DeSantis signs slew of legislation bolstering school choice, education, more
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed five school choice and education related bills on Thursday, revising public and private school requirements, as well as certain grants and tax credits.
HB 1403 – School Choice
The legislation bolsters school choice access for student, particularly through expanded eligibility for the Family Empowerment Scholarship and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship.
The bill also revises and updates the application process of other school choice scholarships and programs.
It was sponsored by Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Auburndale, and will go into effect on July 1.
HB 1361 – Education
The bill specifically expands the eligibility for the New Worlds Scholarship to include students enrolled in a Voluntary Prekindergarten Program. The goal is to address any substantial learning deficiencies exhibited in children relating to early literacy or mathematics skills.
Additionally, it establishes the New World Tutoring Program to help school districts in improving k-5 learning skills.
It was sponsored by Rep. John Temple, R-Wildwood, and will go into effect on July 1.
SB 7032 – Education
The legislation creates the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Program in the Florida Department of Education, providing valuable career credentials for students who may have fallen behind in their high school education.
To qualify for the GATE program, Florida students must be between the ages of 16-21; not have a standard high school diploma, or equivalent; must be enrolled in an “adult secondary education program and a career education program at a college, career center, or a charter technical career center”; and must choose a Career and Technical Education Pathway or Program.
The bill was sponsored by the Appropriations and Postsecondary Education Senate Committees. Rep. Lauren Melo, R-Naples, filed the House version.
SB 7002 – Deregulation of Public Schools
Championed by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, the legislation simplifies school board rule making, delegates more responsibilities to superintendents for officiating policies, provides flexibility for making up days lost due to emergencies, allows online meeting notices for students issues, along with many other actions.
Sens. Rosalind Osgood, D-Tamarac, and Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami joined in co-sponsoring the bill.
It’s part of a larger education deregulation package championed by the Senate. The bill is set to ho into effect on July 1.
SB 7004 – Education
The legislation intends to help school districts have greater authority in determining student progress, implementing school improvement programs, as well as providing instructional material and early learning programs.
Like Hutson’s bill, the legislation is part of larger education deregulation efforts done by the Senate.
It was sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee. Sen. Osgood also joined in co-sponsoring.
The bill will go into effect on July 1.
