Meeting Packet — Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee (March 21, 2023)
Summary
A meeting packet for the Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee, chaired by Lauren Melo, for Tuesday, March 21, 2023, with a committee meeting notice finalized on 03/17/2023. The notice lists HB 459 Education by Giallombardo, HB 515 Office of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the State University System by Silvers, HB 845 Collegiate Purple Star Campuses by Dunkley and Hunschofsky, and HB 1603 Okeechobee County by Tuck, plus proposed committee substitutes for HB 465 and HB 1247. The packet includes a staff analysis of HB 459, which concerns computer science.
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“Meeting Packet — Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee (March 21, 2023).”
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Postsecondary Education &
Workforce Subcommittee
March 21, 2023
2:00 PM
Morris Hall (17 HOB)
Meeting Packet
Paul Renner Lauren Melo
Speaker Chair
Committee Meeting Notice
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee
Start Date and Time: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 02:00 pm
End Date and Time: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 06:00 pm
Location: Morris Hall (17 HOB)
Duration: 4.00 hrs
Consideration of the following bill(s):
HB 459 Education by Giallombardo
HB 515 Office of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the State University System by Silvers
HB 845 Collegiate Purple Star Campuses by Dunkley, Hunschofsky
HB 1603 Okeechobee County by Tuck
Consideration of the following proposed committee substitute(s):
PCS for HB 465 -- Workforce Education
PCS for HB 1247 -- William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Grants
To submit an electronic appearance form, and for information about attending or testifying at a committee
meeting, please see the “Visiting the House” tab at www.myfloridahouse.gov.
NOTICE FINALIZED on 03/17/2023 4:16PM by Haney.Kendall
03/17/2023 04:16:47PM Leagis ® Page 1 of 1
HB 459
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: HB 459 Education
SPONSOR(S): Giallombardo and others
TIED BILLS: None IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 1654
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Postsecondary Education & Workforce McDaniel Kiner
Subcommittee
2) Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
3) Education & Employment Committee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
Computer science, including computer coding and programming, is defined by Florida law as "the study of
computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, hardware and software designs, applications,
and societal impact." Problem solving, such as computational thinking, understanding and recognizing
patterns, understanding and implementing sequencing, and understanding representation, or how computers
represent data, are all foundational skills for computer science learning.
At the secondary level, all Florida College System (FCS) institutions and state university systems (SUS)
require two credits of sequential foreign language instruction. A student must complete two consecutive years
of a foreign language course in order to be eligible for the Florida Bright Futures Program.
The bill requires high schools to provide computer science courses with enough rigor that two credits in such
courses and attainment of a related industry certification or technical certificate are equivalent to two credits of
sequential foreign language instruction. The bill requires FCS and SUS institutions to recognize these credits
as foreign language credits. The Commissioner's designated computer science courses, as well as computer
science courses taken toward earning the relevant industry certification or technical certificate, must be
included in the Course Code Directory.
The bill requires the Department of Education to include in the Bright Futures advertisement notification sent to
students, teachers, school leaders, parents, and certified school counselors a list of approved apprenticeship
programs, eligible postsecondary educational institutions, high-demand jobs and critical skill sets in the state,
and a wage breakdown of jobs in the state. Beginning with the student's first year of high school, this
notification must be sent.
The bill makes specific industry and career certificate pathway options, as well as designated apprenticeship
programs, eligible for a Florida Bright Futures student award in the 2023-24 academic year and thereafter.
The bill contains clarifying language that converts semester credit hours to equivalent clock hours for award
eligibility purposes. In addition, the bill provides retroactive authority for students to combine volunteer service
and paid work to meet the volunteer service or paid work requirement. Eligible paid work completed on or after
June 27, 2022 must be counted toward a student's total required paid work hours.
The bill has an indeterminate fiscal impact. See Fiscal Comments.
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2023.
This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
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DATE: 3/17/2023
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Present Situation
Computer Science Courses and Instruction
Florida law defines computer science as “the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including
their principles, hardware and software designs, applications, and their impact on society.” 1 Computer
science also includes computer coding and computer programming.
Foundational skills for computer science learning include problem solving, such as computational
thinking, understanding and recognizing patterns, understanding and implementing sequencing, and
understanding representation, meaning how computers represent data. 2 One application of these skills
is computational thinking, which refers to the thought processes involved in expressing solutions as
computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer. 3 Essentially, it is a problem-
solving process that designs solutions that capitalize on the power of computers. 4 Although typically
associated with computer science, computational thinking can be applied in the classroom setting
through lessons in core subject areas. For example, in English language arts, students may be asked
to analyze simple sentences and determine a framework for generating similar sentences, using
pattern recognition and problem solving skills. 5
Public schools are required to provide students in grades K-12 opportunities for learning computer
science including computer coding and computer programming. 6
Such opportunities may include: 7
• instruction on computer coding in elementary and middle school;
• instruction to develop computer usage and digital literacy skills in middle school; and
• courses in computer science, computer coding, and computer programming in high school,
including opportunities to earn industry certifications related to the courses.
Computer science courses must be offered to students in high school and middle school. 8 The Florida
Virtual School (FLVS) must offer computer science courses identified in the Course Code Directory. If a
school district does not offer an identified course, the district must provide students access to the
course through FLVS or through other means. 9 There are 70 middle and high school computer science
courses currently identified in the Course Code Directory. 10
1
Section 1007.2616(1), F.S.
2
K-12 Computer Instruction Framework Steering Committee, K-12 Computer Instructional Framework, pgs. 183-198, available at
https://k12cs.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/K%E2%80%9312-Computer-Science-Framework.pdf (last visited Feb. 24, 2023).
3
Id. at 86.
4
Id.
5
Code.org, Computational Thinking Lesson Assessment, available at https://code.org/curriculum/course3/1/Assessment1-
CompThinking.pdf (last visited Feb. 1, 2023). If provided the following sentences: “The triangle has three sides.” and “The square has
four sides.” A student can determine a framework sentence of “The ____ has ____ sides.” This framework provides the student a basis
for describing additional shapes. Id.
6
Section 1007.2616(2)(a), F.S.
7
Id.
8
Id.
9
Section 1007.2616(3), F.S.
10
Florida Department of Education, Florida Course Code Directory Computer Science Course Information 2022-2023 (2023),
available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7746/urlt/2223CompSci.pdf (last visited Feb. 24, 2023).
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Foreign Language Requirement
All Florida College System (FCS) institutions and state universities require two credits of sequential
foreign language instruction at the secondary level. 11 A student whose first language is not English is
exempt from this requirement if he or she demonstrates proficiency in his or her native language. The
foreign language requirement can be satisfied with two credits of American Sign Language. 12
The Board of Governors (BOG) of the State University System oversees the performance of state
university boards of trustees in the enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations. 13 The BOG provides
that a limited number of first-time-in-college, degree-seeking students who do not meet the foreign
language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must complete the foreign language
requirement prior to receiving their baccalaureate degree. 14
Effect of Proposed Changes
Under the bill, high schools are required to offer computer science courses with sufficient rigor, such
that two credits in such courses and the attainment of a related industry certification or technical
certificate are equivalent to two credits of sequential foreign language instruction.
The bill specifies that FCS and SUS institutions must recognize the credits as foreign language credits.
The Course Code Directory must include computer science courses designated by the commissioner
and computer science courses taken to earn the relevant industry certification or technical certificate.
Present Situation
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
In 1997, 15 the Florida Legislature created the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program (Bright
Futures Program), a lottery-funded scholarship program, to reward any Florida high school graduate
who merits recognition of high academic achievement and who enrolls in a degree program, certificate
program, or applied technology program at an eligible Florida public or private postsecondary education
institution. 16
The Bright Futures Program consists of the following awards:
• Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS);
• Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS);
• Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Scholarship; and
• Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship(FGSV). 17
Florida Academic Scholarship and Florida Medallion Scholarship
A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) award or
the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) award must graduate from a Florida public high school with a
standard high school diploma, graduate from a registered Florida Department of Education (DOE)
private high school, earn a general education diploma (GED), complete a home education program, or
graduate from a non-Florida high school as an eligible student. 18
11
Section 1007.262, F.S., and BOG Regulation 6.002(1)(h).
12
Id.
13
Section 1008.322(1), F.S.
14
Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.002(1)(h)
15
Chapter 97-379, L.O.F.
16
Section 1009.53(1), F.S.
17
Section 1009.53(2), F.S.
18
2022-23 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Oct. 2022), at 2, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf. An out-of-state student may qualify for a Bright Futures
Scholarship if the student earned a high school diploma from a non-Florida school while living with a parent or guardian who is a
Florida resident and on military or public service assignment away from Florida during the student’s last year of high school. Florida
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A student must also meet the following initial eligibility requirements: 19
High School College
Scholarship 16 High School Course Weighted Entrance Volunteer Service
Type Credits 20 Bright Futures Exams Service 22 Hours 23
GPA (ACT/SAT) 21
4 - English 2022-23
(three must include substantial Graduates
writing) 29/1330
100
FAS 24 3.50 100 hours
hours
4 - Mathematics 2023-24
(at or above the Algebra I level) Graduates
29/1340
3 - Natural Science
2022-23
(two must have substantial
Graduates
laboratory)
25/1210
FMS 25 3.00 75 hours 75 hours
3 - Social Science
2023-24
Graduates
2 - World Language
25/1210
(sequential, in same language)
A student who has demonstrated academic merit through a recognition program may be eligible for an
FAS or FMS award without having to meet one or more of the requirements identified in the table
above. These merit recognition programs include: 26
• National Merit Finalists and Scholars;
• National Hispanic Scholars;
• Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma;
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma;
• AICE Curriculum; and
• IB Curriculum.
An FAS award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount necessary to pay 100 percent of
tuition and applicable fees and an additional stipend for textbooks as specified in the General
Appropriations Act (GAA). 27 An FMS award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount
necessary to pay 75 percent of tuition and fees, 28 however, an eligible FMS recipient enrolled at a
Florida College System (FCS) institution is eligible for an award amount equal to the amount necessary
to pay 100 percent of tuition and fees. 29
Department of Education, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and the Out-Of-State Student (2022-23), at 2, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFOOSGuide.pdf.
19
2022-23 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Oct., 2022), at 2, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
20
The required coursework aligns with the State University System admission requirements found in Florida Board of Governor’s
Regulation 6.002, Admission of Undergraduate First-Time-in-College, Degree-Seeking Freshmen, available at
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6_002FINAL_FTIC_03252020.pdf.
21
Section 1009.531(6)(b)-(d), F.S. To ensure the required exam scores represent top student performance and are equivalent between
the ACT and SAT, the department determines the score for FAS as no lower than 89th national percentile on the SAT, for FMS no
lower than 75th national percentile on the SAT, and the required ACT score must be made concordant. The department must publish
any changes to the exam requirements that apply to students graduating in the next 2 years.
22
Section 1009.534(1), F.S. (Flush-left provision at end of section). Beginning with a high school student graduating in the 2022-23
academic year and thereafter, 100 hours may be in either volunteer work or paid work. Id.
23
Id.
24
Section 1009.534, F.S.
25
Section 1009.535, F.S.
26
Section 1009.534(1)(b)-(e), F.S.
27
Section 1009.534(2), F.S.
28
Section 1009.535(2), F.S. and BOG Regulation
29
Id. Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, an FMS who is enrolled in an associate degree program at an FCS institution is eligible
for the award.
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A student may receive an FAS or FMS award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit
hours required to complete an associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or postsecondary career
certificate program. 30
For the 2021-2022 academic year, a total of $396,650,804 dollars 31 were disbursed to 68,585
students 32 receiving an FAS award and $207,279,974 dollars 33 to 50,355 students 34 receiving an FMS
award.
Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship
(FGSV) award must meet the following initial eligibility requirements: 35
• Achieve a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA in the non-elective high school courses.
• Take at least three full credits in a single career and technical education program.
• Achieve a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA in the career education courses.
• Complete 30 service hours or 100 hours of paid work (beginning with 2022-2023 graduates).
• Achieve the required minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Florida Postsecondary Education
Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.) exams depicted in the table below: 36
Exam Type Sub-test Required Score
ACT Reading 19
English 17
Mathematics 19
SAT Reading Test 24
Writing and Language Test 25
Math Test 24
P.E.R.T. Reading 106
Writing 103
Mathematics 114
A student may receive an FGSV award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours or
equivalent clock hours required to complete an applied technology diploma, associate in applied
science or associate in science degree, or a postsecondary career certificate program. 37
An FGSV award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified in the GAA. 38 The
award amount in the GAA for FY 2022-23 is: 39
• $39 per credit hour or equivalent for a career certificate program.
• $39 per credit hour for an applied technology diploma program.
• $48 per credit hour for an associate in applied science or associate in science degree program.
30
Section 1009.532(3)(a), F.S.
31
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2022), available
at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD2.pdf.
32
Id.
33
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Medallion Scholars Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2022), available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD3.pdf.
34
Id.
35
Section 1009.532(1), F.S.; see also 2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5,
2021), at 6, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
36
Id.
37
Section 1009.532(5)(a)1., F.S.; see also 2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 2: What You Need to Know Now That
You Are Eligible (July 1, 2021), at 3, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter2.pdf.
38
Section 1009.536(3), F.S.
39
Specific Appropriation 3, s.1, ch. 2022-156, L.O.F.
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For the 2021-2022 academic year, a total of $549,221 dollars 40 were disbursed to 655 students 41
receiving an FGSV award.
Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Scholarship
A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional
Education (FGSC) Scholarship must meet the following initial eligibility requirements: 42
• Earn a minimum of five postsecondary credit hours through CAPE industry certifications which
articulate for college credit.
• Complete 30 service hours.
A student may receive an FGSC award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours or
equivalent clock hours required to complete an applied technology diploma, associate in applied
science or associate in science degree, or a postsecondary career certificate program. 43
An FGSC award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount specified in the GAA. 44 The
award amount in the GAA for FY 2022-23 is: 45
• $39 per credit hour or equivalent for a career certificate program.
• $39 per credit hour for an applied technology diploma program.
• $48 per credit hour for an associate in applied science or associate in science degree program.
Upon completion of an eligible associate in science degree program, an FGSC scholar may also
receive an award for a maximum of 60 credit hours toward the baccalaureate degree. 46 The award
amount specified in the GAA for FY 2021-22 is: 47
• $48 per credit hour for a bachelor of science program for which there is a statewide articulation
agreement.
• $48 per credit hour for a bachelor of applied science program at an FCS institution.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, a total of $202,657 dollars 48 were disbursed to 242 students 49
receiving an FGSC award.
40
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2022),
available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD4.pdf.
41
Id.
42
Section 1009.536(2)(a)-(b), F.S.
43
Section 1009.532(5)(b)1., F.S.; see also 2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 2: What You Need to Know Now That
You Are Eligible (July 1, 2021), at 3, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter2.pdf.
44
Section 1009.536(3), F.S.
45
Specific Appropriation 3, s.1, ch. 2022-156, L.O.F.
46
Section 1009.536(5)(b)2., F.S.
47
Specific Appropriation 3, s.1, ch. 2022-156, L.O.F.
48
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars Disbursement History (as of Sep. 2022), available
at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/PSI/BFReportsD5.pdf.
49
Id.
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Student Volunteer Requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Each award in the Bright Futures Program requires a student to complete a specified number of hours
of volunteer service work to be eligible to receive a scholarship award. A student must meet the
following service requirements:
Bright Futures Scholarship Program Required Service Hours 50
FAS 100 volunteer or paid
work hours
FMS 75 volunteer hours or 100
paid work hours
FGSV 30 volunteer hours or 100
hours of paid work
FGSC 30 volunteer hours or 100
hours of paid work
The student’s volunteer service work or paid work must be approved by the district school board, the
administrators of a nonpublic school, or the DOE for home education students. 51
Each district school board and the administrators of a nonpublic school must establish approved
activities and the process for documentation of service hours, including the deadline by which the hours
must be completed. 52 Service work may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental
internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for
public office. 53 Except for credit earned through service-learning courses, 54 the student may not receive
payment or academic credit for service work performed. 55
The hours earned by a student must be documented in writing, signed by the student and the student’s
parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization where the work was performed.
In addition to the service hours, a student must identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that
interests him or her, develop a plan for their personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning
more about the area, and, through papers or presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her
experience. 56
Florida’s Career and Technical Education Credential Types
Public career, technical and adult education programs are found within three education sectors: Florida
public school districts; Florida school districts with workforce education programs; and FCS
institutions. 57 There are several different career and technical credential types offered in Florida. 58
The Career Certificate signifies a student has successfully completed a clock hour postsecondary
career education program and is ready for employment in a field that requires non-college credit
50
Sections 1009.534(1), 1009.535(1), 1009.536(1)(e), F.S.
51
Id.
52
2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5, 2021), at 4 and 6-7, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
53
Id.
54
Section 1003.497, F.S.
55
2021-22 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Aug. 5, 2021), at 4 and 6-7, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
56
Id.
57
Kathy Hebda, Florida Department of Education, Workforce Education System Overview, presentation to the House Postsecondary
Education & Employment Committee (Jan. 24, 2023) at 3, available at
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3247&Session=20
23&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=pew+1-24-23.pdf.
58
Id at 6.
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postsecondary training. 59 The program varies in length from 40 hours or more to more than 1,500
hours. 60
The Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) signifies a student has successfully completed a (clock hour or
college credit) postsecondary career education program and is ready for employment in a field. The
program has embedded statewide articulation leading to the award of an AS degree. 61 This pathway is
offered by colleges or in school districts as non-college credit. An ATD program is a course of study
that is part of an Associate in Science (AS) degree or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
The AS and AAS prepares students for occupations that require a two-year technical degree. 62
The College Credit Certificate prepares students for entry into employment in a field that requires some
college credit but less than a degree and signifies a student has successfully completed part of an AS
degree. 63
The Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) prepares students who already have earned an AS, AAS, or
baccalaureate degree with an advanced specialized program of instruction. 64
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs are an important part of Florida's workforce
education ecosystem. Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship ensure the most qualified
workforce for Florida's industries; they also give students the opportunity to gain advanced skills and
knowledge, allowing them to find meaningful work and advance in and enjoy productive careers. 65
Florida had 328 registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs operating in 2021-22,
training a total of 17,179 apprentices and pre-apprentices. 66 Furthermore, 1,917 apprentices completed
their program, earning an apprenticeship certificate and an average exit wage of $23.86 per hour, or
$49,629 per year. 67 In 2021-22, the DOE registered 27 new apprenticeship programs, bringing the total
to 275 programs training 15,479 apprentices, as well as 16 new pre-apprenticeship programs, bringing
the total to 53 pre-apprenticeship programs. 68
Florida’s registered apprenticeship programs require the following five core components: business
involvement, structured on-the-job training, related technical instruction, rewards for skill gains, and a
nationally recognized credential. 69
Apprentices are individuals who are at least 16 years of age and who have entered into an agreement
with a registered apprenticeship sponsor. They are a hired employee of the participating employer in an
59
Id.
60
Florida Department of Education, The Florida College System Transparency, Accountability, Progress, and Performance, at 2,
available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7724/urlt/0083531-fcsawardtypestapp.pdf.
61
Kathy Hebda, Florida Department of Education, Workforce Education System Overview, presentation to the House Postsecondary
Education & Employment Committee (Jan. 24, 2023) at 6, available at
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3247&Session=20
23&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=pew+1-24-23.pdf.
62
Florida Department of Education, The Florida College System Transparency, Accountability, Progress, and Performance, at 2,
available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7724/urlt/0083531-fcsawardtypestapp.pdf.
63
Kathy Hebda, Florida Department of Education, Workforce Education System Overview, presentation to the House Postsecondary
Education & Employment Committee (Jan. 24, 2023) at 6, available at
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3247&Session=20
23&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=pew+1-24-23.pdf.
64
Id.
65
Florida Department of Education, Florida’s Annual Apprenticeship and PreApprenticeship Report (2021-22), at 4, available at
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/9904/urlt/2122ApprenticeshipReport.pdf.
66
Id at 6.
67
Id.
68
Id.
69
Id at 9-10.
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DATE: 3/17/2023
“earn while you learn” model and engaged in learning the occupation through actual supervised work
experiences. 70
Effect of Proposed Changes
The bill amends the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to incorporate student enrollment in
designated apprenticeship programs as eligible to receive scholarship funding.
The bill requires the DOE to include a list of approved apprenticeship programs, eligible postsecondary
educational institutions, high-demand jobs and critical skill sets in the state, and a wage breakdown of
jobs in the state in the Bright Futures advertisement notification sent to students, teachers, school
leaders, parents, and certified school counselors. This notification must be sent beginning with the
student's first year of high school.
The bill includes clarifying language that converts semester credit hours to equivalent clock hours for
the purpose of award eligibility. Furthermore, the bill changes the volunteer and work requirements to
75 hours of volunteer service, 100 hours of paid work, or a combination totaling 100 hours. Eligible paid
work completed on or after June 27, 2022 must be included in a student's total number of required paid
work hours.
The bill adds industry and career certificate options as eligible for a Florida Bright Futures student
award in the 2023-24 academic year and thereafter. Students pursuing an industry certification will be
eligible for an award for the following pathways:
Pathway Credit Hours Exceptions or Provisions
Up to the number of hours Not to exceed 36 credit hours or
Industry Certification
required for the certificate equivalent clock hours.
Up to the number of hours Not to exceed 15 credit hours or
Technical Certificate
required for a specific certificate equivalent clock hours.
Applied Technology Up to the number of hours Not to exceed 50 credit hours or
Diploma required for a specific diploma equivalent clock hours.
Career and Technical Up to the number of hours Not to exceed 19 credit hours or
Certificate required for a specific certificate. equivalent clock hours.
The student must not be not exempt from
paying tuition and fees, including lab fees.
Apprenticeship Up to the number of credit hours
100 percent of the books, tools, and
Program for a certificate of completion.
materials necessary to complete the
apprenticeship program must not exceed
$2,000.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1. Amending s. 1007, 2616, F.S., requiring high schools to offer certain computer science
courses; requiring such courses to satisfy specified instruction requirements; requiring
Florida College System institutions and state universities to recognize credits from such
courses as foreign language credits; requiring such courses to be included in the Course
Code Directory.
Section 2. Amending s. 1009.53, F.S., conforming provisions to changes made by the act; requiring
the Department of Education to include specified information in an annual notification to
certain individuals.
70
Id at 12.
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Section 3. Amending s. 1009.532, F.S., beginning in a specified academic year, authorizing
students who earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award to enroll in certain
programs.
Section 4. Amending s. 1009.533, F.S., providing that entities that operate apprenticeship
programs are considered a postsecondary institution eligible for participation in the
program.
Section 5. Amending s. 1009.534, F.S., authorizing students to use a combination of volunteer
service hours and paid work hours to meet certain program eligibility requirements;
providing that paid work hours completed on or after a specified date shall be used to
meet certain program eligibility requirements.
Section 6. Amending s. 1009.535, F.S., authorizing students to use a combination of volunteer
service hours and paid work hours to meet certain program eligibility requirements;
providing that paid work hours completed on or after a specified date shall be used to
meet certain program eligibility requirements.
Section 7. Amending s. 1009.536, F.S., authorizing the department to identify aptitude tests
students may use to demonstrate readiness for postsecondary education for specified
purposes; authorizing students to use a combination of volunteer service hours and paid
work hours to meet certain program eligibility requirements; providing that paid work
hours completed on or after a specified date shall be used to meet certain program
eligibility requirements; authorizing students who earn a Florida Gold Seal Vocational
Scholars award to enroll in certain programs.
Section 8. Provides an effective date.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
See Fiscal Comments.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill may save students money and increase access to postsecondary opportunities by authorizing
approved apprenticeship programs and alternative aptitude tests to qualify for the Bright Futures
Program.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
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DATE: 3/17/2023
The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminate. By authorizing approved apprenticeship programs and
alternative aptitude tests to meet eligibility requirements under the Bright Futures Program, the number
of students who may qualify and program cost/expenditures may increase.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
None.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
Not applicable.
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 459 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to education; amending s. 1007.2616,
3 F.S.; requiring high schools to offer certain computer
4 science courses; requiring such courses to satisfy
5 specified instruction requirements; requiring Florida
6 College System institutions and state universities to
7 recognize credits from such courses as foreign
8 language credits; requiring such courses to be
9 included in the Course Code Directory; amending s.
10 1009.53, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made
11 by the act; requiring the Department of Education to
12 include specified information in an annual
13 notification to certain individuals; amending s.
14 1009.532, F.S.; beginning in a specified academic
15 year, authorizing students who earn a Florida Gold
16 Seal Vocational Scholars award to enroll in certain
17 programs; amending s. 1009.533, F.S.; providing that
18 entities that operate apprenticeship programs are
19 considered a postsecondary education institution
20 eligible for participation in the program; amending
21 ss. 1009.534 and 1009.535, F.S.; authorizing students
22 to use a combination of volunteer service hours and
23 paid work hours to meet certain program eligibility
24 requirements; providing that paid work hours completed
25 on or after a specified date shall be used to meet
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26 certain program eligibility requirements; amending s.
27 1009.536, F.S.; authorizing the department to identify
28 aptitude tests students may use to demonstrate
29 readiness for postsecondary education for specified
30 purposes; authorizing students to use a combination of
31 volunteer service hours and paid work hours to meet
32 certain program eligibility requirements; providing
33 that paid work hours completed on or after a specified
34 date shall be used to meet certain program eligibility
35 requirements; authorizing students who earn a Florida
36 Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award to enroll in
37 certain programs; providing an effective date.
38
39 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
40
41 Section 1. Subsections (7) and (8) of section 1007.2616,
42 Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (8) and (9),
43 respectively, and a new subsection (7) is added to that section,
44 to read:
45 1007.2616 Computer science and technology instruction. —
46 (7) High schools must provide students opportunities to
47 take computer science courses of sufficient rigor, as identified
48 by the commissioner, such that two credits in such courses and
49 the earning of a related industry certification or technical
50 certificate satisfies two credits of sequential foreign language
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51 instruction. Florida College System institutions and state
52 universities must recognize the credits as foreign language
53 credits. Computer science courses identified by the commissioner
54 and computer science courses taken to earn the related industry
55 certification or technical certificate shall be included in the
56 Course Code Directory.
57 Section 2. Subsections (1), (3), and (6) of section
58 1009.53, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
59 1009.53 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.—
60 (1) The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is
61 created to establish a lottery-funded scholarship program to
62 reward any Florida high school graduate who merits recognition
63 of high academic achievement and who enrolls in a degree
64 program, certificate program, or applied technology program, or
65 apprenticeship program, as defined in s. 446.021(6), at an
66 eligible Florida public or private postsecondary education
67 institution.
68 (3) The Department of Education shall administer the
69 Bright Futures Scholarship Program according to rules and
70 procedures established by the State Board of Education. A single
71 application must be sufficient for a student to apply for any of
72 the awards. The department shall advertise the availability of
73 the scholarship program and shall notify students, teachers,
74 parents, certified school counselors, and principals or other
75 relevant school administrators of the criteria and application
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76 procedures. The notification must also include a list of
77 approved apprenticeship programs, eligible postsecondary
78 educational institutions, high-demand jobs and critical skill
79 sets in the state, and a wage breakdown of jobs in the state.
80 The department must begin this process of notification no later
81 than January 1 of each year beginning with a student's freshman
82 year.
83 (6) A student enrolled in 6 to 8 semester credit hours or
84 the equivalent clock hours may receive up to one-half of the
85 maximum award; a student enrolled in 9 to 11 credit hours or the
86 equivalent clock hours may receive up to three-fourths of the
87 maximum award; and a student enrolled in 12 or more credit hours
88 or the equivalent clock hours may receive up to the full award.
89 Section 3. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1),
90 subsection (2), and paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
91 1009.532, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
92 1009.532 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
93 student eligibility requirements for renewal awards.—
94 (1) To be eligible to renew a scholarship from any of the
95 scholarships under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
96 Program, a student must:
97 (a) Effective for students funded in the 2009-2010
98 academic year and thereafter, earn at least 24 semester credit
99 hours or the equivalent clock hours in the last academic year in
100 which the student earned a scholarship if the student was
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101 enrolled full time, or a prorated number of credit hours or
102 clock hours as determined by the Department of Education if the
103 student was enrolled less than full time for any part of the
104 academic year.
105 (b) Maintain the cumulative grade point average or the
106 equivalent required by the scholarship program, except that:
107 1. If a recipient's grades fall beneath the average
108 required to renew a Florida Academic Scholarship, but are
109 sufficient to renew a Florida Medallion Scholarship, a Florida
110 Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, or a Florida Gold Seal Vocational
111 Scholarship, the Department of Education may grant a renewal
112 from one of those other scholarship programs, if the student
113 meets the renewal eligibility requirements; or
114 2. For students initially eligible in the 2010-2011
115 academic term and thereafter, if at any time during a student's
116 first academic year the student's grades or the equivalent are
117 insufficient to renew the scholarship, the student may restore
118 eligibility by improving the grade point average or the
119 equivalent to the required level. A student is eligible for such
120 a restoration one time. The Legislature encourages education
121 institutions to assist students to calculate whether or not it
122 is possible to raise the grade point average or the equivalent
123 during the summer term. If the education institution determines
124 that it is possible, the institution may so inform the
125 department, which may reserve the student's award if funds are
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126 available. The renewal, however, must not be granted until the
127 student achieves the required cumulative grade point average or
128 the equivalent. If the summer term is not sufficient to raise
129 the grade point average or the equivalent to the required
130 renewal level, the student's next opportunity for renewal is the
131 fall semester of the following academic year.
132 (2) For students initially eligible in the 2010-2011
133 academic term and thereafter, and unless otherwise provided in
134 this section, if a student does not meet the requirements for
135 renewal of a scholarship because of lack of completion of
136 sufficient credit hours or insufficient grades or the
137 equivalent, the scholarship shall be renewed only if the student
138 failed to complete sufficient credit hours or to meet sufficient
139 grade requirements or the equivalent due to verifiable illness
140 or other documented emergency, in which case the student may be
141 granted an exception from academic requirements pursuant to s.
142 1009.40(1)(b)4.
143 (3)(a) A student who is initially eligible in the 2023-
144 2024 2012-2013 academic year and thereafter may receive an award
145 for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours
146 required to complete an associate degree program, a
147 baccalaureate degree program, or a postsecondary career
148 certificate program or, for a Florida Gold Seal Vocational
149 Scholars award, may receive an award for a maximum of 100
150 percent of the number of credit hours or equivalent clock hours
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151 required to complete one of the following at a Florida public or
152 nonpublic education institution that offers these specific
153 programs: for an applied technology diploma program as defined
154 in s. 1004.02(7), up to 60 credit hours or equivalent clock
155 hours; for a technical degree education program as defined in s.
156 1004.02(13), up to the number of hours required for a specific
157 degree not to exceed 72 credit hours or equivalent clock hours;
158 or for a career certificate program as defined in s.
159 1004.02(20), up to the number of hours required for a specific
160 certificate not to exceed 72 credit hours or equivalent clock
161 hours; for an industry certification, up to the number of hours
162 required for a specific certificate not to exceed 36 credit
163 hours or equivalent clock hours; for a technical certificate, up
164 to the number of hours required for a specific certificate not
165 to exceed 15 credit hours or equivalent clock hours; for an
166 applied technology diploma, up to the number of hours required
167 for a specific diploma not to exceed 50 credit hours or
168 equivalent clock hours; for a career and technical certificate,
169 up to the number of hours required for a specific certificate
170 not to exceed 19 credit hours or equivalent clock hours; or for
171 an apprenticeship program, as defined in s. 446.021(6), up to
172 the number of credit hours or equivalent clock hours required
173 for a registered apprenticeship certificate of completion if the
174 student is not exempt from paying tuition and fees, including
175 lab fees, under s. 1009.25, and 100 percent of the tools, books,
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176 and materials necessary to complete the apprenticeship program
177 not to exceed $2,000. A student who transfers from one of these
178 program levels to another program level becomes eligible for the
179 higher of the two credit hour limits.
180 Section 4. Subsection (6) is added to section 1009.533,
181 Florida Statutes, to read:
182 1009.533 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
183 eligible postsecondary education institutions.—A student is
184 eligible for an award or the renewal of an award from the
185 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program if the student meets
186 the requirements for the program as described in this act and is
187 enrolled in a postsecondary education institution that meets the
188 description in any one of the following subsections:
189 (6) An entity that operates an apprenticeship program, as
190 defined in s. s. 446.021(6).
191 Section 5. Subsection (1) of section 1009.534, Florida
192 Statutes, is amended to read:
193 1009.534 Florida Academic Scholars award.—
194 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Academic Scholars
195 award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements
196 for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and:
197 (a) Has achieved a 3.5 weighted grade point average as
198 calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, or its equivalent, in high
199 school courses that are designated by the State Board of
200 Education as college-preparatory academic courses and has
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201 attained at least the score required under s. 1009.531(6)( a) on
202 the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
203 Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
204 Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
205 or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
206 (b) Has attended a home education program according to s.
207 1002.41 during grades 11 and 12, has completed the International
208 Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the International
209 Baccalaureate Diploma, or has completed the Advanced
210 International Certificate of Education curriculum but failed to
211 earn the Advanced International Certificate of Education
212 Diploma, and has attained at least the score required under s.
213 1009.531(6)(a) on the combined verbal and quantitative parts of
214 the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or
215 the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College
216 Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT
217 Assessment Program;
218 (c) Has been awarded an International Baccalaureate
219 Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Office or an
220 Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma from the
221 University of Cambridge International Examinations Office;
222 (d) Has been recognized by the merit or achievement
223 programs of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a
224 scholar or finalist; or
225 (e) Has been recognized by the National Hispanic
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226 Recognition Program as a scholar recipient.
227
228 The student must complete a program of volunteer service or,
229 beginning with a high school student graduating in the 2022-2023
230 academic year and thereafter, paid work, as approved by the
231 district school board, the administrators of a nonpublic school,
232 or the Department of Education for home education program
233 students, which must include 100 hours of volunteer service, or
234 paid work, or a combination of both. Eligible paid work
235 completed on or after June 27, 2022, shall be included in the
236 student's total of paid work hours. The student may identify a
237 social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him
238 or her and develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in
239 addressing the issue or learning about the area. The student
240 must, through papers or other presentations, evaluate and
241 reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work
242 experience. Such volunteer service or paid work may include, but
243 is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work
244 for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on
245 behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer
246 service or paid work must be documented in writing, and the
247 document must be signed by the student, the student's parent or
248 guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the
249 student performed the volunteer service or paid work.
250 Section 6. Subsection (1) of section 1009.535, Fl orida
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251 Statutes, is amended to read:
252 1009.535 Florida Medallion Scholars award.—
253 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Medallion Scholars
254 award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements
255 for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and:
256 (a) Has achieved a weighted grade point average of 3.0 as
257 calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, or the equivalent, in high
258 school courses that are designated by the State Board of
259 Education as college-preparatory academic courses and has
260 attained at least the score required under s. 1009.531(6)(b) on
261 the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
262 Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
263 Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
264 or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
265 (b) Has completed the International Baccalaureate
266 curriculum but failed to earn the International Baccalaureate
267 Diploma or has completed the Advanced International Certificate
268 of Education curriculum but failed to earn the Advanced
269 International Certificate of Education Diploma, and has attained
270 at least the score required under s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the
271 combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
272 Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the rece ntered
273 Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
274 or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
275 (c) Has attended a home education program according to s.
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276 1002.41 during grades 11 and 12 and has attained at least the
277 score required under s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the combined verbal
278 and quantitative parts of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the
279 Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered Scholastic
280 Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination, or an
281 equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program;
282 (d) Has been recognized by the merit or achievement
283 program of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a
284 scholar or finalist but has not completed the program of
285 volunteer service or paid work required under s. 1009.534; or
286 (e) Has been recognized by the National Hispanic
287 Recognition Program as a scholar, but has not completed the
288 program of volunteer service or paid work required under s.
289 1009.534.
290
291 A high school student must complete a program at least 75 hours
292 of volunteer service or, beginning with a high school student
293 graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year and thereafter, 100
294 hours of paid work approved by the district school board, the
295 administrators of a nonpublic school, or the Department of
296 Education for home education program students, which must
297 include 75 hours of volunteer service, 100 hours of paid work,
298 or 100 hours of a combination of both. Eligible paid work
299 completed on or after June 27, 2022, shall be included in a
300 student's total of required paid work hours. The student may
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301 identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that
302 interests him or her and develop a plan for his or her personal
303 involvement in addressing the issue or learning about the area.
304 The student must, through papers or other presentations,
305 evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid
306 work experience. Such volunteer service or paid work may
307 include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental
308 internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization,
309 or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. The
310 hours of volunteer service or paid work must be documented in
311 writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the
312 student's parent or guardian, and a representative of the
313 organization for which the student performed the volunteer
314 service or paid work.
315 Section 7. Paragraphs (b) and (e) of subsection (1),
316 paragraph (b) of subsection (2), and paragraph (a) of subsection
317 (5) of section 1009.536, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
318 1009.536 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and Florida
319 Gold Seal CAPE Scholars awards.—The Florida Gold Seal Vocational
320 Scholars award and the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award are
321 created within the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to
322 recognize and reward academic achievement and career preparation
323 by high school students who wish to continue their education.
324 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal
325 Vocational Scholars award if he or she meets the general
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326 eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures
327 Scholarship Program and:
328 (b) Demonstrates readiness for postsecondary education by
329 earning a passing score on:
330 1. The Florida College Entry Level Placement Test or its
331 equivalent as identified by the Department of Education; or
332 2. Other aptitude tests identified by the department,
333 including, but not limited to, the Armed Services Vocational
334 Aptitude Battery and ACT WorkKeys Assessments.
335 (e) Completes at least 30 hours of volunteer service or,
336 beginning with high school students graduating in the 2022-2023
337 academic year and thereafter, 100 hours of paid work, approved
338 by the district school board, the administrators of a nonpublic
339 school, or the Department of Education for home education
340 program students, or 100 hours of a combination of both.
341 Eligible paid work completed on or after June 27, 2022, shall be
342 included in a student's total of required paid work hours. The
343 student may identify a social or civic issue or a professional
344 area that interests him or her and develop a plan for his or her
345 personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning about
346 the area. The student must, through papers or other
347 presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer
348 service or paid work experience. Such volunteer service or paid
349 work may include, but is not limited to, a business or
350 governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service
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351 organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public
352 office. The hours of volunteer service or paid work must be
353 documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the
354 student, the student's parent or guardian, and a representative
355 of the organization for which the student performed the
356 volunteer service or paid work.
357 (2) A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal CAPE
358 Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility
359 requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program,
360 and the student:
361 (b) Completes at least 30 hours of volunteer service or,
362 beginning with a high school student graduating in the 2022-2023
363 academic year and thereafter, 100 hours of paid work, approved
364 by the district school board, the administrators of a nonpublic
365 school, or the Department of Education for home education
366 program students, or 100 hours of a combination of both.
367 Eligible paid work completed on or after June 27, 2022, shall be
368 included in a student's total required paid work hours. The
369 student may identify a social or civic issue or a professional
370 area that interests him or her and develop a plan for h is or her
371 personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning about
372 the area. The student must, through papers or other
373 presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her experience.
374 Such volunteer service or paid work may include, but is not
375 limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a
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376 nonprofit community service organization, or activities on
377 behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer
378 service or paid work must be documented in writing, and the
379 document must be signed by the student, the student's parent or
380 guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the
381 student performed the volunteer service or paid work.
382 (5)(a) A student who is initially eligible in the 2023-
383 2024 2012-2013 academic year and thereafter may earn a Florida
384 Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship for a maximum of 100 percent of
385 the number of credit hours or equivalent clock hours required to
386 complete one of the following at a Florida public or nonpublic
387 education institution that offers these specific programs: for
388 an applied technology diploma program as defined in s.
389 1004.02(7), up to 60 credit hours or equivalent clock hours; for
390 a technical degree education program as defined in s.
391 1004.02(13), up to the number of hours required for a specific
392 degree not to exceed 72 credit hours or equivalent clock hours;
393 or for a career certificate program as defined in s.
394 1004.02(20), up to the number of hours required for a specific
395 certificate not to exceed 72 credit hours or equivalent clock
396 hours; for an industry certification, up to the number of hours
397 required for a specific certificate not to exceed 36 credit
398 hours or equivalent clock hours; for a technical certificate, up
399 to the number of hours required for a specific certificate not
400 to exceed 15 credit hours or equivalent clock hours; for an
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401 applied technology diploma, up to the number of hours required
402 for a specific diploma not to exceed 50 credit hours or
403 equivalent clock hours; for a career and technical certificate,
404 up to the number of hours required for a specific certificate
405 not to exceed 19 credit hours or equivalent clock hours; or for
406 an apprenticeship program, as defined in s. 446.021(6), up to
407 the number of credit hours or equivalent clock hours required
408 for a registered apprenticeship certificate of completion if the
409 student is not exempt from paying tuition and fees, including
410 lab fees, under s. 1009.25, and 100 percent of the tools, books,
411 and materials necessary to complete the apprenticeship program
412 not to exceed $2,000.
413 Section 8. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
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hb0459-00
PCS for HB 465
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: PCS for HB 465 Workforce Education
SPONSOR(S): Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS:
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
Orig. Comm.: Postsecondary Education & Dixon Kiner
Workforce Subcommittee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
The bill increases the cap on the amount the Department of Education may reimburse an institution to $9,000,
from $3,000, per completed workforce training program by an eligible student participating in the Open Door
Grant Program. The bill also clarifies that a student is eligible to receive funding after all other federal and state
financial aid or any other private or public financial assistance is applied. The bill also prohibits an institution
from imposing additional criteria to determine student eligibility from that which is provided under current law.
The bill does not have a fiscal impact to the state but may have an impact on the private sector. See fiscal
comments.
The bill is effective upon becoming law.
This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: pcs0465.PEW
DATE: 3/17/2023
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Open Door Grant Program
In 2021, the Legislature established the Open Door Grant Program (ODG) 1 in order to create and
sustain a demand-driven supply of credentialed workers for high-demand occupations, expand the
affordability of workforce training and credentialing, and increase the interest of current and future
workers in short-term, high-demand career and technical education credentialing and certificate
programs. 2 Grants are provided to school districts’ postsecondary technical centers and Florida College
System institutions to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of short-term, high-demand programs for
eligible students upon successful completion and award of a credential of value. The ODG provides
short-term training for high-demand programs in Florida, offering job seekers an opportunity to obtain
expedited and affordable training.
Subject to availability of funds, under the ODG, a student who enrolls in an eligible program offered by
an institution 3 and who does not receive state or federal financial aid may apply for and be awarded a
grant to cover two-thirds of the cost of the program 4, if: 5
• at the time of enrollment, the student pays one-third of the cost of the program and signs an
agreement to either complete the program; or
• pay an additional one-third of the cost of the program in the event of noncompletion.
Once a student completes the program, the department 6 reimburses the institution in an amount equal
to one-third of the cost of the program. An additional one-third will be provided upon attainment of a
workforce credential or certificate by the student. Grant funds may be used to cover the student’s one-
third of the cost of the program for students in integrated education and training programs and students
who do not have a high school diploma and meet the requirements established by the department. An
institution may cover the student’s one-third of the cost of the program based on student need, as
determined by the institution. 7
A student receiving state or federal financial aid who enrolls in an eligible program offered by an
institution may apply for and be awarded a grant to cover the unmet need of the cost of the program
after the application of all eligible financial aid. Financial aid and grants received by the student will be
credited first to the student’s costs before the award of a grant. After a student is enrolled in an eligible
program, the department will award the grant to the institution for the amount of unmet need for the
eligible student. 8 The department may not reimburse any institution more than $3,000 per completed
workforce training program by an eligible student. 9
1
Section 1009.895, F.S.
2
Section 1009.895(1)(d), F.S., “Program” means a noncredit industry certification preparation, clock hour career certificate program,
or for-credit short-term career and technical education program that results in the award of credentials identified under s. 445.004(4).
3
Section 1009.895(1)(c), F.S., “Institution” means school district postsecondary technical career centers under s. 1001.44, Florida
College System institutions under s. 1000.21(3), charter technical career centers under s. 1002.34, and school districts with eligible
integrated education and training programs.
4
Section 1009.895(1)(a), F.S., “Cost of the program” means the cost of tuition, fees, examination, books, and materials to a student
enrolled in an eligible program.
5
Section 1009.895(4)(a), F.S.
6
Section 1009.895(1)(b), F.S., “Department” means the Department of Education.
7
Id.
8
Section 1009.895(4)(b), F.S.
9
Section 1009.895(5), F.S.
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In fiscal year 2021-2022, the Florida Legislature appropriated $35 million for the Open Door Grant
Program, with $15 million appropriated to school districts and $20 million appropriated to the Florida
College System. 10
FY 2021 - 2022
Number of Median Award Amount Expended Most Common
Institutions Amount Credentials
Applying for
Awards
FCS Institutions 25 FCS Institutions $532,846 $585,055 Public Safety
Program –
Firefighter, EMT,
Law Enforcement)
Healthcare
School Districts 25 school districts $360,268 $504,100 Welding
Public Safety –
Firefighter, EMT,
Law Enforcement
Healthcare
In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Florida Legislature appropriated $15 million for the Open Door Grant
program, with $15 million appropriated to school districts and $20 million appropriated to the Florida
College System. 11
Effects of Proposed Changes
The bill increases the cap on the amount the Department of Education may reimburse an institution to
$9,000 from $3,000 per completed workforce training program by an eligible student participating in the
Open Door Grant Program. The bill also clarifies that a student is eligible to receive funding after all
other federal and state financial aid or any other private or public financial assistance is applied. The bill
also prohibits an institution from imposing additional criteria to determine student eligibility from that
which is provided under current law.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1: Amends s. 1009.895; prohibiting institutions from imposing additional criteria to
determine student eligibility; revising student eligibility requirements; increasing the
amount the Department of Education may reimburse an institution through the Open
Door Grant Program for a completed workforce training program; revising the
requirements for such workforce training programs.
Section 2: Provides an effective date.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
See Fiscal Comments.
10
Specific Appropriations 121A and 129A, s. 2, ch. 2021-36, L.O.F.
11
Specific Appropriations 117 and 126, s. 2, ch. 2022-156, L.O.F.
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B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
Due to the increased amount of Open Door Grant reimbursement a postsecondary education institution
can receive, the bill may reduce the overall number of grants available to eligible workforce training
program students.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
The bill does not have a fiscal impact to the state. However, by increasing the amount of grant
reimbursement an institution can receive per completed workforce training program (from $3,000 to
$9,000), the number of students able to participate in or benefit from the grant program may be
reduced.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
None.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
Not applicable.
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
PCS for HB 465 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to workforce education; amending s.
3 1009.895; prohibiting institutions from imposing
4 additional criteria to determine student eligibility;
5 revising student eligibility requirements; increasing
6 the amount the Department of Education may reimburse
7 an institution through the Open Door Grant Program for
8 a completed workforce training program; providing an
9 effective date.
10
11 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
12
13 Section 1. Subsections (4) and (5) of section 1009.895,
14 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
15 1009.895 Open Door Grant Program.—
16 (4) Subject to the availability of funds:
17 (a) A student who enrolls in an eligible program offered
18 by an institution and who does not receive state or federal
19 financial aid may apply for and be awarded a grant to cover two-
20 thirds of the cost of the program, if at the time of enrollment
21 the student pays one-third of the cost of the program and signs
22 an agreement to either complete the program or pay an additional
23 one-third of the cost of the program in the event of
24 noncompletion. The department shall reimburse the institution in
25 an amount equal to one-third of the cost of the program upon a
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26 student's completion of the program. An additional one-third
27 shall be provided upon attainment of a workforce credential or
28 certificate by the student. Grant funds may be used to cover the
29 student's one-third of the cost of the program for students in
30 integrated education and training programs and students who do
31 not have a high school diploma and meet the requirements
32 established by the department. An institution may cover the
33 student's one-third of the cost of the program based on student
34 need, as determined by the institution.
35 (b) A student receiving state or federal financial aid who
36 enrolls in an eligible program offered by an institution may
37 apply for and be awarded a grant to cover the unmet need of the
38 cost of the program after the application of all eligible
39 financial aid. Financial aid and grants received by the student
40 shall be credited first to the student's costs before the award
41 of an open door grant. After a student is enrolled in an
42 eligible program, the department shall award the grant to the
43 institution for the amount of unmet need for the eligible
44 student.
45
46 An institution may not impose additional criteria to determine a
47 student's eligibility to receive a grant under this section. A
48 student is eligible to receive an award after all other federal
49 and state financial aid or any other private or public financial
50 assistance is applied.
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
PCS for HB 465 2023
51 (5) The department may not reimburse any institution more
52 than $9,000 $3,000 per completed workforce training program by
53 an eligible student.
54 Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
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hb0465-00
HB 515
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: HB 515 Office of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the State University System
SPONSOR(S): Silvers
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS:
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Postsecondary Education & Workforce Dixon Kiner
Subcommittee
2) Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law &
Government Operations Subcommittee
3) Education & Employment Committee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
The Board of Governors (BOG) is responsible for operating, regulating, controlling, and being fully responsible
for the management of the State University System. Pursuant to Florida’s Constitution, the BOG’s
management is subject to the powers of the Legislature to appropriate for the expenditure of funds. Like other
state agencies, the BOG has an Office of Inspector General charged with promoting accountability, financial
integrity and efficiency as required by law. The BOG IG is also charged with detecting fraud and abuse within
state universities.
While the Governor’s Chief Inspector General may exercise subpoena power on behalf of state agencies under
the Governor’s control, the BOG Inspector General does not have the authority to exercise subpoena power on
behalf of a state university. In 2019, the Florida House of Representatives conducted an investigation into the
unauthorized use of appropriated funds for fixed capital outlay projects at the University of Central Florida.
Among the investigatory findings was the BOG’s Office of Inspector General lacks resources to exercise the
robust investigative role intended by the inspector general statutes and that such resources are essential to
holding universities accountable to the BOG. To address the finding, the investigatory report recommended the
BOG Inspector General investigate significant complaints or reports of possible waste, fraud and
mismanagement and submit investigative findings to the Board of Governors, the Speaker of the House and
Senate President. The investigatory report further recommended, if requested by the BOG, consideration be
given to authorize the BOG Inspector General to exercise subpoena power on behalf of a state university.
The bill authorizes the BOG Inspector General, or designee, to issue and serve subpoenas duces tecum on
behalf of the BOG or a state university to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of
documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, and other data in any medium.
In the event of noncompliance with a subpoena issued, the bill authorizes the BOG Inspector General to
petition the circuit court of the county in which the person subpoenaed resides or has his or her principal place
of business for an order requiring the subpoenaed person to appear and testify and to produce documents,
reports, answers, records, accounts, or other data as specified in the subpoena.
The bill also provides for the BOG Inspector General to require or allow a person to file a statement, in writing,
under oath, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter that is to be audited, examined, or
investigated.
The bill does not appear to have a fiscal impact on state government.
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2023.
This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h0515.PEW
DATE: 3/9/2023
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Present Situation
Governor’s Chief Inspector General
The Office of Chief Inspector General (CIG) is responsible for promoting accountability, integrity, and
efficiency in agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction. 1 The CIG monitors the activities of the agency
inspectors general under the Governor’s jurisdiction and is required, among other things, to do the
following:
• Initiate, supervise, and coordinate investigations and carry out other activities designed to deter,
detect, prevent, and eradicate fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and misconduct in
government;
• Investigate, upon receipt of a complaint or for cause, any administrative action of any agency,
the administration of which is under the direct supervision of the Governor;
• Examine the records and reports of any agency the administration of which is under the direct
supervision of the Governor;
• Coordinate complaint-handling activities with agencies;
• Coordinate the activities of the Whistle-blower’s Act and maintain the whistle-blower’s hotline to
receive complaints and information concerning the possible violation of law or administrative
rules, mismanagement, fraud, waste, abuse of authority, malfeasance, or a substantial or
specific danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the public;
• Report expeditiously to and cooperate fully with the Department of Law Enforcement, the
Department of Legal Affairs, and other law enforcement agencies when there are recognizable
grounds to believe that there has been a violation of criminal law or that a civil action should be
initiated;
• Act as liaison and monitor the activities of the inspectors general in the agencies under the
Governor’s jurisdiction; and
• Conduct special investigations and management reviews at the request of the Governor. 2
In exercising the authority of the office, the Governor’s Chief Inspector General, may, among other
things, issue and serve subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, for agencies under the jurisdiction of
the Governor, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, reports,
answers, records, accounts, and other data in any medium. 3
Agency Inspectors General
An Office of Inspector General (OIG) is established in each state agency 4 to provide a central point for
the coordination of and responsibility for activities that promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency
in government. 5 Each agency OIG is, among other things, responsible for the following:
• Supervising and coordinating audits, investigations, and management reviews relating to the
programs and operations of the agency;
1
S. 14.32(1), F.S.
2
S. 14.32(2), F.S.
3
S. 14.32(5)(b), F.S.
4
S. 20.055(1)(d), F.S. defines the term “state agency” as each department created pursuant to ch. 20, F.S., and the Executive Office of
the Governor, the Department of Military Affairs, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Office of Insurance Regulation
of the Financial Services Commission, the Office of Financial Regulation of the Financial Services Commission, the Public Service
Commission, the Board of Governors of the State University System, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the Florida Gaming
Control Commission, and the state courts system.
5
S. 20.055(2), F.S.
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• Conducting, supervising, or coordinating other activities carried out or financed by the agency
for the purpose of promoting economy and efficiency in the administration of, or preventing and
detecting fraud and abuse in, its programs and operations;
• Keeping the agency head, 6 or the CIG for agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor,
informed concerning fraud, abuses, and deficiencies relating to programs and operations
administered or financed by the agency; recommending corrective action concerning fraud,
abuses, and deficiencies; and reporting on the progress made in implementing corrective
action;
• Ensuring effective coordination and cooperation between the Auditor General, federal auditors,
and other governmental bodies to avoid duplication; and
• Ensuring that an appropriate balance is maintained between audit, investigative, and other
accountability activities.
With respect to investigations, each OIG must initiate, conduct, supervise, and coordinate
investigations designed to detect, deter, prevent, and eradicate fraud, waste, mismanagement,
misconduct, and other abuses in state government. 7 For these purposes, each inspector general must
do the following:
• Receive complaints and coordinate all activities of the agency as required by the Whistle-
blower’s Act;
• Receive and consider the complaints that do not meet the criteria for an investigation under the
Whistle-blower’s Act and conduct, supervise, or coordinate such inquiries, investigations, or
reviews as the inspector general deems appropriate;
• Report expeditiously to the Department of Law Enforcement or other law enforcement agencies,
as appropriate, when the inspector general has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a
violation of criminal law;
• Conduct investigations and other inquiries free of actual or perceived impairment to the
independence of the inspector general or the inspector general’s office, including freedom from
any interference with investigations and timely access to records and other sources of
information;
• Submit to entities contracting with the state or an individual substantially affected the findings of
investigations involving such entities or individual, who must be advised that they may submit a
written response to the findings, and whose written response, if any, must be included in the
final report along with the inspector general’s rebuttal, if any; and
• Submit timely final reports on investigations to the agency head, except for whistle-blower’s
investigations, which must be conducted and reported pursuant to the Florida Whistle-blower’s
Act. 8
Board of Governors Inspector General
The Board of Governors (BOG) is responsible for operating, regulating, controlling, and being fully
responsible for the management of the State University System. Pursuant to Florida’s Constitution, the
BOG’s management is subject to the powers of the Legislature to appropriate for the expenditure of
funds. Like other state agencies, the BOG has an Office of Inspector General charged with promoting
accountability, financial integrity and efficiency as required by law. The BOG IG is also charged with
detecting fraud and abuse within state universities.
If the BOG determines that the board of trustees of a state university is unwilling or unable to address
substantiated allegations of waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement within a state university, the
6
S. 20.055(1)(a), F.S., defines the term “agency head” as the Governor, a Cabinet officer, a secretary as defined in s. 20.03(5), F.S., or
an executive director as defined in s. 20.03(6), F.S., the chair of the Public Service Commission, the Director of the Office of
Insurance Regulation of the Financial Services Commission, the Director of the Office of Financial Regulation of the Financial
Services Commission, the board of directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the chair of the Florida Gaming Control
Commission, and the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court.
7
S. 20.055(7), F.S.
8
Id.
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BOG Inspector General must conduct, coordinate, or an request investigation into the substantiated
allegations. 9
The BOG Inspector General, when performing its duties, must have access to all information and
personnel necessary to perform its duties and will have all of its current powers, duties and
responsibilities as authorized in s. 20.055, F.S. 10
In 2019, the Florida House of Representatives conducted an investigation into the unauthorized use of
appropriated funds for fixed capital outlay projects at the University of Central Florida. Among the
investigatory findings was the BOG’s Office of Inspector General lacks resources to exercise the robust
investigative role intended by the inspector general statutes and that such resources are essential to
holding universities accountable to the BOG. To address the finding, the investigatory report
recommended the BOG Inspector General investigate significant complaints or reports of possible
waste, fraud and mismanagement and submit investigative findings to the Board of Governors, the
Speaker of the House and Senate President. The investigatory report further recommended, if
requested by the BOG, consideration be given to authorize the BOG Inspector General to exercise
subpoena power on behalf of a state university.
Effect of Proposed Changes
The bill authorizes the BOG Inspector General, or designee, to issue and serve subpoenas duces
tecum on behalf of the BOG or a state university to compel the attendance of witnesses and the
production of documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, and other data in any medium.
In the event of noncompliance with a subpoena issued, the bill authorizes the BOG Inspector General
to petition the circuit court of the county in which the person subpoenaed resides or has his or her
principal place of business for an order requiring the subpoenaed person to appear and testify and to
produce documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, or other data as specified in the subpoena.
The bill also provides for the BOG Inspector General to require or allow a person to file a statement, in
writing, under oath, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter that is to be audited,
examined, or investigated.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1: Amends s. 20.155, F.S.; authorizing the Office of Inspector General to issue and serve
subpoenas duces tecum for specified purposes and require or allow certain persons to file specified
statements; authorizing the office to petition certain courts for specified purposes.
Section 2: Provides an effective date.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
9
S. 20.155(5), F.S.
10
Id.
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None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
See Fiscal Comments.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
This bill does not appear to have a fiscal impact on state or local government.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
None.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
If the intent of the bill is to mirror s. 14.32(5)(b), F.S., which authorizes the Governor’s Chief Inspector
General to exercise subpoena power on behalf of a state agency under the Governor’s control, the
sponsor may wish to amend the bill to authorize the BOG Inspector General to issue ‘subpoenas’ in
addition to ‘subpoenas duces tecum.’
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 515 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to the Office of Inspector General of
3 the Board of Governors of the State University System;
4 amending s. 20.155, F.S.; authorizing the Office of
5 Inspector General to issue and serve subpoenas duces
6 tecum for specified purposes and require or allow
7 certain persons to file specified statements;
8 authorizing the office to petition certain courts for
9 specified purposes; providing an effective date.
10
11 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
12
13 Section 1. Subsection (5) of section 20.155, Florida
14 Statutes, is amended to read:
15 20.155 Board of Governors of the State University System. —
16 (5)(a) OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.—An Office of Inspector
17 General shall be organized using existing resources and funds to
18 promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness and to
19 detect fraud and abuse within state universities. If the Board
20 of Governors determines that a state university board of
21 trustees is unwilling or unable to address substantiated
22 allegations made by any person relating to waste, fraud, or
23 financial mismanagement, the office shall conduct, coordinate,
24 or request investigations into substantiated allegations made by
25 any person relating to waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement
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HB 515 2023
26 within a state university. The office shall have access to all
27 information and personnel necessary to perform its duties and
28 shall have all of its current powers, duties, and
29 responsibilities authorized in s. 20.055.
30 (b)1. In exercising authority under this subsection, the
31 Office of Inspector General or his or her designee may:
32 a. Issue and serve subpoenas duces tecum for the Board of
33 Governors or the state universities in the State University
34 System to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production
35 of documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, and other
36 data in any medium.
37 b. Require or allow a person to file a statement in
38 writing, under oath or otherwise, as to all the facts and
39 circumstances concerning the matter to be audited, examined, or
40 investigated.
41 2. In the event of noncompliance with a subpoena issued
42 under this paragraph, the Inspector General may petition the
43 circuit court of the county in which the person subpoenaed
44 resides or has his or her principal place of business for an
45 order requiring the subpoenaed person to appear and testify and
46 to produce documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, or
47 other data as specified in the subpoena.
48 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 515 (2023)
Amendment No. 1
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Postsecondary Education &
2 Workforce Subcommittee
3 Representative Silvers offered the following:
4
5 Amendment (with title amendment)
6 Remove lines 16-42 and insert:
7 (5) OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.—An Office of Inspector
8 General shall be organized using existing resources and funds to
9 promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness and to
10 detect fraud and abuse within state universities.
11 (a) If the Board of Governors determines that a state
12 university board of trustees is unwilling or unable to address
13 substantiated allegations made by any person relating to waste,
14 fraud, or financial mismanagement, the office must shall
15 conduct, coordinate, or request investigations into
16 substantiated allegations made by any person relating to waste,
010853 - HB 515 - Amendment (Silvers), line 16.docx
Published On: 3/10/2023 6:32:01 PM
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 515 (2023)
Amendment No. 1
17 fraud, or financial mismanagement within a state university. The
18 office shall have access to all information and personnel
19 necessary to perform its duties and shall have all of its
20 current powers, duties, and responsibilities authorized in s.
21 20.055.
22 (b) In exercising its authority under this section, the
23 office may do any of the following:
24 1. Issue and serve subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum,
25 for the Board of Governors or universities under the
26 jurisdiction of the State University System, to compel the
27 appearance of witnesses and the production of documents,
28 reports, answers, records, accounts, and other data in any
29 medium.
30 2. Require or authorize a person to file a written
31 statement, under oath if required, as to all the facts and
32 circumstances concerning the matter to be audited, examined, or
33 investigated.
34 (c) In the event of noncompliance with a subpoena issued
35 under paragraph (b), the office may petition the
36
37 -----------------------------------------------------
38 T I T L E A M E N D M E N T
39 Remove lines 4-9 and insert:
40 amending s. 20.155, F.S.; granting the Office of the
41 Inspector General of the Board of Governors additional
010853 - HB 515 - Amendment (Silvers), line 16.docx
Published On: 3/10/2023 6:32:01 PM
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 515 (2023)
Amendment No. 1
42 authority to take certain actions in carrying out its
43 duties; providing an effective date.
010853 - HB 515 - Amendment (Silvers), line 16.docx
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HB 845
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: HB 845 Collegiate Purple Star Campuses
SPONSOR(S): Dunkley and others
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 732
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Postsecondary Education & Workforce McDaniel Kiner
Subcommittee
2) Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special
Districts Subcommittee
3) Education & Employment Committee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
Students from military families face academic and mental health challenges as they transition to new schools
as a result of a parent's change in duty station. In 2021, the Florida Legislature established the Purple Star
School of Distinction Program to recognize K-12 schools that support the unique needs of military families,
assist military-connected students in navigating critical challenges, and provide resources for military-
connected students. In 2022, the Florida Department of Education recognized 122 inaugural Purple Star
Schools of Distinction.
The bill establishes the Collegiate Purple Star Campuses Program, modeled after the K-12 Purple Star School
of Distinction Program. This program will identify participating Florida College System (FCS), state university
system (SUS) institutions, or career centers that support military-connected collegiate students.
At a minimum, the program must require a participating FCS, SUS, or career center to: designate a staff
member as a military liaison; maintain a web page on the FCS or SUS website which includes resources for
military students and their families; maintain a student-led transition program that assists military students in
transitioning to the FCS or SUS system; offer professional development training opportunities for staff
members on issues relating to military students; and provide priority course registration for military students.
The State Board of Education (SBE) and Board of Governors (BOG) may establish additional criteria to identify
FCS, SUS, and career centers that demonstrate a commitment to or provide critical transition supports for
military-connected families.
The bill requires the SBE to adopt rules, and the BOG to adopt regulations, to implement the program.
The bill has no fiscal impact to the state. See Fiscal Comments.
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2023.
This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h0845.PEW
DATE: 3/9/2023
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Present Situation
Military Personnel and Families
There are over 3.5 million United States military personnel located worldwide. 1 A total of 1.3 million
active duty 2 service members are assigned throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More
than half of the military members stationed stateside reside in California, Virginia, Texas, North
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 3
A total of 1,162,591 select reserve component members 4 are assigned throughout the 50 states and
the District of Columbia. More than one-half of the reserve members are located in six states:
California, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 5 Florida is home to 20 military
installations and employs 860,221 military personnel. 6
Approximately 38 percent of all active duty service members nationwide have children. 7 Of the 136,600
Active Duty children over 14 years of age, 72.5 percent are between 15 and 18 years, and 27.5 percent
are between 19 and 22 years. 8
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Florida joined the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Interstate
Compact) in 2008. 9 Currently, all 50 states are members of the Interstate Compact. 10 The purpose of
the Interstate Compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on students from military
families due to frequent moves and deployment of their parents. 11 To accomplish this purpose, current
law provides for:
• Prioritizing students from military families in the controlled open enrollment process; 12
• Providing an exception to restrictions on participation in extracurricular activities for students
from military families; 13
• Establishing memoranda of understanding between school districts and military installations; 14
1
Department of Defense, 2022 Demographics, Profile of the Military Community (2022), at iii, available at
https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2021-demographics-report.pdf.
2
10 U.S.C. s. 101. The term “active duty” means full time duty in the active military service and includes full-time training, annual
training duty, and attendance. Id.
3
Department of Defense, 2022 Demographics, Profile of the Military Community (2022), at iv, available at
https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2021-demographics-report.pdf.
4
The reserve components of the armed forces include the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps
Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. 10 U.S.C., § 10101.
5
Department of Defense, 2022 Demographics, Profile of the Military Community (2022), at 35, available at
https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2019-demographics-report.pdf
6
Enterprise Florida, Florida’s Military Profile (2022), at 1, available at https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/wp-
content/uploads/Floridas-Military-Installations-Map.pdf.
7
Department of Defense, 2022 Demographics, Profile of the Military Community (2022), at v, available at
https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2019-demographics-report.pdf.
8
Id at 146.
9
Ch. 2008-225, Laws of Fla.
10
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, Interactive Map, https://mic3.net/interactive-map/ (last visited Mar. 6, 2023).
11
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, Background, https://mic3.net/background/ (last visited Mar. 6, 2023).
12
Section 1002.31, F.S.
13
Section 1006.15(3)(h) and (9)(b), F.S.
14
Section 1003.05(2), F.S.
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• Providing for students from military families who are otherwise eligible for special academic
programs at any school in the district school to receive first preference for admission; 15 and
• Pending a transfer to a military installation within the school district, considering students from
military families as residents of that county for purposes of enrollment. 16
Other Educational Benefits
In addition to benefits from the Interstate Compact, Florida also provides other educational benefits to
military families, including:
• In-state tuition rates and fee waivers.
• Priority course registration for veterans receiving GI Bill benefits.
• Required college credit for military training and education courses.
• Course withdrawal due to military service, without penalty.
• National Guard Educational Dollars for Duty Program.
• Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission.
• Accepting military permanent change of station orders that relocate a military family to any
military installation within the state as proof of Florida residency.
• Accepting exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation from a sending state.
• Providing preferential treatment to dependent children of active duty military personnel who
moved as a result of military orders in a school’s controlled open enrollment process. 17
Purple Star Campus Program
In 2021, the Florida Legislature established the Florida Purple Star Campus Program. 18 The purpose of
the Purple Star School of Distinction is to recognize K-12 schools that support the unique needs of
military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges, and provide resources
for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment. 19 Under the program,
schools will be recognized as Purple Star Campuses if they meet the following requirements: 20
• designate a staff member as a military liaison;
• maintain a webpage on the school’s website which includes resources for military students and
families;
• maintain a student-led transition program to assist military students in transitioning into the
school;
• offer professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to
military students; and
• reserve at least five percent of open enrollment seats for military-connected students.
In addition, each school must complete at least three of the following activities to support military
families: 21
• The school hosts at least one of the following annual military recognition events: Month of the
Military Child, Month of the Military Family, Purple-Up! For Military Kids!, Veteran’s Day,
Memorial Day.
• The district school board where the school is located, or governing board in the case of a
charter or private school, issues a resolution publicizing support for military students and
families.
15
Section 1003.05(3), F.S. For the purposes of this section, special academic programs include magnet schools, advanced studies
programs, advanced placement, dual enrollment, Advanced International Certificate Educations, and International Baccalaureate.
16
Section 1003.05(4), F.S.
17
Enterprise Florida, Advantage Florida Military Benefits Guide (2022-23), available at https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/wp-
content/uploads/Advantage-Florida-Military-Benefits-Guide.pdf.
18
The Florida Department of Education, Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, https://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-
community/activities-programs/parental-involvement/purple-star.stml (last visited Mar. 6, 2023).
19
Id.
20
Section 1005.051(2)(a)1.-5., F.S.
21
Rule 6A-1.0999(3)(f)1.-6., F.A.C.
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• The school partners with one or more military school liaison officer(s) to provide opportunities
for active-duty parents to volunteer at the school.
• The school maintains a public display recognizing service members, veterans, or military
students and families.
• The school participants in a service project that connects the school with the military
community, such as adopt-a-school, sending letters or care packages to deployed troops, or
Yellow Ribbon events.
• The school offers the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
In 2022, the Florida Department of Education recognized 122 inaugural Purple Star Schools of
Distinction. 22
Collegiate Purple Star Designation
In 2017, Ohio’s PreK-12 school system led the nation by creating the “Purple Star” designation for
schools that support military families, and in 2022, Ohio was the first state to expand the program to
support military families at the college level by establishing the “Collegiate Purple Star” designation. 23
The Ohio program includes in its student population service members, veterans, their spouses, and
dependents. 24
Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college or university include: 25
• having a dedicated military or veteran point of contact or office on campus;
• establishing priority registration for veterans and servicemembers;
• surveying student veterans and servicemembers, along with spouses and dependents, about
needs and challenges; and
• allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and
servicemembers.
Effect of Proposed Changes
The bill creates the Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program to support military-connected collegiate
students. The term "military student" is defined as a student enrolled in a Florida College System (FCS)
institution, state university system (SUS), or career center who is a dependent of a current or former
member of the United States military serving on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force,
Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; a reserve component of any branch of government; or the Florida
National Guard.
The bill requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt rules, and the Board of Governors (BOG)
to adopt regulations, to implement the program.
At a minimum, the program requires a participating FCS, SUS, or career center to: designate a staff
member as a military liaison; maintain a web page on the FCS or SUS website which includes
resources for military students and their families; maintain a student-led transition program that assists
military students in transitioning to the FCS or SUS system; offer professional development training
opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students; and provide priority course
registration for military students.
22
The Florida Department of Education, Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, https://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-
community/activities-programs/parental-involvement/purple-star.stml (last visited Mar. 6, 2023).
23
Ohio Department of Higher Education, ODHE Unveils New Collegiate Purple Star Designation,
https://highered.ohio.gov/about/news-events/all-news/odhe-unveils-new-collegiate-purple-star-designation (last visited February 23,
2023).
24
Ohio Department of Higher Education, Directive 2022-004, RE: Proposal to Designate Aspiring Military Friendly Institutions as a
“Collegiate Purple Star” Institution in Ohio (Mar. 23, 2022), available at https://highered.ohio.gov/static/files/Directive_2022-
004_PurpleStar.pdf, at 2.
25
Id.
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The SBE and BOG may establish additional criteria to identify FCS, SUS, and career centers that
demonstrate a commitment to or provide critical transition supports for military-connected families.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1. Creating s. 1004.071, F.S., defining the term “military student”; requiring the State Board
of Education to adopt rules and the Board of Governors to adopt regulations to establish
the Collegiate Purple Star Campuses program; specifying program criteria for
participating Florida College System institutions, state universities, and career centers.
Section 2. Provides an effective date.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
None.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
The bill has no fiscal impact to the state. Any expenses incurred by program-participating institutions
can be absorbed within their existing resources.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
None.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement the Collegiate Purple Star
Campuses Program. The bill requires the Board of Governors to adopt regulations to implement the
program.
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C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
Not applicable.
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 845 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to Collegiate Purple Star Campuses;
3 creating s. 1004.071, F.S.; defining the term
4 "military student"; requiring the State Board of
5 Education to adopt rules and the Board of Governors to
6 adopt regulations to establish the Collegiate Purple
7 Star Campuses program; specifying program criteria for
8 participating Florida College System institutions,
9 state universities, and career centers; providing an
10 effective date.
11
12 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
13
14 Section 1. Section 1004.071, Florida Statutes, is created
15 to read:
16 1004.071 Collegiate Purple Star Campuses.—
17 (1) As used in this section, the term "military student"
18 means a student who is:
19 (a) Enrolled in a Florida College System institution,
20 state university, or career center.
21 (b) A dependent of a current member of the United States
22 military serving on active duty in, or a dependent of a former
23 member of, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps,
24 or Coast Guard; a reserve component of any branch of the United
25 States military; or the Florida National Guard.
Page 1 of 3
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb0845-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 845 2023
26 (2)(a) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules, and
27 the Board of Governors shall adopt regulations, to establish the
28 Collegiate Purple Star Campuses program. At a minimum, the
29 program must require a participating Florida College System
30 institution, state university, or career center to:
31 1. Designate a staff member as a military liaison.
32 2. Maintain a web page on the Florida College System
33 institution or state university's website which includes
34 resources for military students and their families.
35 3. Maintain a student-led transition program that assists
36 military students in transitioning to the Florida College System
37 institution or state university.
38 4. Offer professional development training opportunities
39 for staff members on issues relating to military students.
40 5. Provide priority course registration for military
41 students.
42 (b) The State Board of Education and the Board of
43 Governors may establish additional criteria to identify Florida
44 College System institutions and career centers, or state
45 universities, respectively, that demonstrate a commitment to or
46 provide critical transition supports for military-connected
47 families, such as hosting an annual military recognition event,
48 partnering with a school liaison officer from a military
49 installation, supporting projects that connect the Florida
50 College System institution, state university, or career center
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 845 2023
51 with the military community, and providing outreach for military
52 parents and their children.
53 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
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CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb0845-00
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 845 (2023)
Amendment No. 1
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Postsecondary Education &
2 Workforce Subcommittee
3 Representative Dunkley offered the following:
4
5 Amendment
6 Remove lines 21-37 and insert:
7 (b) An active duty member or veteran of the Army, Navy,
8 Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; a reserve
9 component of any branch of the United States military; or the
10 Florida National Guard; and his or her spouse and dependents.
11 (2)(a) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules, and
12 the Board of Governors shall adopt regulations, to establish the
13 Collegiate Purple Star Campuses program. At a minimum, the
14 program must require a participating Florida College System
15 institution, state university, or career center to:
16 1. Designate a staff member as a military liaison.
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Page 1 of 2
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 845 (2023)
Amendment No. 1
17 2. Maintain a web page on the institution's website which
18 includes resources for military students and their families.
19 3. Maintain a student-led transition program that assists
20 military students in transitioning to the institution.
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Page 2 of 2
PCS for HB 1247
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: PCS for HB 1247 William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Grants
SPONSOR(S): Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS:
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
Orig. Comm.: Postsecondary Education & Kiner Kiner
Workforce Subcommittee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
The Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program (EASE) is a tuition assistance program serving
Florida resident, full-time, undergraduate students at eligible, independent nonprofit colleges or universities.
Currently, 34 institutions participate in the EASE program.
In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, the Legislature appropriated $75.4 million to provide 37,705 qualified students with
an average award amount of $2,000.
To promote transparency and informed consumer choice, current law requires all institutions receiving EASE
funding for their students to annually report to the Department of Education (DOE) institutional performance
against the following five statutory metrics: access rate; affordability rate; graduation rate; retention rate; and
postgraduate employment or continuing education rate. These metrics measure institutions by the percentage
of Pell-eligible students they serve; the net cost per year after accounting for federal, state, and institutional
aid; the percentage of students that graduate in six years; the percentage of students that return for a second
year after their first; and the percentage of students that obtain employment or continue their education after
graduation. Each eligible institution must also post its performance on the metrics prominently on its website.
To incentivize institutions to improve outcomes for grant recipient students, the bill proposes to tie institutional
eligibility for participation in the EASE program to performance against the metrics. Under the bill, an institution
must meet or exceed the minimum benchmark on any three out of the five metrics to be eligible for its students
to receive funding. The base per student award amount will be determined by the General Appropriations Act.
Students attending an eligible institution may be eligible to receive an additional, plus-up award of $500 if, and
only if, their institution meets or exceeds the bill’s workforce graduation rate, which measures degree
production in an in-demand field.
To enable the Legislature to incorporate a metric related to graduate employment in field of study, the bill
revises the institutional and DOE reporting requirements to require collection of data on the percentage of
grant recipient graduates who obtain employment in their field of study within 120 days after graduation. This
data will likely be collected through a survey instrument.
The bill clarifies transparency requirements and adds a disclosure requirement. Each institution must provide
each resident student with data on its performance on the metrics, the net cost to complete the student’s
degree, and expected earnings 1, 5, and 10 years after graduation based on the chosen major. The
institution’s president or chief administrative officer must certify the institution is in compliance with the
reporting, disclosure, and transparency requirements in order for the institution to be eligible for EASE funds.
The fiscal impact is indeterminate. See Fiscal Comments.
The bill is effective July 1, 2023.
This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: pcs1247.PEW
DATE: 3/17/2023
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Tuition Assistance Program
Present Situation
The Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program (EASE) is a tuition assistance program
administered by the Department of Education (DOE) 1 with the following parameters:
• Student eligibility requirements: 2
o Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an eligible college or university in a
program of study leading to a baccalaureate degree.
o Must not be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in theology or divinity.
o Must be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the State Board of Education.
o Must not have completed more than 110 percent of the degree program enrolled in.
• Institutional eligibility requirements: 3
o Must be an independent nonprofit college or university.
o Must be located in and chartered by the state of Florida.
o Must be accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools.
o Must grant baccalaureate degrees.
o Must not be a state university or Florida College System institution; and
o Must have a secular purpose, so long as the receipt of state aid by students at the institution
would not have the primary effect of advancing or impeding religion or result in an excessive
entanglement between the state and any religious group.
Funding for EASE is appropriated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). 4 Award amounts may be
prorated based on the number of students eligible to receive the award. As specified in the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2022-2023 GAA, the Legislature appropriated funds to support 37,705 qualified Florida residents
with an award of $2,000, 5 at 34 EASE-eligible institutions. The total appropriation for FY 2022-23 was
$75.4 million.
All institutions that receive EASE funding are required to submit an annual accountability report to the
DOE with the most recently available information on Florida resident students and include, at a
minimum, the following performance metrics, by institution: 6
• Access rate based upon percentage of Pell-eligible students;
• Affordability rate based upon average student loan debt; federal, state, and institutional financial
assistance; and average tuition and fees;
• Graduation rate;
• Retention rate; and
• Postgraduate employment or continuing education rate.
DOE must recommend minimum performance standards that EASE institutions must meet to remain
eligible to receive grant funds. 7 By October 1 of each year, DOE must submit a report to the chair of the
House Appropriations Committee, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the
1
S. 1009.89(2), F.S.
2
S. 1009.89(4), F.S.
3
S. 1009.89(3), F.S.
4
S. 1009.89(5), F.S.
5
See Specific Appropriation 58, ch. 2022-156, L.O.F.
6
S. 1009.89(5)(c), F.S.
7
Id.
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Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the performance of eligible institutions and the institutions
that have not met the minimum performance standards recommended by the department. 8
During the October 2022 reporting period, the DOE recommended the following performance
standards:
Also by October 1 each year, each institution that is eligible for an EASE Grant must prominently post
on its website its performance on the metrics, as reported to DOE. 9
Effect of Proposed Changes
To incentivize institutions to improve outcomes for grant recipient students, the bill proposes to tie
institutional eligibility for participation in the EASE program to performance against the metrics. Under
the bill, an institution must meet or exceed the minimum benchmark on any three out of the five metrics
to be eligible for its students to receive funding. To accomplish this, the bill establishes a tiered
structure for award amounts. If an institution meets no more than 2 out of 5 benchmarks, they will be
placed in Tier 3; if an institution meets or exceeds at least 3 out of 5 benchmarks, they will be placed in
Tier 2; if an institution meets the requirements of a Tier 2 institution and also meets or exceeds a
workforce graduation rate of 56 percent, it will be placed in Tier 1. The workforce graduation rate
measures degree production in in-demand fields. Pursuant to the bill, in-demand fields are those that
are included on Department of Economic Opportunity or Labor Market Estimating Conference statewide
or regional demand lists. Such programs include programs in healthcare, education, and STEM.
The award amount for Tier 2 will be as specified in the GAA. The award amount for Tier 1 will be $500
higher than the Tier 2 award. The award amount for Tier 3 will be $0.
For fiscal year 2023-2024, the benchmarks and minimum standards for each benchmark are as
follows 10:
Metric Benchmark
(2023-24)
Access Rate 32%
Affordability Rate $7,263
Graduation Rate 45%
Retention Rate 65%
Postgraduate Employment/Continuing Ed Rate 64%
To ensure continuous improvement of the state’s independent colleges and universities, the bill
requires the DOE continue to recommend minimum benchmarks that increase annually and strategies
for improvement.
8
S. 1009.89(5)(d), F.S.
9 S. 1009.89(5)(c), F.S.
10 EASE Accountability Report 2022, accessible here:
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3192&Session=20
23&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=hea+1-25-23.pdf. See presentation pages 10-14 (PDF pages 13-16).
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To enable the Legislature to incorporate a metric related to graduate employment in field of study, the
bill revises the institutional and Department of Education reporting requirements to require collection of
data on the percentage of grant recipient graduates who obtain employment in their field of study within
120 days after graduation. This data will likely be collected through a survey instrument.
The bill requires each institution to provide each resident student with data on its performance on the
metrics, the net cost to complete the student’s degree, and expected earning 1, 5, and 10 years after
graduation based on the chosen major. The institution’s president or chief administrative officer must
certify the institution is in compliance with the reporting, disclosure, and transparency requirements in
order for the institution to be eligible for EASE funds.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1. Amends s. 1009.89, F.S.; revising legislative findings; providing that tuition assistance
through the program shall be based on specified performance metrics and tiers; revising
eligibility criteria for institutions and persons to participate in the program; revising the
requirements for a specified report institutions must annually submit; providing for annual
minimum performance benchmarks and standards; providing requirements for such
benchmarks and standards; requiring the legislature to annually adopt benchmarks and
standards for specified purposes and evaluate institutions based on such benchmarks
for tier placement; providing funding requirements for such institutions based on such
tiers.
Section 2. Provides an effective date of July 1, 2023.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
See Fiscal Comments.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
See Fiscal Comments.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
The fiscal impact is indeterminate. The creation of a tiered award amount structure for the EASE
program will have varying impacts on institutions and students based upon institutional relative
performance.
Totals Institutions
Tier 1 – Tier 2 + $500 15
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Tier 2 – As specified in GAA 12
Tier 3 - $0 7
The bill specifies the award amount for Tier 2 will be as specified in the GAA. The fiscal impact may be
determined after publication of the FY 2023-2024 GAA.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
None. The bill does not appear to affect county or municipal governments.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
Not applicable.
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
PCS for HB 1247 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to the William L. Boyd, IV, Effective
3 Access to Student Education grants; amending s.
4 1009.89, F.S.; revising legislative findings;
5 providing that tuition assistance through the program
6 shall be based on specified performance metrics and
7 tiers; revising eligibility criteria for institutions
8 and persons to participate in the program; revising
9 the requirements for a specified report institutions
10 must annually submit; providing for annual minimum
11 performance benchmarks and standards; providing
12 requirements for such benchmarks and standards;
13 requiring the legislature to annually adopt benchmarks
14 and standards for specified purposes and evaluate
15 institutions based on such benchmarks for tier
16 placement; providing funding requirements for such
17 institutions based on such tiers; providing an
18 effective date.
19
20 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
21
22 Section 1. Section 1009.89, Florida Statutes, is amended
23 to read:
24 1009.89 The William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to
25 Student Education grants.—
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26 (1) The Legislature finds and declares that independent
27 nonprofit colleges and universities eligible to participate in
28 the William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education
29 Grant Program are an integral part of the higher education
30 system in this state and that a significant number of state
31 residents choose this form of higher education. The Legislature
32 further finds that a strong and viable system of high-performing
33 independent nonprofit colleges and universities reduces the tax
34 burden on the citizens of the state. Because the William L.
35 Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program is
36 not related to a student's financial need or other criteria upon
37 which financial aid programs are based, but is instead based on
38 specified performance metrics for each eligible institution, it
39 is the intent of the Legislature that the William L. Boyd, IV,
40 Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program not be
41 considered a financial aid program but rather a tuition
42 assistance program for its citizens. Such tuition assistance
43 shall be tiered based on each eligible institution's performance
44 metrics.
45 (2) The William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student
46 Education Grant Program shall be administered by the Department
47 of Education. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules for
48 the administration of the program.
49 (3) An institution is eligible to participate in the
50 department shall issue through the program a William L. Boyd,
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51 IV, Effective Access to Student Education grant program if the
52 institution is to any full-time degree-seeking undergraduate
53 student registered at an independent nonprofit college or
54 university which is located in and chartered by the state; which
55 is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
56 Association of Colleges and Schools; which grants baccalaureate
57 degrees; which is not a state university or Florida College
58 System institution; is in compliance with the reporting,
59 disclosure, and transparency requirements of this section and
60 other general law; and which has a secular purpose, so long as
61 the receipt of state aid by students at the institution would
62 not have the primary effect of advancing or impeding religion or
63 result in an excessive entanglement between the state and any
64 religious sect.
65 (4) A person is eligible to receive such William L. Boyd,
66 IV, Effective Access to Student Education grant if:
67 (a) He or she meets the general requirements, including
68 residency, for student eligibility as provided in s. 1009.40,
69 except as otherwise provided in this section.
70 (b)1. He or she is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate
71 student at an eligible college or university that is ranked Tier
72 1 or Tier 2 under paragraph (6)(a) in a program of study leading
73 to a baccalaureate degree.
74 2. He or she is not enrolled in a program of study leading
75 to a degree in theology or divinity.
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76 3. He or she is making satisfactory academic progress as
77 defined by the State Board of Education.
78 4. He or she has not completed more than 110 percent of
79 the degree program in which he or she is enrolled.
80 (5)(a) Funding for the William L. Boyd, IV, Effective
81 Access to Student Education Grant Program for eligible
82 institutions shall be as provided in the General Appropriations
83 Act. The William L. Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student
84 Education grant may be paid on a prorated basis in advance of
85 the registration period. The department shall make such payments
86 to the college or university in which the student is enrolled
87 for credit to the student's account for payment of tuition and
88 fees. Institutions shall certify to the department the amount of
89 funds disbursed to each student and shall remit to the
90 department any undisbursed advances or refunds within 60 days of
91 the end of regular registration. A student is not eligible to
92 receive the award for more than 9 semesters or 14 quarters,
93 except as otherwise provided in s. 1009.40(3).
94 (b) If the combined amount of the William L. Boyd, IV,
95 Effective Access to Student Education grant issued pursuant to
96 this act and all other scholarships and grants for tuition or
97 fees exceeds the amount charged to the student for tuition and
98 fees, the department shall reduce the William L. Boyd, IV,
99 Effective Access to Student Education grant issued pursuant to
100 this act by an amount equal to such excess.
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101 (c) By September 1 of each year, institutions receiving
102 funding as provided in the General Appropriations Act must
103 submit an Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program
104 Accountability Report to the Department of Education, in a
105 format prescribed by the department. The institution's president
106 or chief administrative officer shall certify in the report,
107 that the institution is in compliance with the reporting,
108 disclosure, and transparency requirements of this section and
109 other general law and that the institution has provided each
110 resident student with data on its performance on the metrics
111 listed in this paragraph, the student's net cost to complete his
112 or her degree, and, for students that have declared a major, the
113 declared major's expected earnings outcomes 1, 5, and 10 years
114 after graduation. The report must also use the most recently
115 available information on Florida resident students and include,
116 at a minimum, the following performance metrics, by institution:
117 1. Access rate based upon percentage of Pell Grant-
118 eligible students.
119 2. Affordability rate based upon average student loan
120 debt; federal, state, and institutional financial assistance;
121 and average tuition and fees.
122 3. Graduation rate.
123 4. Retention rate.
124 5. Postgraduate employment or continuing education rate.
125 6. Workforce graduation rate based upon the percentage of
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126 grant recipient graduates in high-demand programs that are
127 included on the Department of Economic Opportunity or Labor
128 Market Estimating Conference lists for statewide or regional
129 demand as a percentage of total grant recipient graduates.
130 7. Workforce employment rate based on the percentage of
131 grant recipient graduates who obtain employment in their field
132 of study within 120 days after graduation as a percentage of
133 total graduates employed within 120 days after graduation.
134
135 The department shall recommend minimum performance standards
136 that institutions must meet to remain eligible to receive grants
137 pursuant to this section. Each eligible institution shall post
138 prominently on its website, by October 1 of each year, its
139 performance on these metrics, as reported to the department.
140 (d) By October 1 of each year, the department shall submit
141 a report to the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the
142 chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Governor's
143 Office of Policy and Budget on the performance of each eligible
144 institution. The report must also recommend annual minimum
145 performance benchmarks for the performance metrics in paragraph
146 (c) and strategies to ensure continuous improvement of eligible
147 institutions and the program. The minimum performance benchmarks
148 included in the report must increase annually.
149 (e) For fiscal year 2023-2024, the benchmarks and minimum
150 standards for each benchmark are as follows:
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151 1. An access rate of 32 percent.
152 2. An affordability rate of $7,263.
153 3. A graduation rate of 45 percent.
154 4. A retention rate of 65 percent.
155 5. A postgraduate employment or continuing education rate
156 of 64 percent.
157 (f) Beginning with the 2024-2025 General Appropriations
158 Act and thereafter, the Legislature must also consider each
159 institution's workforce employment rate when determining
160 institutional eligibility institutions and the institutions that
161 have not met the minimum performance standards recommended by
162 the department.
163 (6)(a) Each year, the Legislature shall adopt benchmarks
164 and minimum standards specified in the General Appropriations
165 Act and shall evaluate each institution's performance based on
166 such benchmarks and place each institution in one of three tiers
167 for the purpose of determining award amounts. The tiers are
168 established as follows:
169 1. Tier 1: an institution that meets the requirements of a
170 Tier 2 institution and also meets or exceeds a workforce
171 graduation rate of 56 percent.
172 2. Tier 2: an institution that meets or exceeds at least 3
173 out of 5 benchmarks.
174 3. Tier 3: an institution that meets no more than 2 out of
175 5 benchmarks.
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176 (b) The per student award amounts for each tier shall be
177 as follows:
178 1. Tier 1: $500 more than the Tier 2 per student award
179 amount.
180 2. Tier 2: As specified in the General Appropriations Act.
181 3. Tier 3: $0.
182 (7)(6) If the number of eligible students exceeds the
183 total authorized in the General Appropriations Act, an
184 institution may use its own resources to assure that each
185 eligible student receives the full benefit of the grant amount
186 authorized.
187 (8)(7) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
188 implement this section.
189 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
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HB 1603
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LOCAL BILL STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: HB 1603 Okeechobee County
SPONSOR(S): Tuck
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS:
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special 17 Y, 0 N Roy Darden
Districts Subcommittee
2) Postsecondary Education & Workforce Kiner Kiner
Subcommittee
3) State Affairs Committee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
The State of Florida owns lands for many purposes including preservation, conservation, recreation, water
management, historic preservation, and administration of government. Most of these lands are held by the
Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board), consisting of the Governor and Cabinet.
The Board may acquire, sell, transfer, and administer state lands in the manner consistent with state law.
Indian River State College (IRSC) is a member of the Florida College System serving Indian River, Martin,
Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties. IRSC operates five campuses and serves approximately 30,000
students.
The Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys (AGDS) was a reform school operated by the state in Marianna from
1900 to 2011. A second campus was opened on Okeechobee in 1955. After an inspection of the Marianna
campus in 2009 revealed unmarked graves on the property, a number of historical and recent allegations were
brought forward against both locations, of which some are presently being investigated. An investigation was
commenced and concluded by the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, who complied a report following
historical research, investigations of current claims and investigations of the area. As of December 2022, no
similar graves to the ones discovered at the Marianna location have been discovered at the Okeechobee
location.
The bill directs the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to convey in fee simple to the
Board of Trustees of Indian River State College property in Okeechobee County consisting of approximately
205.52 acres. The parcel is a portion of the property that previously housed the Florida School for Boys at
Okeechobee. The bill requires the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to convey the
property within sixty days of the bill taking effect.
The bill requires a cultural resource assessment survey to be commenced within 90 days after Indian River
State College takes legal title to the property. The assessment must be conducted in accordance with the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and Florida Historical Resources Act and the scope of the work and
reports produced must meet the requirements of the Archaeological Historical Report Standards and
Guidelines in the Florida Administrative Code. The final report must be provided to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President of the Senate.
The bill is effective on July 1, 2023, or upon becoming a law, whichever occurs earlier.
This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h1603b.PEW
DATE: 3/17/2023
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Present Situation
State Lands
The State of Florida owns lands for many purposes including preservation, conservation, recreation,
water management, historic preservation, and administration of government. These lands include:
• All swamp and overflowed lands held by the state or which may inure to the state;
• All lands owned by the state by right of its sovereignty; 1
• All internal improvement lands proper;
• All tidal lands;
• All lands covered by shallow waters of the ocean or gulf, or bays or lagoons thereof, and all
lands owned by the state covered by fresh water;
• All parks, reservations, or lands or bottoms set aside in the name of the state, excluding lands
held for transportation facilities and transportation corridors and canal rights-of-way; and
• All lands which have accrued, or which may accrue, to the state. 2
State lands are held in trust for the use and benefit of the people of Florida by the Board of Trustees of
the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. 3 The board consists of the Governor, Attorney General, Chief
Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture. 4 This body may acquire, sell, transfer, and
administer state lands in the manner consistent with state law. 5
The Department of Environmental Protection, through its Division of State Lands, generally performs all
staff duties and functions related to the acquisition, administration, and disposition of state lands,
although certain staff duties related to state lands may be performed by water management districts,
the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission. 6 College and university facilities owned by the state total over 163 million square feet of
space statewide. 7
Indian River State College
Originally established as Indian River Junior College in 1959, Indian River State College (IRSC) moved
to its present primary campus on Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce in 1963. 8 IRSC merged with Lincoln
Junior College in 1965 to create one institution serving students in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee
and St. Lucie Counties. In the years since, the institution has undergone two name changes, first to
Indian River Community College in 1970 and then to IRSC in 2008 to reflect its status as a
baccalaureate degree granting institution. IRSC currently enrolls approximately 30,000 students and
1 These are “sovereignty submerged lands,” which include but are not limited to, tidal lands, islands, sand bars, shallow banks, and
lands waterward of the ordinary or mean high water line, beneath navigable fresh water or beneath tidally-influenced waters, to which
the State of Florida acquired title on March 3, 1845, by virtue of statehood, and which have not been heretofore conveyed or alienated.
R. 18-21.003(67), F.A.C.
2 S. 253.03(1), F.S.
3 S. 253.001, F.S.
4 S. 253.02(1), F.S.
5 Id.
6 S. 253.002(1), F.S.
7 Dept. of Environmental Protection, State of Florida Lands and Facilities Inventory Search,
https://prodenv.dep.state.fl.us/DslPi/splash?Create=new (last visited Mar. 10, 2023) (Data can be found by running a search of “State
Facilities” and selecting all Florida College System (FCS) and Statute University System (SUS) institutions in the “Agency” field).
8 Indian River State College, History, https://irsc.edu/about/history.html (last visited Mar. 10, 2023).
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has received national recognition as a community college of excellence. 9 IRSC currently operates five
campuses:
• Massey Campus in Ft. Pierce;
• Chastain Campus in Stuart;
• Dixon Hendry Campus in Okeechobee;
• Mueller Campus in Vero Beach; and
• Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie. 10
Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee
The Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys (AGDS) was a reform school operated by the state in Marianna
from 1900 to 2011. A second campus was opened in Okeechobee in 1955. 11 After an inspection of the
Marianna campus in 2009 revealed unmarked graves on the property, a number of historical and recent
allegations were brought forward regarding that location, of which some are presently still being
investigated. 12 Both facilities were closed permanently in 2011. 13
An investigation of the Okeechobee location examined similar claims of potential unmarked graves at
that location. 14 The investigation consisted of historical research; interviews with previous attendees of
the school, their families, and other involved persons; searches of suspected areas by cadaver dogs
and law enforcement; and confirmation of death for missing persons associated with the location. The
Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office has performed the investigation and audit of claims made against
the facility, and presented a report that accounts for former occupants of the reform school who have
been reported deceased. 15 As of December 2022, no similar graves have been discovered at the
Okeechobee location and all missing persons associated with the school have been accounted for. 16
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA)
The NHPA was passed to acknowledge the importance of protecting our nation’s heritage from
development. 17 The NHPA requires any federal agency with jurisdiction over a proposed federal or
federally-assisted project to consider the effect of the property on any historic property before
expending funds or issuing any license. 18
The NHPA requires the Governor of each state to appoint a state historic preservation officer (SHPO)
to administer its historical preservation programs. 19 The SHPO is responsible for directing and conduct
a comprehensive statewide survey of historical property in coordination with federal and state agencies,
local governments, and private organizations. 20 The NHPA also requires the SHPO to:
• Identity and nominate eligible property to the National Register and otherwise administer
application for listing historical property on the Register;
• Prepare and implement comprehensive statewide historical preservation plans;
• Administer the state programs of federal assistance for historic preservation within the state;
• Advise and assist federal and state agencies in carrying out historical preservation
responsibilities;
9 Aspen Institute, 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Awarded to Florida’s Indian River State College and Miami
Dade College, https://www.aspeninstitute.org/news/press-release/2019-aspen-prize-for-community-college-excellence/ (last visited
Mar. 10, 2023).
10 Indian River State College, Campuses, https://irsc.edu/about/campuses.html (last visited Mar. 10, 2023).
11 Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement, Office of Executive Investigations. Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys Abuse Investigation. Case No.
EI-04-0005. Jan. 29, 2010, (Last visited Mar. 11, 2023.)
12 United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. Investigation of the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and the Jackson
Juvenile Offender Center, Marianna, Florida. Dec. 1 2011 (Last accessed March 11, 2023).
13 Id.
14 Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Report No. 14S08996, History of the Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee.
15 Id.
16 See id at 135.
17 National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,
https://ncshpo.org/resources/national-historic-preservation-act-of-1966/ (last visited Mar. 10, 2023)
18 54 U.S.C s. 306108
19 54 U.S.C s. 302301
20 54 U.S.C s. 302303
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• Cooperate with other federal and state agencies, local governments, and private organizations
and individuals to ensure that historic property is taken into consideration at all levels of
planning and development;
• Provide public information, education, and training and technical assistance in historic
preservation;
• Cooperate with local governments in the development of local historic preservation programs;
• Consult with appropriate Federal agencies in accordance with this division on Federal
undertakings and the content and sufficiency of any plans developed to protect, manage, or
reduce harm to the property; and
• Advise and assist in the evaluation of proposals for rehabilitation projects that qualify for Federal
assistance. 21
Florida Historical Resources Act (Act)
Florida law states the rich and unique heritage of historic properties in this state, representing more
than 10,000 years of human presence, is an important legacy to be valued and conserved for present
and future generations. 22 The destruction of these nonrenewable historical resources will engender a
significant loss to the state’s quality of life, economy, and cultural environment.
Similar to requirements for federal agencies under the NHPA, the Act requires each state agency that
has direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed state or state-assisted project, to, in accordance with
state policy, consider the effect of the undertaking on any historic property that is included in, or eligible
for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places before expending any state funds on the
project. The agency is required to provide the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of
State (Division) a reasonable opportunity to comment on such an undertaking. 23
The Division may designate an archaeological site as a “state archaeological landmark” if it finds the
location is of significance to the scientific study or public representation of the state’s historical,
prehistoric, or aboriginal past. 24 In addition, the Division may publicly designate an interrelated grouping
of significant archaeological sites as a “state archaeological landmark zone.” However, no site or
grouping of sites may be designated without the express written consent of the private owner. Upon
designation of an archaeological site, the owners and occupants of each designated state
archaeological landmark or landmark zone must be given written notification of such designation by the
Division. Once designated, no person may conduct field investigation activities without first securing a
permit from the Division. 25
Archaeological and Historical Report Standards and Guidelines
The Archaeological and Historical Report Standards and Guidelines (Guidelines) specifies criteria by
which the Division will review reports of cultural resource activities on:
• Federally assisted, licensed or permitted projects;
• Projects on state owned or controlled property or state assisted, licensed, or permitted projects;
and
• Local projects for which the Division has review authority. 26
The reports of the results of archaeological fieldwork and historical fieldwork activities must contain
sufficient detail for the Division to review for completeness and sufficiency. For projects of limited
scope, topics that are not applicable may be omitted when a justification for this decision is provided. 27
Effect of Proposed Changes
21 54 U.S.C ss. 302303(b)(2)-(10)
22 S. 267.061(1)(a), F.S.
23 S. 267.061(2)(a), F.S.
24 S. 267.11, F.S.
25 Id.
26 Fla. Admin. Code 1A-46.001(1)
27 Fla. Admin. Code 1A-46.001(3)
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The bill directs the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to convey in fee simple to
the Board of Trustees of Indian River State College property in Okeechobee County consisting of
approximately 205.52 acres. The parcel is a portion of the property that previously housed the Florida
School for Boys at Okeechobee. The bill requires the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
Trust Fund to convey the property within sixty days of the bill taking effect.
The bill requires a cultural resource assessment survey to be commenced within 90 days after Indian
River State College takes legal title to the property. The assessment must be conducted in accordance
with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and Florida Historical Resources Act. The scope of
the work and reports must meet the requirements of the Archaeological Historical Report Standards
and Guidelines in the Florida Administrative code.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1: Requires the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to convey
property in fee simple to the Board of Trustees of Indian River State College, and
provides a description of the property.
Section 2: Provides a timeframe the Internal Improvement Trust Fund must convey the land to
Indian River College.
Section 3: Provides a timeframe for a cultural resource assessment survey must be commenced
beginning from when Indian River State College takes legal title to the property.
Section 4: Provides an effective date of July 1, 2023 or upon becoming law, whichever occurs
earlier.
II. NOTICE/REFERENDUM AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
A. NOTICE PUBLISHED? Yes [x] No []
IF YES, WHEN? January 18, 2023
WHERE? Lake Okeechobee News, a weekly newspaper of general circulation published in
Okeechobee County, Florida.
B. REFERENDUM(S) REQUIRED? Yes [] No [x]
IF YES, WHEN?
C. LOCAL BILL CERTIFICATION FILED? Yes [x] No []
D. ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT FILED? Yes [x] No []
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
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The bill does not provide rulemaking authority or require executive branch rulemaking.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
None.
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 1603 2023
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to Okeechobee County; transferring
3 real property from the Board of Trustees of the
4 Internal Improvement Fund to the Board of Trustees of
5 Indian River State College; requiring a certain survey
6 and report; providing an effective date.
7
8 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9
10 Section 1. The Board of Trustees of the Internal
11 Improvement Trust Fund shall convey to the Board of Trustees of
12 Indian River State College, in fee simple, and for all uses as
13 permitted by law, the following described real property located
14 in Okeechobee County and more particularly described as follows:
15
16 A parcel of land in Okeechobee County, Florida
17 situated in Sections 27 and 34 of Township 36 South,
18 Range 35 East and being a portion of those lands
19 described in Official Records Book 150, Page 361 of
20 the Public Records of Okeechobee County, being more
21 particularly described as:
22
23 That portion of the south one-half of said Section 27
24 lying east of State Highway No. 15 (formerly No. 29)
25 and northwesterly of Williamson Ditch, a strip of land
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 1603 2023
26 200' in width for outfall and drainage as described in
27 Official Records Book 10, Pages 297 and 409 of the
28 Public Records of Okeechobee County, FL.
29
30 Together with that portion of said Section 34 lying
31 east of State Highway No. 15 (formerly 29) and
32 northwesterly of Williamson Ditch, a strip of land
33 200' in width for outfall and drainage as described in
34 Official Records Book 10, Pages 297 and 409, also
35 lying northeast of Taylor Creek permanent easement as
36 described in Official Records Book 56, Page 547 of the
37 Public Records of Okeechobee County, FL. and northwest
38 of a permanent easement for Taylor Creek Channel as
39 described in Official Records Book 56, Page 551 of the
40 Public Records of Okeechobee County, FL.
41
42 Containing 205.52 acres more or less.
43
44 Section 2. The Board of Trustees of the Internal
45 Improvement Trust Fund shall convey the above-described land to
46 the Board of Trustees of Indian River State College within 60
47 days after the effective date of this act.
48 Section 3. Within 90 days after Indian River State College
49 takes legal title to the above-referenced land, a cultural
50 resource assessment survey shall be commenced. This assessment
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HB 1603 2023
51 shall be conducted in accordance with Section 106 of the
52 National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Public Law 89-655,
53 as amended, as implemented by 36 C.F.R. 800, Protection of
54 Historic Properties, and chapter 267, Florida Statutes. The
55 scope of work and report shall meet the requirements of Chapter
56 1A-46, Archaeological and Historical Report Standards and
57 Guidelines, Florida Administrative Code. The final report shall
58 be provided to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and
59 President of the Senate.
60 Section 4. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2023, or
61 upon becoming a law, whichever occurs earlier.
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hb1603-00
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