessary to perform its duties
743 and shall have all of its current powers, duties, and
744 responsibilities authorized in s. 20.055.
745 Section 16. Section 1001.325, Florida Statutes, is created
746 to read:
747 1001.325 Prohibited expenditures.—
748 (1) A public school, charter school, school district,
749 charter school administrator, or direct-support organization may
750 not expend any funds, regardless of source, to purchase
751 membership in, or goods and services from, any organization that
752 discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
753 disability, or religion.
754 (2) A public school, charter school, school district,
755 charter school administrator, or direct-support organization may
756 not expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or
757 maintain any programs or campus activities that:
758 (a) Violate s. 1000.05; or
759 (b) Advocate, promote, or engage in political or social
760 activism, as defined by the State Board of Education.
761
762 Student fees to support student-led organizations are permitted
763 notwithstanding any speech or expressive activity by such
764 organizations which would otherwise violate this subsection,
765 provided that public funds are allocated to student-led
766 organizations pursuant to written policies or regulations of the
767 school or district in which the student is enrolled, as
768 applicable. Use of school or district facilities by student-led
769 organizations is permitted notwithstanding any speech or
770 expressive activity by such organizations which would otherwise
771 violate this subsection, provided that such use is granted to
772 student-led organizations pursuant to written policies or
773 regulations of the school or school district, as applicable.
774 (3) Subsection (2) does not prohibit programs, campus
775 activities, or functions required for compliance with general or
776 federal laws or regulations, for obtaining or retaining
777 accreditation, or for continuing to receive state funds with the
778 approval of either the State Board of Education or the
779 department.
780 (4) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
781 implement this section.
782 Section 17. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
783 1001.452, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
784 1001.452 District and school advisory councils.—
785 (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—
786 (a) The district school board shall establish an advisory
787 council for each school in the district and shall develop
788 procedures for the election and appointment of advisory council
789 members. Each school advisory council shall include in its name
790 the words “school advisory council.” The school advisory council
791 shall be the sole body responsible for final decisionmaking at
792 the school relating to implementation of ss. 1001.42(18) and
793 1008.345. A majority of the members of each school advisory
794 council must be persons who are not employed by the school
795 district. Each advisory council shall be composed of the
796 principal and an appropriately balanced number of teachers,
797 education support employees, students, parents, and other
798 business and community citizens who are representative of the
799 ethnic, racial, and economic community served by the school.
800 Career center and high school advisory councils shall include
801 students, and middle and junior high school advisory councils
802 may include students. School advisory councils of career centers
803 and adult education centers are not required to include parents
804 as members. Council members representing teachers, education
805 support employees, students, and parents shall be elected by
806 their respective peer groups at the school in a fair and
807 equitable manner as follows:
808 1. Teachers shall be elected by teachers.
809 2. Education support employees shall be elected by
810 education support employees.
811 3. Students shall be elected by students.
812 4. Parents shall be elected by parents.
813
814 The district school board shall establish procedures to be used
815 by schools in selecting business and community members which
816 that include means of ensuring wide notice of vacancies and of
817 taking input on possible members from local business, chambers
818 of commerce, community and civic organizations and groups, and
819 the public at large. The district school board shall review the
820 membership composition of each advisory council. If the district
821 school board determines that the membership elected by the
822 school is not representative of the ethnic, racial, and economic
823 community served by the school, the district school board must
824 shall appoint additional members to achieve proper
825 representation. The commissioner shall determine if schools have
826 maximized their efforts to include on their advisory councils
827 minority persons and persons of lower socioeconomic status.
828 Although schools are strongly encouraged to establish school
829 advisory councils, the district school board of any school
830 district that has a student population of 10,000 or less fewer
831 may establish a district advisory council which includes at
832 least one duly elected teacher from each school in the district.
833 For the purposes of school advisory councils and district
834 advisory councils, the term “teacher” includes classroom
835 teachers, certified student services personnel, and media
836 specialists. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “education
837 support employee” means any person employed by a school who is
838 not defined as instructional or administrative personnel
839 pursuant to s. 1012.01 and whose duties require 20 or more hours
840 in each normal working week.
841 Section 18. Section 1001.68, Florida Statutes, is created
842 to read:
843 1001.68 State college regional consortium service
844 organizations.—In order to create effectiveness and efficiency
845 of small institutions in the Florida College System which serve
846 rural communities:
847 (1) Colleges with 5,000 or fewer full-time equivalent
848 students may enter into cooperative agreements to form a
849 regional consortium service organization. Each regional
850 consortium service organization shall, at a minimum, provide
851 three of the following services: grant procurement;
852 institutional research and reporting; risk management;
853 professional development for faculty and staff; leadership
854 support; information technology and cybersecurity training;
855 faculty and staff recruitment; workforce development programs;
856 cooperative purchasing; administrative services; or enrollment
857 management services.
858 (2) Each regional consortium service organization must be
859 governed by a board of directors composed of the presidents of
860 the respective member colleges.
861 Section 19. Paragraph (d) of subsection (5) of section
862 1001.706, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
863 1001.706 Powers and duties of the Board of Governors.—
864 (5) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACCOUNTABILITY.—
865 (d) The Board of Governors shall annually require a state
866 university prior to registration to provide each enrolled
867 student electronic access to the economic security report of
868 employment and earning outcomes prepared by the Department of
869 Commerce pursuant to s. 445.07. In addition, the Board of
870 Governors shall require a state university to provide each
871 student electronic access to the following information each year
872 prior to registration using the data described in s. 1008.39:
873 1. The top 25 percent of degrees reported by the university
874 in terms of highest full-time job placement and highest average
875 annualized earnings in the year after earning the degree.
876 2. The bottom 10 percent of degrees reported by the
877 university in terms of lowest full-time job placement and lowest
878 average annualized earnings in the year after earning the
879 degree.
880 Section 20. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
881 1001.7065, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
882 1001.7065 Preeminent state research universities program.—
883 (2) ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE STANDARDS.—The
884 following academic and research excellence standards are
885 established for the preeminent state research universities
886 program and shall be reported annually in the Board of Governors
887 Accountability Plan:
888 (a) An average weighted grade point average of 4.0 or
889 higher on a 4.0 scale and an average SAT score of 1200 or higher
890 on a 1600-point scale or an average ACT score of 25 or higher on
891 a 36 score scale, using the latest published national
892 concordance table developed jointly by the College Board and
893 ACT, Inc., or an average Classic Learning Test score of 83 or
894 higher on a 120 score scale, for fall semester incoming
895 freshmen, as reported annually.
896 Section 21. Paragraph (o) of subsection (3) and paragraph
897 (c) of subsection (4) of section 1002.20, Florida Statutes, are
898 amended to read:
899 1002.20 K-12 student and parent rights.—Parents of public
900 school students must receive accurate and timely information
901 regarding their child’s academic progress and must be informed
902 of ways they can help their child to succeed in school. K-12
903 students and their parents are afforded numerous statutory
904 rights including, but not limited to, the following:
905 (3) HEALTH ISSUES.—
906 (o) Emergency opioid antagonist Naloxone use and supply.—
907 1. A public school may purchase a supply of an emergency
908 the opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and
909 Drug Administration (FDA) naloxone from a wholesale distributor
910 as defined in s. 499.003 or may enter into an arrangement with a
911 wholesale distributor or manufacturer as defined in s. 499.003
912 for an FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonist naloxone at
913 fair-market, free, or reduced prices for use in the event that a
914 student has an opioid overdose. The FDA-approved emergency
915 opioid antagonist naloxone must be maintained in a secure
916 location on the public school’s premises.
917 2. A school district employee who administers an approved
918 emergency opioid antagonist to a student in compliance with ss.
919 381.887 and 768.13 is immune from civil liability under s.
920 768.13.
921 (4) DISCIPLINE.—
922 (c) Corporal punishment.—
923 1. In accordance with the provisions of s. 1003.32,
924 corporal punishment of a public school student may only be
925 administered by a teacher or school principal within guidelines
926 of the school principal and according to district school board
927 policy. Another adult must be present and must be informed in
928 the student’s presence of the reason for the punishment. Upon
929 request, the teacher or school principal must provide the parent
930 with a written explanation of the reason for the punishment and
931 the name of the other adult who was present.
932 2. A district school board having a policy authorizing the
933 use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline shall include
934 in such policy a requirement that a parent provide consent for
935 the school to administer corporal punishment. The district
936 school board policy may require such consent for the school
937 year, or before each administration. The district school board
938 shall review its policy on corporal punishment once every 3
939 years during a district school board meeting held pursuant to s.
940 1001.372. The district school board shall take public testimony
941 at the board meeting. If such board meeting is not held in
942 accordance with this subparagraph, the portion of the district
943 school board’s policy authorizing corporal punishment expires.
944 Section 22. Paragraph (b) of subsection (16) of section
945 1002.33, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
946 1002.33 Charter schools.—
947 (16) EXEMPTION FROM STATUTES.—
948 (b) Additionally, a charter school shall be in compliance
949 with the following statutes:
950 1. Section 286.011, relating to public meetings and
951 records, public inspection, and criminal and civil penalties.
952 2. Chapter 119, relating to public records.
953 3. Section 1003.03, relating to the maximum class size,
954 except that the calculation for compliance pursuant to s.
955 1003.03 shall be the average at the school level.
956 4. Section 1012.22(1)(c), relating to compensation and
957 salary schedules.
958 5. Section 1012.33(5), relating to workforce reductions.
959 6. Section 1012.335, relating to contracts with
960 instructional personnel hired on or after July 1, 2011.
961 7. Section 1012.34, relating to the substantive
962 requirements for performance evaluations for instructional
963 personnel and school administrators.
964 8. Section 1006.12, relating to safe-school officers.
965 9. Section 1006.07(7), relating to threat management teams.
966 10. Section 1006.07(9), relating to School Environmental
967 Safety Incident Reporting.
968 11. Section 1006.07(10), relating to reporting of
969 involuntary examinations.
970 12. Section 1006.1493, relating to the Florida Safe Schools
971 Assessment Tool.
972 13. Section 1006.07(6)(d), relating to adopting an active
973 assailant response plan.
974 14. Section 943.082(4)(b), relating to the mobile
975 suspicious activity reporting tool.
976 15. Section 1012.584, relating to youth mental health
977 awareness and assistance training.
978 16. Section 1001.42(4)(f)2., relating to middle school and
979 high school start times. A charter school-in-the-workplace is
980 exempt from this requirement.
981 17. Section 1002.20(4)(c), relating to school corporal
982 punishment.
983 Section 23. Section 1002.351, Florida Statutes, is
984 repealed.
985 Section 24. Subsection (6) of section 1002.394, Florida
986 Statutes, is amended to read:
987 1002.394 The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program.—
988 (6) SCHOLARSHIP PROHIBITIONS.—A student is not eligible for
989 a Family Empowerment Scholarship while he or she is:
990 (a) Enrolled full time in a public school, including, but
991 not limited to, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind,
992 the College-Preparatory Boarding Academy, the Florida School for
993 Competitive Academics, the Florida Virtual School, the Florida
994 Scholars Academy, a developmental research school authorized
995 under s. 1002.32, or a charter school authorized under this
996 chapter. For purposes of this paragraph, a 3- or 4-year-old
997 child who receives services funded through the Florida Education
998 Finance Program is considered to be a student enrolled in a
999 public school;
1000 (b) Enrolled in a school operating for the purpose of
1001 providing educational services to youth in a Department of
1002 Juvenile Justice commitment program;
1003 (c) Receiving any other educational scholarship pursuant to
1004 this chapter. However, an eligible public school student
1005 receiving a scholarship under s. 1002.411 may receive a
1006 scholarship for transportation pursuant to subparagraph
1007 (4)(a)2.;
1008 (d) Not having regular and direct contact with his or her
1009 private school teachers pursuant to s. 1002.421(1)(i), unless he
1010 or she is eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) and enrolled in
1011 the participating private school’s transition-to-work program
1012 pursuant to subsection (16) or a home education program pursuant
1013 to s. 1002.41;
1014 (e) Participating in a private tutoring program pursuant to
1015 s. 1002.43 unless he or she is determined eligible pursuant to
1016 paragraph (3)(b); or
1017 (f) Participating in virtual instruction pursuant to s.
1018 1002.455 that receives state funding pursuant to the student’s
1019 participation.
1020 Section 25. Subsection (4) of section 1002.395, Florida
1021 Statutes, is amended to read:
1022 1002.395 Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.—
1023 (4) SCHOLARSHIP PROHIBITIONS.—A student is not eligible for
1024 a scholarship while he or she is:
1025 (a) Enrolled full time in a public school, including, but
1026 not limited to, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind,
1027 the College-Preparatory Boarding Academy, the Florida School for
1028 Competitive Academics, the Florida Virtual School, the Florida
1029 Scholars Academy, a developmental research school authorized
1030 under s. 1002.32, or a charter school authorized under this
1031 chapter. For purposes of this paragraph, a 3- or 4-year-old
1032 child who receives services funded through the Florida Education
1033 Finance Program is considered a student enrolled full time in a
1034 public school;
1035 (b) Enrolled in a school operating for the purpose of
1036 providing educational services to youth in a Department of
1037 Juvenile Justice commitment program;
1038 (c) Receiving any other educational scholarship pursuant to
1039 this chapter. However, an eligible public school student
1040 receiving a scholarship under s. 1002.411 may receive a
1041 scholarship for transportation pursuant to subparagraph
1042 (6)(d)4.;
1043 (d) Not having regular and direct contact with his or her
1044 private school teachers pursuant to s. 1002.421(1)(i) unless he
1045 or she is enrolled in a personalized education program;
1046 (e) Participating in a home education program as defined in
1047 s. 1002.01(1);
1048 (f) Participating in a private tutoring program pursuant to
1049 s. 1002.43 unless he or she is enrolled in a personalized
1050 education program; or
1051 (g) Participating in virtual instruction pursuant to s.
1052 1002.455 that receives state funding pursuant to the student’s
1053 participation.
1054 Section 26. Paragraph (c) is added to subsection (19) of
1055 section 1002.42, Florida Statutes, to read:
1056 1002.42 Private schools.—
1057 (19) FACILITIES.—
1058 (c) A private school located in a county with four
1059 incorporated municipalities may construct new facilities, which
1060 may be temporary or permanent, on property purchased from or
1061 owned or leased by a library, community service organization,
1062 museum, performing arts venue, theater, cinema, or church under
1063 s. 170.201, which is or was actively used as such within 5 years
1064 of any executed agreement with a private school; any land owned
1065 by a Florida College System institution or state university; and
1066 any land recently used to house a school or child care facility
1067 licensed under s. 402.305 under its preexisting zoning and land
1068 use designations without rezoning or obtaining a special
1069 exception or a land use change and without complying with any
1070 mitigation requirements or conditions. The new facility must be
1071 located on property used solely for purposes described in this
1072 paragraph and must meet applicable state and local health,
1073 safety, and welfare laws, codes, and rules, including firesafety
1074 and building safety.
1075 Section 27. Paragraph (e) of subsection (4) of section
1076 1002.68, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1077 1002.68 Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program
1078 accountability.—
1079 (4)
1080 (e) Subject to an appropriation, the department shall
1081 provide for a differential payment to a private prekindergarten
1082 provider and public school based on the provider’s designation.
1083 The maximum differential payment may not exceed a total of 15
1084 percent of the base student allocation per full-time equivalent
1085 student under s. 1002.71 attending in the consecutive program
1086 year for that program. A private prekindergarten provider or
1087 public school may not receive a differential payment if it
1088 receives a designation of “proficient” or lower. Before the
1089 adoption of the methodology, the department shall confer with
1090 the Council for Early Grade Success under s. 1008.2125 before
1091 receiving approval from the State Board of Education for the
1092 final recommendations on the designation system and differential
1093 payments.
1094 Section 28. Subsection (4) of section 1002.71, Florida
1095 Statutes, is amended to read:
1096 1002.71 Funding; financial and attendance reporting.—
1097 (4) Notwithstanding s. 1002.53(3) and subsection (2):
1098 (a) A child who, for any of the prekindergarten programs
1099 listed in s. 1002.53(3), has not completed any of the
1100 prekindergarten programs listed in s. 1002.53(3) more than 70
1101 percent of the hours authorized to be reported for funding under
1102 subsection (2), or has not expended more than 70 percent of the
1103 funds authorized for the child under s. 1002.66, may withdraw
1104 from the program for good cause and reenroll in one of the
1105 programs. The total funding for a child who reenrolls in one of
1106 the programs for good cause may not exceed one full-time
1107 equivalent student. Funding for a child who withdraws and
1108 reenrolls in one of the programs for good cause must shall be
1109 issued in accordance with the department’s uniform attendance
1110 policy adopted pursuant to paragraph (6)(d).
1111 (b) A child who has not substantially completed any of the
1112 prekindergarten programs listed in s. 1002.53(3) may withdraw
1113 from the program due to an extreme hardship that is beyond the
1114 child’s or parent’s control, reenroll in one of the summer
1115 programs, and be reported for funding purposes as a full-time
1116 equivalent student in the summer program for which the child is
1117 reenrolled.
1118
1119 A child may reenroll only once in a prekindergarten program
1120 under this section. A child who reenrolls in a prekindergarten
1121 program under this subsection may not subsequently withdraw from
1122 the program and reenroll, unless the child is granted a good
1123 cause exemption under this subsection. The department shall
1124 establish criteria specifying whether a good cause exists for a
1125 child to withdraw from a program under paragraph (a), whether a
1126 child has substantially completed a program under paragraph (b),
1127 and whether an extreme hardship exists which is beyond the
1128 child’s or parent’s control under paragraph (b).
1129 Section 29. Paragraph (d) of subsection (4) of section
1130 1002.945, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1131 1002.945 Gold Seal Quality Care Program.—
1132 (4) In order to obtain and maintain a designation as a Gold
1133 Seal Quality Care provider, a child care facility, large family
1134 child care home, or family day care home must meet the following
1135 additional criteria:
1136 (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if the Department of
1137 Education determines through a formal process that a provider
1138 has been in business for at least 5 years and has no other class
1139 I violations recorded, the department may recommend to the state
1140 board that the provider maintain its Gold Seal Quality Care
1141 status. The state board’s determination regarding such
1142 provider’s status is final.
1143 Section 30. Subsection (3) of section 1003.41, Florida
1144 Statutes, is amended to read:
1145 1003.41 State academic standards.—
1146 (3) The Commissioner of Education shall, as deemed
1147 necessary, develop and submit proposed revisions to the
1148 standards for review and comment by Florida educators, school
1149 administrators, representatives of the Florida College System
1150 institutions and state universities who have expertise in the
1151 content knowledge and skills necessary to prepare a student for
1152 postsecondary education and careers, a representative from the
1153 Department of Commerce, business and industry leaders for in
1154 demand careers, and the public. The commissioner, after
1155 considering reviews and comments, shall submit the proposed
1156 revisions to the State Board of Education for adoption. New and
1157 revised standards documents submitted for approval to the state
1158 board must consist only of academic standards and benchmarks.
1159 The commissioner shall revise all currently approved standards
1160 documents based on the requirements of this subsection and
1161 submit all revised standards documents to the state board for
1162 approval no later than July 1, 2026.
1163 Section 31. Paragraph (j) of subsection (2) of section
1164 1003.42, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1165 1003.42 Required instruction.—
1166 (2) Members of the instructional staff of the public
1167 schools, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education
1168 and the district school board, shall teach efficiently and
1169 faithfully, using the books and materials required that meet the
1170 highest standards for professionalism and historical accuracy,
1171 following the prescribed courses of study, and employing
1172 approved methods of instruction, the following:
1173 (j) The elementary principles of agriculture. This
1174 component must include, but need not be limited to, the history
1175 of agriculture both nationally and specifically to this state,
1176 the economic and societal impact of agriculture, and the various
1177 agricultural industry sectors. The department, in collaboration
1178 with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the
1179 University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural
1180 Sciences, shall prepare and offer standards and a curriculum for
1181 the instruction required by this paragraph and may seek input
1182 from state or nationally recognized agricultural educational
1183 organizations. The department may contract with state or
1184 nationally recognized agricultural educational organizations to
1185 develop training for instructional personnel and grade
1186 appropriate classroom resources to support the developed
1187 curriculum.
1188
1189 The State Board of Education is encouraged to adopt standards
1190 and pursue assessment of the requirements of this subsection.
1191 Instructional programming that incorporates the values of the
1192 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and that is
1193 offered as part of a social studies, English Language Arts, or
1194 other schoolwide character building and veteran awareness
1195 initiative meets the requirements of paragraph (u).
1196 Section 32. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
1197 1003.4201, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1198 1003.4201 Comprehensive system of reading instruction.—Each
1199 school district must implement a system of comprehensive reading
1200 instruction for students enrolled in prekindergarten through
1201 grade 12 and certain students who exhibit a substantial
1202 deficiency in early literacy.
1203 (2)(a) Components of the reading instruction plan may
1204 include the following:
1205 1. Additional time per day of evidence-based intensive
1206 reading instruction for kindergarten through grade 12 students,
1207 which may be delivered during or outside of the regular school
1208 day.
1209 2. Highly qualified reading coaches, who must be endorsed
1210 in reading, to specifically support classroom teachers in making
1211 instructional decisions based on progress monitoring data
1212 collected pursuant to s. 1008.25(9) and improve classroom
1213 teacher delivery of effective reading instruction, reading
1214 intervention, and reading in the content areas based on student
1215 need.
1216 3. Professional learning to help instructional personnel
1217 and certified prekindergarten teachers funded in the Florida
1218 Education Finance Program earn a certification, a credential, an
1219 endorsement, or an advanced degree in scientifically researched
1220 and evidence-based reading instruction.
1221 4. Summer reading camps, using only classroom teachers or
1222 other district personnel who possess a micro-credential as
1223 specified in s. 1003.485 or are certified or endorsed in reading
1224 consistent with s. 1008.25(8)(b)3., for all students in
1225 kindergarten through grade 5 exhibiting a reading deficiency as
1226 determined by district and state assessments.
1227 5. Intensive reading interventions, which must be delivered
1228 by instructional personnel who possess a micro-credential as
1229 provided in s. 1003.485 or are certified or endorsed in reading
1230 as provided in s. 1012.586 and must incorporate evidence-based
1231 strategies identified by the Just Read, Florida! office pursuant
1232 to s. 1001.215(7). Instructional personnel who possess a micro
1233 credential as specified in s. 1003.485 and are delivering
1234 intensive reading interventions must be supervised by an
1235 individual certified or endorsed in reading. For the purposes of
1236 this subparagraph, the term “supervised” means that
1237 instructional personnel with a micro-credential are able,
1238 through telecommunication or in person, to communicate and
1239 consult with, and receive direction from, certified or endorsed
1240 personnel. Incentives for instructional personnel and certified
1241 prekindergarten teachers funded in the Florida Education Finance
1242 Program who possess a reading certification or endorsement as
1243 specified in s. 1012.586 or micro-credential as specified in s.
1244 1003.485 and provide educational support to improve student
1245 literacy.
1246 6. Tutoring in reading.
1247 7. A description of how the district prioritizes the
1248 assignment of highly effective teachers, as identified in s.
1249 1012.34(2)(e), from kindergarten to grade 2.
1250 Section 33. Paragraph (h) of subsection (3) of section
1251 1003.4282, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1252 1003.4282 Requirements for a standard high school diploma.—
1253 (3) STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA; COURSE AND ASSESSMENT
1254 REQUIREMENTS.—
1255 (h) One-half credit in personal financial literacy.
1256 Beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2023-2024 school
1257 year, each student must earn one-half credit in personal
1258 financial literacy and money management. This instruction must
1259 include discussion of or instruction in all of the following:
1260 1. Types of bank accounts offered, opening and managing a
1261 bank account, and assessing the quality of a depository
1262 institution’s services.
1263 2. Balancing a checkbook.
1264 3. Basic principles of money management, such as spending,
1265 credit, credit scores, and managing debt, including retail and
1266 credit card debt.
1267 4. Completing a loan application.
1268 5. Receiving an inheritance and related implications.
1269 6. Basic principles of personal insurance policies.
1270 7. Computing federal income taxes.
1271 8. Local tax assessments.
1272 9. Computing interest rates by various mechanisms.
1273 10. Simple contracts.
1274 11. Contesting an incorrect billing statement.
1275 12. Types of savings and investments.
1276 13. State and federal laws concerning finance.
1277 14. Costs of postsecondary education, including cost of
1278 attendance, completion of the Free Application for Federal
1279 Student Aid, scholarships and grants, and student loans.
1280 Section 34. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
1281 1004.0971, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1282 1004.0971 Emergency opioid antagonists in Florida College
1283 System institution and state university housing.—
1284 (1) As used in this section, the term:
1285 (b) “Emergency opioid antagonist” means a naloxone
1286 hydrochloride or any similarly acting drug that blocks the
1287 effects of opioids administered from outside the body and that
1288 is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration
1289 for the treatment of an opioid overdose.
1290 Section 35. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) and paragraph
1291 (b) of subsection (4) of section 1004.933, Florida Statutes, are
1292 amended to read:
1293 1004.933 Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education
1294 (GATE) Program.—
1295 (3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
1296 (b) “Institution” means any a school district career center
1297 established under s. 1001.44, a charter technical career center
1298 established under s. 1002.34, or a Florida College System
1299 institution identified in s. 1000.21. Any such institution may
1300 enter into an agreement with an online provider for the adult
1301 education or career instruction portion of the program if such
1302 provider offers instructional content and services that align
1303 with the state career and adult education curriculum frameworks.
1304 (4) PAYMENT WAIVER; ELIGIBILITY.—
1305 (b) To be eligible for participation in the GATE Program, a
1306 student must:
1307 1. Not have earned a standard high school diploma pursuant
1308 to s. 1003.4282 or a high school equivalency diploma pursuant to
1309 s. 1003.435 before enrolling in the GATE Program;
1310 2. Have been withdrawn from high school;
1311 3. Be a resident of this state as defined in s. 1009.21(1);
1312 4. Be at least 16 to 21 years of age at the time of initial
1313 enrollment, provided that a student who is 16 or 17 years of age
1314 has withdrawn from school enrollment pursuant to the
1315 requirements and safeguards in s. 1003.21(1)(c);
1316 5. Select the adult secondary education program and career
1317 education program of his or her choice at the time of admission
1318 to the GATE Program, provided that the career education program
1319 is included on the Master Credentials List under s. 445.004(4).
1320 The student is not required to enroll in adult secondary and
1321 career education program coursework simultaneously. The student
1322 may not change the requested pathway after enrollment, except
1323 that, if necessary for the student, the student may enroll in an
1324 adult basic education program prior to enrolling in the adult
1325 secondary education program;
1326 6. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for career and technical education
1327 coursework; and
1328 7. Notwithstanding s. 1003.435(4), complete the programs
1329 under subparagraph 5. within 3 years after his or her initial
1330 enrollment unless the institution determines that an extension
1331 is warranted due to extenuating circumstances.
1332 Section 36. Paragraphs (c) and (f) of subsection (1) of
1333 section 1005.06, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1334 1005.06 Institutions not under the jurisdiction or purview
1335 of the commission.—
1336 (1) Except as otherwise provided in law, the following
1337 institutions are not under the jurisdiction or purview of the
1338 commission and are not required to obtain licensure:
1339 (c) Any institution that is under the jurisdiction of the
1340 Department of Education, eligible to participate in the William
1341 L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program
1342 and that is a nonprofit independent college or university
1343 located and chartered in this state and accredited by the
1344 Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
1345 and Schools to grant baccalaureate degrees, or an institution
1346 authorized under s. 1009.521.
1347 (f)1. A nonpublic religious postsecondary educational
1348 institution religious college may operate without licensure
1349 governmental oversight if the institution college annually
1350 verifies by sworn affidavit to the commission each of the
1351 following affirmations that:
1352 a.1. The name of the institution includes a religious
1353 modifier or the name of a religious patriarch, saint, person, or
1354 symbol of the church.
1355 b. An explanation of the religious modifier, religious
1356 name, or religious symbol used in the institution’s name.
1357 c.2. The institution offers only educational programs that
1358 prepare students for religious vocations as ministers,
1359 professionals, or laypersons in the categories of ministry,
1360 counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine
1361 arts, media communications, or social work.
1362 d.3. The titles of degrees issued by the institution cannot
1363 be confused with secular degree titles. For this purpose, each
1364 degree title must include a religious modifier that immediately
1365 precedes, or is included within, any of the following degrees:
1366 Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts,
1367 Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Doctor
1368 of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education. The religious modifier
1369 must be placed on the title line of the degree, on the
1370 transcript, and whenever the title of the degree appears in
1371 official school documents or publications.
1372 e. The titles and majors of every degree program offered by
1373 the institution as they appear on degrees and transcripts issued
1374 by the institution.
1375 f.4. The duration of all degree programs offered by the
1376 institution is consistent with the standards of the commission.
1377 g.5. The institution’s consumer practices are consistent
1378 with those required by s. 1005.04.
1379 2. If requested by the commission, the institution must
1380 submit documentation demonstrating compliance with the
1381 requirements of this paragraph and with s. 1005.04. The
1382 institution must submit such documentation within 30 days after
1383 the request.
1384 3. The commission shall review for approval or denial, in a
1385 public meeting, affidavits submitted pursuant to this paragraph.
1386 The commission shall approve an affidavit unless the affidavit
1387 is facially invalid, the affidavit is contradicted by the
1388 institution’s public advertisements or by other evidence, or the
1389 institution has failed to comply with the requirements of
1390 subparagraph 2. The commission may provide such a religious
1391 institution a letter stating that the institution has met the
1392 requirements of state law and is not subject to licensure by the
1393 commission governmental oversight.
1394 a. If a nonpublic religious postsecondary educational
1395 institution that has been issued a written notice of exemption
1396 from licensure by the commission subsequently fails to comply
1397 with the requirements of this paragraph, the commission must
1398 revoke its approval of the institution’s affidavit in a public
1399 meeting.
1400 b. If an affidavit is denied by the commission, the
1401 commission may take any of the actions specified in s. 1005.38
1402 unless the institution applies for a license pursuant to s.
1403 1005.31(1)(a), ceases operating in this state, or submits
1404 documentation indicating compliance with this paragraph.
1405 c. The commission may adopt rules to administer this
1406 paragraph.
1407 Section 37. Subsections (5) and (7) of section 1006.73,
1408 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1409 1006.73 Florida Postsecondary Academic Library Network.—
1410 (5) REPORTING.—
1411 (a) By December 31 each year, the host entity shall submit
1412 a report to the Chancellors of the State University System and
1413 the Florida College System regarding the implementation and
1414 operation of all components described in this section,
1415 including, but not limited to, all of the following:
1416 (a)1. Usage information collected under paragraph (2)(c).
1417 (b)2. Information and associated costs relating to the
1418 services and functions of the program.
1419 (c)3. The implementation and operation of the automated
1420 library services.
1421 (d)4. The number and value of grants awarded under
1422 paragraph (4)(d) and the distribution of those funds.
1423 5. The number and types of courses placed in the Student
1424 Open Access Resources Repository.
1425 6. Information on the utilization of the Student Open
1426 Access Resources Repository and utilization of open educational
1427 resources in course sections, by Florida College System
1428 institution and state university.
1429 (b) The Chancellors will provide an annual report on the
1430 performance of the host entity in delivering the services and
1431 any recommendations for changes needed to this section to the
1432 Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House
1433 of Representatives, the Board of Governors, and the State Board
1434 of Education. The Board of Governors and the Department of
1435 Education shall include any necessary funding increases in their
1436 annual legislative budget requests.
1437 (7) RECOMMENDATION ON OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO BE
1438 INCLUDED WITHIN THE FLORIDA POSTSECONDARY ACADEMIC LIBRARY
1439 NETWORK.—By June 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Education and the
1440 Chancellor of the Board of Governors shall provide a joint
1441 recommendation for a process by which school district career
1442 centers operated under s. 1001.44 and charter technical career
1443 centers under s. 1002.34 would access appropriate postsecondary
1444 distance learning, student support services and library assets
1445 described in this section. The recommendation must include an
1446 analysis of the resources necessary to expand access and assets
1447 to centers and their students.
1448 Section 38. Effective upon becoming a law, paragraph (b) of
1449 subsection (1) of section 1007.27, Florida Statutes, is amended,
1450 and paragraph (d) is added to subsection (2) of that section, to
1451 read:
1452 1007.27 Articulated acceleration mechanisms.—
1453 (1)
1454 (b) The State Board of Education and the Board of Governors
1455 shall identify Florida College System institutions, and state
1456 universities, and national consortia to develop courses that
1457 align with s. 1007.25 for students in secondary education and
1458 provide the training required under s. 1007.35(6).
1459 (2)
1460 (d) The department may join or establish a national
1461 consortium as an alternative method to develop and implement
1462 advanced placement courses that align with s. 1007.25.
1463 Section 39. Paragraph (d) of subsection (5) and paragraph
1464 (c) of subsection (7) of section 1007.34, Florida Statutes, are
1465 amended to read:
1466 1007.34 College reach-out program.—
1467 (5) In selecting proposals for approval, the State Board of
1468 Education shall give preference to:
1469 (d) A program that includes innovative approaches, provides
1470 a great variety of activities, and includes a large percentage
1471 of low-income educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented
1472 minority students in the college reach-out program.
1473 (7) A proposal must contain the following information:
1474 (c) An identification of existing programs for enhancing
1475 the academic performance of minority and low-income
1476 educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students for
1477 enrollment in postsecondary education.
1478 Section 40. Section 1007.35, Florida Statutes, is amended
1479 to read:
1480 1007.35 Florida Partnership for Minority and
1481 Underrepresented Student Achievement.—
1482 (1) This section may be referred to by the popular name the
1483 “Florida Partnership for Minority and Underrepresented Student
1484 Achievement Act.”
1485 (2)(a) The Legislature recognizes the importance of not
1486 only access to college but also success in college for all
1487 students. It is the intent of the Legislature that every student
1488 enrolled in a public secondary school has access to high
1489 quality, rigorous academics, with a particular focus on access
1490 to advanced courses. The Legislature also recognizes the
1491 importance of other career pathways, such as vocational and
1492 trade schools, and the importance of incentivizing the
1493 availability of high school programs to prepare students for
1494 those career paths.
1495 (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide
1496 assistance to all public secondary schools, with a primary focus
1497 on low-performing middle and high schools.
1498 (c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the
1499 partnership created in this section accomplish its mission
1500 primarily through strengthening the content knowledge of
1501 teachers and providing instructional resources, including
1502 materials and strategies, which enable teachers to provide
1503 instruction to students who have diverse learning styles.
1504 (3) There is created the Florida Partnership for Minority
1505 and Underrepresented Student Achievement. The Department of
1506 Education may contract for operation of the partnership.
1507 (4) The mission of the partnership is to prepare, inspire,
1508 and connect students to postsecondary success and opportunity,
1509 with a particular focus on minority students and students who
1510 are underrepresented in postsecondary education.
1511 (5) Each public high school, including, but not limited to,
1512 schools and alternative sites and centers of the Department of
1513 Juvenile Justice, shall provide for the administration of the
1514 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
1515 (PSAT/NMSQT), CLT10, or the PreACT to all enrolled 10th grade
1516 students. However, a written notice must shall be provided to
1517 each parent which must include the opportunity to exempt his or
1518 her child from taking the PSAT/NMSQT, CLT 10 or the PreACT.
1519 (a) Test results will provide each high school with a
1520 database of student assessment data which certified school
1521 counselors will use to identify students who are prepared or who
1522 need additional work to be prepared to enroll and be successful
1523 in advanced high school courses.
1524 (b) Funding for the PSAT/NMSQT, CLT10 or the PreACT for all
1525 10th grade students is shall be contingent upon annual funding
1526 in the General Appropriations Act.
1527 (c) Public school districts shall must choose either the
1528 PSAT/NMSQT, CLT10 or the PreACT for districtwide administration.
1529 (6) For each enrolled public high school student who has a
1530 grade point average of 3.5 or higher and has a score at or above
1531 the 75th national percentile or higher on the PSAT/NMSQT, CLT 10
1532 or PreACT administered pursuant to subsection (5), a school
1533 district must ensure the student has access to:
1534 (a) Online ACT, CLT, or SAT preparation courses or access
1535 to other evidence-based ACT, CLT, or SAT preparation resources.
1536 A school district may offer in-person preparation courses.
1537 (b) Information on all eligibility requirements for the
1538 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
1539 1. The resources provided under this paragraph must be
1540 accessible to eligible students until such students take the
1541 ACT, CLT, or SAT.
1542 2. To remain eligible to access the resources provided
1543 under this paragraph, students must maintain a grade point
1544 average of 3.5 or higher.
1545 (7)(6) The partnership shall:
1546 (a) Provide teacher training and professional learning to
1547 enable teachers of advanced courses to have the necessary
1548 content knowledge and instructional skills to prepare students
1549 for success on assessments developed pursuant to s. 1007.27(2)
1550 and mastery of postsecondary general education core courses.
1551 (b) Provide to middle school teachers and administrators
1552 professional learning that will enable them to educate middle
1553 school students at the level necessary to prepare the students
1554 to enter high school ready to participate in advanced courses.
1555 (c) Provide teacher training and materials that are aligned
1556 with the state standards and are consistent with best theory and
1557 practice regarding multiple learning styles and research on
1558 learning, instructional strategies, instructional design, and
1559 classroom assessment. Curriculum materials must be based on
1560 current, accepted, and essential academic knowledge.
1561 (d) Provide assessment of individual strengths and
1562 weaknesses as related to potential success in advanced courses
1563 and readiness for college.
1564 (b)(e) Provide college entrance exam preparation through a
1565 variety of means that may include, but are not limited to,
1566 training teachers to provide courses at schools; training
1567 community organizations to provide courses at community centers,
1568 faith-based organizations, and businesses; and providing online
1569 courses.
1570 (f) Consider ways to incorporate Florida College System
1571 institutions in the mission of preparing all students for
1572 postsecondary success.
1573 (c)(g) Provide a plan for communication and coordination of
1574 efforts with the Florida Virtual School’s provision of online
1575 advanced courses.
1576 (d)(h) Work with school districts to identify minority and
1577 underrepresented students for participation in advanced courses.
1578 (e)(i) Work with school districts to provide information to
1579 students and parents that explains available opportunities for
1580 students to take advanced courses and that explains enrollment
1581 procedures that students must follow to enroll in such courses.
1582 Such information must also explain the value of such courses as
1583 they relate to:
1584 1. Preparing the student for postsecondary level
1585 coursework.
1586 2. Enabling the student to gain access to postsecondary
1587 education opportunities.
1588 3. Qualifying for scholarships and other financial aid
1589 opportunities.
1590 (f)(j) Provide information to students, parents, teachers,
1591 counselors, administrators, districts, Florida College System
1592 institutions, and state universities regarding the PSAT/NMSQT,
1593 CLT10 or the PreACT administration, including, but not limited
1594 to:
1595 1. Test administration dates and times.
1596 2. That participation in the PSAT/NMSQT, CLT10 or the
1597 PreACT is open to all 10th grade students.
1598 3. The value of such tests in providing diagnostic feedback
1599 on student skills.
1600 4. The value of student scores in predicting the
1601 probability of success on advanced course examinations.
1602 (k) Cooperate with the department to provide information to
1603 administrators, teachers, and counselors, whenever possible,
1604 about partnership activities, opportunities, and priorities.
1605 (g)(l) Partner with the Florida College System institutions
1606 and state universities identified by the State Board of
1607 Education and Board of Governors pursuant to s. 1007.25(3) to
1608 develop advanced courses and provide teacher training.
1609 (8)(7) By May 31 of each year, the Department of Education
1610 shall approve a plan of delivery of services for the subsequent
1611 academic year.
1612 (9)(8)(a) By September 30 of each year, the partnership
1613 shall submit to the department a report that contains an
1614 evaluation of the effectiveness of the delivered services and
1615 activities. Activities and services must be evaluated on their
1616 effectiveness at raising student achievement and increasing the
1617 number of AP or other advanced course examinations in low
1618 performing middle and high schools. Other indicators that must
1619 be addressed in the evaluation report include the number of
1620 middle and high school teachers trained; the effectiveness of
1621 the training; measures of postsecondary readiness of the
1622 students affected by the program; levels of participation in the
1623 10th grade PSAT/NMSQT, CLT10, or the PreACT testing; and
1624 measures of student, parent, and teacher awareness of and
1625 satisfaction with the services of the partnership.
1626 (b) The department shall contribute to the evaluation
1627 process by providing access, consistent with s. 119.071(5)(a),
1628 to student and teacher information necessary to match against
1629 databases containing teacher professional learning data and
1630 databases containing assessment data for the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT,
1631 ACT, PreACT, CLT, CLT10, AP, and other appropriate measures. The
1632 department shall also provide student-level data on student
1633 progress from middle school through high school and into college
1634 and the workforce, if available, in order to support
1635 longitudinal studies. The partnership shall analyze and report
1636 student performance data in a manner that protects the rights of
1637 students and parents as required in 20 U.S.C. s. 1232g and s.
1638 1002.22.
1639 (10)(a)(9)(a) Funding for the partnership shall be
1640 contingent upon annual funding in the General Appropriations
1641 Act.
1642 (b) The participating partner, if one is chosen, is
1643 required to match at least one-third of the allocation provided
1644 to the partnership in the General Appropriations Act in
1645 materials and services to the program.
1646 (11)(10) Nothing in this section shall prohibit any
1647 organization from partnering with the state to improve the
1648 college readiness of students.
1649 Section 41. Section 1008.2125, Florida Statutes, is
1650 repealed.
1651 Section 42. Subsections (1) and (5) of section 1008.36,
1652 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1653 1008.36 Florida School Recognition Program.—
1654 (1) The Legislature finds that there is a need for a
1655 performance incentive program for outstanding instructional
1656 personnel faculty and staff in highly productive schools. The
1657 Legislature further finds that performance-based incentives are
1658 commonplace in the private sector and should be infused into the
1659 public sector as a reward for productivity.
1660 (5) School recognition awards must be used for the
1661 following:
1662 (a) Nonrecurring bonuses to the instructional personnel as
1663 defined in s. 1012.01(2) faculty and staff;
1664 (b) Nonrecurring expenditures for educational equipment or
1665 materials to assist in maintaining and improving student
1666 performance; or
1667 (c) Temporary personnel for the school to assist in
1668 maintaining and improving student performance.
1669
1670 Notwithstanding statutory provisions to the contrary, incentive
1671 awards are not subject to collective bargaining.
1672 Section 43. Paragraph (c) of subsection (8) of section
1673 1008.365, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1674 1008.365 Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic
1675 Excellence Act.—
1676 (8) As part of the RAISE Program, the department shall
1677 establish a tutoring program and develop training in effective
1678 reading tutoring practices and content, based on evidence-based
1679 practices grounded in the science of reading and aligned to the
1680 English Language Arts standards under s. 1003.41, which prepares
1681 eligible high school students to tutor students in kindergarten
1682 through grade 3 in schools identified under this section,
1683 instilling in those students a love of reading and improving
1684 their literacy skills.
1685 (c) Tutoring may be part of a service-learning course
1686 adopted pursuant to s. 1003.497. Students may earn up to three
1687 elective credits for high school graduation based on the
1688 verified number of hours the student spends tutoring under the
1689 program. The hours of volunteer service must be documented in
1690 writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the
1691 student’s parent or guardian, and an administrator or designee
1692 of the school in which the tutoring occurred. The Unpaid hours
1693 that a high school student devotes to tutoring may be counted
1694 toward meeting community service requirements for high school
1695 graduation and community service requirements for participation
1696 in the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program as provided in
1697 s. 1003.497(3)(b). The department shall designate a high school
1698 student who provides at least 75 verified hours of tutoring
1699 under the program as a New Worlds Scholar and award the student
1700 with a pin indicating such designation.
1701 Section 44. Subsection (2) of section 1008.37, Florida
1702 Statutes, is amended to read:
1703 1008.37 Postsecondary feedback of information to high
1704 schools.—
1705 (2) The Commissioner of Education shall report, by high
1706 school, to the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors,
1707 and the Legislature, no later than May 31 April 30 of each year,
1708 on the number of prior year Florida high school graduates who
1709 enrolled for the first time in public postsecondary education in
1710 this state during the summer, fall, or spring term of the
1711 previous academic year, indicating the number of students whose
1712 scores on the common placement test indicated the need for
1713 developmental education under s. 1008.30 or for applied
1714 academics for adult education under s. 1004.91.
1715 Section 45. Paragraph (c) of subsection (8) of section
1716 1009.23, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1717 1009.23 Florida College System institution student fees.—
1718 (8)
1719 (c) Up to 25 percent or $600,000, whichever is greater, of
1720 the financial aid fees collected may be used to assist students
1721 who demonstrate academic merit; who participate in athletics,
1722 public service, cultural arts, and other extracurricular
1723 programs as determined by the institution; or who are identified
1724 as members of an underrepresented a targeted gender or ethnic
1725 minority population. The financial aid fee revenues allocated
1726 for athletic scholarships and any fee exemptions provided to
1727 athletes pursuant to s. 1009.25(2) must be distributed equitably
1728 as required by s. 1000.05(3)(d). A minimum of 75 percent of the
1729 balance of these funds for new awards shall be used to provide
1730 financial aid based on absolute need, and the remainder of the
1731 funds shall be used for academic merit purposes and other
1732 purposes approved by the boards of trustees. Such other purposes
1733 shall include the payment of child care fees for students with
1734 financial need. The State Board of Education shall develop
1735 criteria for making financial aid awards. Each college shall
1736 report annually to the Department of Education on the revenue
1737 collected pursuant to this paragraph, the amount carried
1738 forward, the criteria used to make awards, the amount and number
1739 of awards for each criterion, and a delineation of the
1740 distribution of such awards. The report shall include an
1741 assessment by category of the financial need of every student
1742 who receives an award, regardless of the purpose for which the
1743 award is received. Awards that are based on financial need shall
1744 be distributed in accordance with a nationally recognized system
1745 of need analysis approved by the State Board of Education. An
1746 award for academic merit requires a minimum overall grade point
1747 average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent for both initial
1748 receipt of the award and renewal of the award.
1749 Section 46. Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subsection (20) of
1750 section 1009.26, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1751 1009.26 Fee waivers.—
1752 (20)(a) Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, a state
1753 university shall waive the out-of-state fee for a student who:
1754 1. Has a grandparent who has established a domicile in this
1755 state pursuant to s. 222.17 for at least 5 years preceding an
1756 application for the fee waiver is a legal resident as defined in
1757 s. 1009.21(1). For purposes of this subsection, the term
1758 “grandparent” means a person who has a legal relationship to a
1759 student’s parent as the natural or adoptive parent or legal
1760 guardian of the student’s parent.
1761 2. Earns a high school diploma comparable to a Florida
1762 standard high school diploma, or its equivalent, or completes a
1763 home education program.
1764 3.a. Achieves an SAT combined score no lower than the 89th
1765 national percentile on the SAT;
1766 b. Achieves an ACT score concordant to the required SAT
1767 score in sub-subparagraph a., using the latest published
1768 national concordance table developed jointly by the College
1769 Board and ACT, Inc.; or
1770 c. If a state university accepts the Classic Learning Test
1771 (CLT) for admission purposes, achieves a CLT score concordant to
1772 the required SAT score specified in sub-subparagraph a., using
1773 the latest published scoring comparison developed by Classic
1774 Learning Initiatives.
1775 4. Beginning with students who initially enroll in the 2022
1776 fall academic term and thereafter, enrolls as a full-time
1777 undergraduate student at a state university in the fall academic
1778 term immediately following high school graduation.
1779 (c) Before waiving the out-of-state fee, the state
1780 university shall require the student or the student’s parent, if
1781 the student is a dependent child, to provide a written
1782 declaration pursuant to s. 92.525(2) attesting to the student’s
1783 familial relationship to a grandparent who meets the residency
1784 requirement of subparagraph (a)1. is a legal resident and any
1785 other corroborating documentation required by regulation of the
1786 Board of Governors. A state university is not required to
1787 independently verify the statements contained in each
1788 declaration if the signatory declares it to be true under the
1789 penalties of perjury as required by s. 92.525(2). However, the
1790 state university may refer any signed declaration suspected of
1791 containing fraudulent representations to law enforcement.
1792 Section 47. Subsection (2) of section 1009.536, Florida
1793 Statutes, is amended, and subsection (6) is added to that
1794 section, to read:
1795 1009.536 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and Florida
1796 Gold Seal CAPE Scholars awards.—The Florida Gold Seal Vocational
1797 Scholars award and the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award are
1798 created within the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to
1799 recognize and reward academic achievement and career preparation
1800 by high school students who wish to continue their education.
1801 (2) A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal CAPE
1802 Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility
1803 requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program,
1804 and the student:
1805 (a) Earns a minimum of 3 5 postsecondary credit hours
1806 through CAPE industry certifications approved pursuant to s.
1807 1008.44 which articulate for college credit; and
1808 (b) Earns a minimum cumulative weighted grade point average
1809 of 2.5, as calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, on all subjects
1810 required for a standard high school diploma, excluding elective
1811 courses; and
1812 (c) Completes at least 30 hours of volunteer service or,
1813 beginning with a high school student graduating in the 2022-2023
1814 academic year and thereafter, 100 hours of paid work, approved
1815 by the district school board, the administrators of a nonpublic
1816 school, or the Department of Education for home education
1817 program students, or 100 hours of a combination of both.
1818 Eligible paid work completed on or after June 27, 2022, shall be
1819 included in a student’s total required paid work hours. The
1820 student may identify a social or civic issue or a professional
1821 area that interests him or her and develop a plan for his or her
1822 personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning about
1823 the area. The student must, through papers or other
1824 presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her experience.
1825 Such volunteer service or paid work may include, but is not
1826 limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a
1827 nonprofit community service organization, or activities on
1828 behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer
1829 service or paid work must be documented in writing, and the
1830 document must be signed by the student, the student’s parent or
1831 guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the
1832 student performed the volunteer service or paid work.
1833 (6) Before or within 3 months after completion of the GATE
1834 Program as provided in s. 1004.933, a student may apply for the
1835 Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award.
1836 Section 48. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1837 1009.8962, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1838 1009.8962 Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE)
1839 Fund.—
1840 (3) As used in this section, the term:
1841 (b) “Institution” means a school district career center
1842 under s. 1001.44; a charter technical career center under s.
1843 1002.34; a Florida College System institution; a state
1844 university; an independent nonprofit college or university
1845 located and chartered in this state and accredited by an agency
1846 or association that is recognized by the database created and
1847 maintained by the United States Department of Education to grant
1848 baccalaureate degrees; or an independent school, college, or
1849 university with an accredited program as defined in s. 464.003
1850 which is located in this state and licensed by the Commission
1851 for Independent Education pursuant to s. 1005.31, or an
1852 institution authorized under s. 1009.521 which has a nursing
1853 education program that meets or exceeds the following:
1854 1. For a certified nursing assistant program, a completion
1855 rate of at least 70 percent for the prior year.
1856 2. For a licensed practical nurse, associate of science in
1857 nursing, and bachelor of science in nursing program, a first
1858 time passage rate on the National Council of State Boards of
1859 Nursing Licensing Examination of at least 75 percent for the
1860 prior year based on a minimum of 10 testing participants.
1861 Section 49. Present subsection (4) of section 1009.897,
1862 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (5), and a new
1863 subsection (4) is added to that section, to read:
1864 1009.897 Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and
1865 Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE)
1866 Fund.—
1867 (4) Each institution that receives funds through the
1868 PIPELINE Fund shall allocate the funds to its health care
1869 industry-related programs.
1870 Section 50. Section 1011.58, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
1871 Section 51. Section 1011.59, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
1872 Section 52. Paragraph (b) of subsection (5) of section
1873 1011.71, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1874 1011.71 District school tax.—
1875 (5) A school district may expend, subject to s. 200.065, up
1876 to $200 per unweighted full-time equivalent student from the
1877 revenue generated by the millage levy authorized by subsection
1878 (2) to fund, in addition to expenditures authorized in
1879 paragraphs (2)(a)-(j), expenses for the following:
1880 (b) Payment of the cost of premiums, as defined in s.
1881 627.403, for property and casualty insurance necessary to insure
1882 school district educational and ancillary plants. As used in
1883 this paragraph, casualty insurance has the same meaning as in s.
1884 624.605(1)(b), (d), (f), (g), (h), and (m) s. 624.605(1)(d),
1885 (f), (g), (h), and (m). Operating revenues that are made
1886 available through the payment of property and casualty insurance
1887 premiums from revenues generated under this subsection may be
1888 expended only for nonrecurring operational expenditures of the
1889 school district.
1890 Section 53. Subsections (3) and (6) of section 1011.804,
1891 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1892 1011.804 GATE Startup Grant Program.—
1893 (3) The department may solicit proposals from institutions
1894 without programs that meet the requirements of s. 1004.933(2).
1895 Such institutions must be located in or serve a rural area of
1896 opportunity as designated by the Governor. Additionally,
1897 institutions that meet program requirements and are located in
1898 or serve a rural area of opportunity may apply for grant funds
1899 specifically for marketing and outreach efforts to expand
1900 student participation in the GATE Program.
1901 (6) Grant funds may be used for planning activities and
1902 other expenses associated with the creation of the GATE Program,
1903 such as expenses related to program instruction, instructional
1904 equipment, supplies, instructional personnel, and student
1905 services, and outreach and marketing efforts to recruit and
1906 enroll eligible students. Institutions with existing programs
1907 that meet the requirements of s. 1004.933(2) and that are
1908 located in or serve a rural area of opportunity may apply for
1909 grant funds exclusively for marketing and outreach purposes to
1910 expand student participation in the GATE Program. Grant funds
1911 may not be used for indirect costs. Grant recipients must submit
1912 an annual report in a format prescribed by the department. The
1913 department shall consolidate such annual reports and include the
1914 reports in the report required by s. 1004.933(5).
1915 Section 54. Section 1012.315, Florida Statutes, is amended
1916 to read:
1917 1012.315 Screening standards.—
1918 (1) A person is ineligible for educator certification or
1919 employment in any position that requires direct contact with
1920 students in a district school system, a charter school, or a
1921 private school that participates in a state scholarship program
1922 under chapter 1002 if the person:
1923 (a)(1) Is on the disqualification list maintained by the
1924 department under s. 1001.10(4)(b);
1925 (b)(2) Is registered as a sex offender as described in 42
1926 U.S.C. s. 9858f(c)(1)(C);
1927 (c)(3) Is ineligible based on a security background
1928 investigation under s. 435.04(2). Beginning January 1, 2025, or
1929 a later date as determined by the Agency for Health Care
1930 Administration, the Agency for Health Care Administration shall
1931 determine the eligibility of employees in any position that
1932 requires direct contact with students in a district school
1933 system, a charter school, or a private school that participates
1934 in a state scholarship program under chapter 1002;
1935 (d)(4) Would be ineligible for an exemption under s.
1936 435.07(4)(c); or
1937 (e)(5) Has been convicted or found guilty of, has had
1938 adjudication withheld for, or has pled guilty or nolo contendere
1939 to:
1940 1.(a) Any criminal act committed in another state or under
1941 federal law which, if committed in this state, constitutes a
1942 disqualifying offense under s. 435.04(2).
1943 2.(b) Any delinquent act committed in this state or any
1944 delinquent or criminal act committed in another state or under
1945 federal law which, if committed in this state, qualifies an
1946 individual for inclusion on the Registered Juvenile Sex Offender
1947 List under s. 943.0435(1)(h)1.d.
1948 (2) Notwithstanding ss. 435.01 and 435.07, a person who
1949 undergoes screening pursuant to this chapter or s. 1002.421 may
1950 not seek an exemption.
1951 (3) Persons who apply for certification or employment are
1952 governed by the law and rules in effect at the time of
1953 application for issuance of the initial certificate or
1954 employment, provided that continuity of certificates or
1955 employment is maintained.
1956 Section 55. Subsections (3), (5), and (6) of section
1957 1012.56, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1958 1012.56 Educator certification requirements.—
1959 (3) MASTERY OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.—Acceptable means of
1960 demonstrating mastery of general knowledge are:
1961 (a) Achievement of passing scores on the general knowledge
1962 examination required by state board rule;
1963 (b) Documentation of a valid professional standard teaching
1964 certificate issued by another state;
1965 (c) Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the
1966 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), the
1967 American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE),
1968 or a national educator credentialing board approved by the State
1969 Board of Education;
1970 (d) Documentation of two semesters of successful, full-time
1971 or part-time teaching in a Florida College System institution,
1972 state university, or private college or university that awards
1973 an associate or higher degree and is an accredited institution
1974 or an institution of higher education identified by the
1975 Department of Education as having a quality program;
1976 (e) Achievement of passing scores, identified in state
1977 board rule, on national or international examinations that test
1978 comparable content and relevant standards in verbal, analytical
1979 writing, and quantitative reasoning skills, including, but not
1980 limited to, the verbal, analytical writing, and quantitative
1981 reasoning portions of the Graduate Record Examination and the
1982 SAT, ACT, and Classic Learning Test. Passing scores identified
1983 in state board rule must be at approximately the same level of
1984 rigor as is required to pass the general knowledge examinations;
1985 or
1986 (f) Documentation of receipt of a master’s or higher degree
1987 from an accredited postsecondary educational institution that
1988 the Department of Education has identified as having a quality
1989 program resulting in a baccalaureate degree or higher.
1990
1991 A school district that employs an individual who does not
1992 achieve passing scores on any subtest of the general knowledge
1993 examination must provide information regarding the availability
1994 of state-level and district-level supports and instruction to
1995 assist him or her in achieving a passing score. Such information
1996 must include, but need not be limited to, state-level test
1997 information guides, school district test preparation resources,
1998 and preparation courses offered by state universities and
1999 Florida College System institutions. The requirement of mastery
2000 of general knowledge must shall be waived for an individual who
2001 has been provided 3 years of supports and instruction and who
2002 has been rated effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34
2003 for each of the last 3 years.
2004 (5) MASTERY OF SUBJECT AREA KNOWLEDGE.—Acceptable means of
2005 demonstrating mastery of subject area knowledge are:
2006 (a) For a subject requiring only a baccalaureate degree for
2007 which a Florida subject area examination has been developed,
2008 achievement of a passing score on the Florida-developed subject
2009 area examination specified in state board rule;
2010 (b) For a subject for which a Florida subject area
2011 examination has not been developed, achievement of a passing
2012 score on a standardized examination specified in state board
2013 rule, including, but not limited to, passing scores on both the
2014 oral proficiency and written proficiency examinations
2015 administered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign
2016 Languages;
2017 (c) For a subject for which a Florida subject area
2018 examination has not been developed or a standardized examination
2019 has not been specified in state board rule, completion of the
2020 subject area specialization requirements specified in state
2021 board rule and verification of the attainment of the essential
2022 subject matter competencies by the district school
2023 superintendent of the employing school district or chief
2024 administrative officer of the employing state-supported or
2025 private school;
2026 (d) For a subject requiring a master’s or higher degree,
2027 completion of the subject area specialization requirements
2028 specified in state board rule and achievement of a passing score
2029 on the Florida-developed subject area examination or a
2030 standardized examination that is directly related to the subject
2031 specified in state board rule;
2032 (e) Documentation of a valid professional standard teaching
2033 certificate issued by another state;
2034 (f) Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the
2035 NBPTS, ABCTE, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
2036 or a national educator credentialing board approved by the State
2037 Board of Education;
2038 (g) Documentation of successful completion of a United
2039 States Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center
2040 program;
2041 (h) Documentation of a passing score on the Defense
2042 Language Proficiency Test (DLPT); or
2043 (i) For a subject requiring only a baccalaureate degree for
2044 which a Florida subject area examination has been developed,
2045 documentation of receipt of a master’s or higher degree from an
2046 accredited postsecondary educational institution that the
2047 Department of Education has identified as having a quality
2048 program resulting in a baccalaureate degree or higher in the
2049 certificate subject area as identified by state board rule.
2050
2051 School districts are encouraged to provide mechanisms for middle
2052 grades teachers holding only a K-6 teaching certificate to
2053 obtain a subject area coverage for middle grades through
2054 postsecondary coursework or district add-on certification.
2055 (6) MASTERY OF PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION AND EDUCATION
2056 COMPETENCE.—Acceptable means of demonstrating mastery of
2057 professional preparation and education competence are:
2058 (a) Successful completion of an approved teacher
2059 preparation program at a postsecondary educational institution
2060 within this state and achievement of a passing score on the
2061 professional education competency examination required by state
2062 board rule;
2063 (b) Successful completion of a teacher preparation program
2064 at a postsecondary educational institution outside Florida and
2065 achievement of a passing score on the professional education
2066 competency examination required by state board rule;
2067 (c) Documentation of a valid professional standard teaching
2068 certificate issued by another state;
2069 (d) Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the
2070 NBPTS, ABCTE, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
2071 or a national educator credentialing board approved by the State
2072 Board of Education;
2073 (e) Documentation of two semesters of successful, full-time
2074 or part-time teaching in a Florida College System institution,
2075 state university, or private college or university that awards
2076 an associate or higher degree and is an accredited institution
2077 or an institution of higher education identified by the
2078 Department of Education as having a quality program and
2079 achievement of a passing score on the professional education
2080 competency examination required by state board rule;
2081 (f) Successful completion of professional preparation
2082 courses as specified in state board rule, successful completion
2083 of a professional education competence program pursuant to
2084 subsection (9), and documentation of 3 years of being rated
2085 effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 while holding a
2086 temporary certificate;
2087 (g) Successful completion of a professional learning
2088 certification program, outlined in subsection (8); or
2089 (h) Successful completion of a competency-based
2090 certification program pursuant to s. 1004.85 and achievement of
2091 a passing score on the professional education competency
2092 examination required by rule of the State Board of Education.
2093
2094 The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this
2095 subsection, including rules to approve specific teacher
2096 preparation programs that are not identified in this subsection
2097 which may be used to meet requirements for mastery of
2098 professional preparation and education competence.
2099 Section 56. Present subsection (4) of section 1012.77,
2100 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (5), a new
2101 subsection (4) is added to that section, and subsection (3) of
2102 that section is amended, to read:
2103 1012.77 Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education
2104 Program.—
2105 (3) The Teacher of the Year shall serve as the Ambassador
2106 for Education. If the Teacher of the Year is unable to serve as
2107 the Ambassador for Education, the first runner-up must shall
2108 serve in his or her place. The Department of Education shall
2109 establish application and selection procedures for determining
2110 an annual teacher of the year. Applications and selection
2111 criteria must shall be developed and distributed annually by the
2112 Department of Education to all eligible entities identified in
2113 subsection (4) school districts. The Commissioner of Education
2114 shall establish a selection committee which assures
2115 representation from teacher organizations, administrators, and
2116 parents to select the Teacher of the Year and Ambassador for
2117 Education from among the nominated district teachers of the
2118 year.
2119 (4) Eligible entities to submit to the Department of
2120 Education a nominee for the Teacher of the Year and Ambassador
2121 for Education awards include:
2122 (a) Florida school districts, including lab schools as
2123 defined in s. 1002.32.
2124 (b) Charter school consortia with at least 30 member
2125 schools and an approved professional learning system on file
2126 with the department.
2127 Section 57. Subsection (3) of section 1013.30, Florida
2128 Statutes, is amended to read:
2129 1013.30 University campus master plans and campus
2130 development agreements.—
2131 (3) Each university board of trustees shall prepare and
2132 adopt a campus master plan for the university and maintain a
2133 copy of the plan on the university’s website. The master plan
2134 must identify general land uses and address the need for and
2135 plans for provision of roads, parking, public transportation,
2136 solid waste, drainage, sewer, potable water, and recreation and
2137 open space during the coming 10 to 20 years. The plans must
2138 contain elements relating to future land use, intergovernmental
2139 coordination, capital improvements, recreation and open space,
2140 general infrastructure, housing, and conservation. Each element
2141 must address compatibility with the surrounding community. The
2142 master plan must identify specific land uses, general location
2143 of structures, densities and intensities of use, and contain
2144 standards for onsite development, site design, environmental
2145 management, and the preservation of historic and archaeological
2146 resources. The transportation element must address reasonable
2147 transportation demand management techniques to minimize offsite
2148 impacts where possible. Data and analyses on which the elements
2149 are based must include, at a minimum: the characteristics of
2150 vacant lands; projected impacts of development on onsite and
2151 offsite infrastructure, public services, and natural resources;
2152 student enrollment projections; student housing needs; and the
2153 need for academic and support facilities. Master plans must be
2154 updated at least every 10 5 years.
2155 Section 58. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section
2156 1013.46, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2157 1013.46 Advertising and awarding contracts;
2158 prequalification of contractor.—
2159 (1)
2160 (c) As an option, any county, municipality, or board may
2161 set aside up to 10 percent of the total amount of funds
2162 allocated for the purpose of entering into construction capital
2163 project contracts with minority business enterprises, as defined
2164 in s. 287.094. Such contracts shall be competitively bid only
2165 among minority business enterprises. The set-aside shall be used
2166 to redress present effects of past discriminatory practices and
2167 shall be subject to periodic reassessment to account for
2168 changing needs and circumstances.
2169 Section 59. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
2170 act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon
2171 this act becoming a law, this act shall take effect July 1,
2172 2025.