SB 7030 — Educational Scholarship Programs

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb background screening results available upon request.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb j.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, or half sister.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb organization, prior to scholarship payment.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (h) Employ or contract with teachers who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees, have at least 3 years of teaching experience in public or private schools, or have special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught.

Regular and direct contact with teachers may be satisfied for students enrolled pursuantin toa s.personalized education program if students have regular and direct contact with teachers at the physical location at least 2 school days per week and the student learning plan addresses the remaining instructional time.

1002.394(4)(b) or in a personalized education program if students have regular and direct contact with teachers at the physical location at least 2 school days per week and the student learning plan addresses the remaining instructional time.

(m) Require each employee and contracted personnel with direct student contact, upon employment or engagement to provide services, to undergo a state and national background screening, Page 37 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb services, to undergo a state and national background screening, pursuant to s.

All fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement as required by this section shall be retained by the Department of Law Enforcement in a manner provided by rule and entered in the statewide automated biometric identification Pagesystem 38authorized ofby 139s. CODING:

943.05(2)(b).

Such fingerprints shall Page 38 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb systemthereafter be available for all purposes and uses authorized byfor arrest fingerprints entered in the statewide automated biometric identification system pursuant to s.

943.05(2)(b).

Such fingerprints shall thereafter be available for all purposes and uses authorized for arrest fingerprints entered in the statewide automated biometric identification system pursuant to s.

Every 5 years following employment or engagement to provide services with a private school, employees or contracted Page 39 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb provide services with a private school, employees or contracted personnel required to be screened under this section must meet screening standards under s.

A private school, or any of its employees, may not enter into a confidentiality agreement regarding terminated or dismissed educational support employees, instructional personnel, or Page 40 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb educational support employees, instructional personnel, or school administrators, or employees, personnel, or administrators who resign in lieu of termination, based in whole or in part on misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student, and may not provide the employees, personnel, or administrators with employment references or discuss the employees’, personnel’s, or administrators’ performance with prospective employers in another educational setting, without disclosing the employees’, personnel’s, or administrators’ misconduct.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term “owner or operator” means an owner, operator, superintendent, or principal Page 41 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb operator” means an owner, operator, superintendent, or principal of, or a person with equivalent decisionmaking authority over, a private school participating in a scholarship program established pursuant to this chapter.

Fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement as required by this paragraph must be retained by Page 42 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Enforcement as required by this paragraph must be retained by the Department of Law Enforcement in a manner approved by rule and entered in the statewide automated biometric identification system authorized by s.

c.

Section 409.920, relating to Medicaid provider fraud.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb c.d.

Section 409.920, relating to Medicaid provider fraud.

d.

At least 30 calendar days before a transfer of ownership of a private school, the owner or operator shall notify the Pageparent 44 of 139each CODING:scholarship student.

Page 44 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb parent7. of each scholarship student.

7.

1012.315, or have been terminated or have resigned in lieu of termination for sexual misconduct Page 45 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb or have resigned in lieu of termination for sexual misconduct with a student.

If a private school fails to meet the requirements of this subsection or subsection (8) or has consecutive years of material exceptions listed in the report required under Page 46 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb material exceptions listed in the report required under paragraph (p) (q), the commissioner may determine that the private school is ineligible to participate in a scholarship program.

A department inquiry is not subject to the requirements of chapter Page 47 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb department inquiry is not subject to the requirements of chapter 120.

Upon the request of a participating private school authorized to administer statewide assessments, provide at no cost to the school the statewide assessments administered under Pages. 48 of 139 CODING:

1008.22 and any related materials for administering the Page 48 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb s.assessments.

1008.22 and any related materials for administering the assessments.

(c) Annually, by December 15, the department shall report Page 49 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (c) Annually, by December 15, the department shall report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives its actions in implementing accountability in the scholarship programs under this section, any substantiated allegations or violations of law or rule by an eligible private school under this section, and the corrective action taken.

However, if the noncompliance is correctable within a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 45 days, and if the health, safety, or welfare of the students is not threatened, the commissioner may issue a notice of noncompliance which provides the private school with a timeframe within which to provide evidence of compliance before taking action to suspend or revoke the private Page 50 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb compliance before taking action to suspend or revoke the private school’s participation in the scholarship program.

Page(d)1. 51 of 139 CODING:

In making such a determination, may consider factors Page 51 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (d)1.that include, but are not limited to, acts or omissions by an owner or operator which led to a previous denial, suspension, or revocation of participation in a state or federal education scholarship program;

In making such a determination, may consider factors that include, but are not limited to, acts or omissions by an owner or operator which led to a previous denial, suspension, or revocation of participation in a state or federal education scholarship program;

The private school that is adversely affected by the proposed action shall have 15 days after receipt of the notice Page 52 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb proposed action shall have 15 days after receipt of the notice of proposed action to file with the department’s agency clerk a request for a proceeding pursuant to ss.

1002.22, in incidents of alleged fraudulent activity pursuant to this section, the department’s Office of Inspector General is authorized to release personally identifiable records or reports of students to the following Page 53 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb identifiable records or reports of students to the following persons or organizations:

The form of such notice shall be provided by the department, and the school district shall include the provided form in any normal correspondence with eligible Page 54 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb provided form in any normal correspondence with eligible households.

(c) Each school district must publish information about a scholarship program established under this chapter on the Pagedistrict’s 55website ofhomepage. 139 CODING:

At a minimum, the published Page 55 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb district’sinformation must include a website homepage.link to the scholarship programs published on the department’s website as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that students and parents may use to contact relevant personnel in the school district to obtain information about the scholarship.

At a minimum, the published information must include a website link to the scholarship programs published on the department’s website as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that students and parents may use to contact relevant personnel in the school district to obtain information about the scholarship.

(a) “Approved provider” means a provider approved by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, a health care practitioner Page 56 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Agency for Persons with Disabilities, a health care practitioner as defined in s.

or identification as dual sensory impaired, as defined by rules of the State Board of Page 57 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb sensory impaired, as defined by rules of the State Board of Education and evidenced by reports from local school districts.

(l) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as Page 58 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (l) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as provided in s.

Is a resident of this state or the dependent child of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who has received permanent change of station orders to this state or, at Page 59 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb received permanent change of station orders to this state or, at the time of renewal, whose home of record or state of legal residence is Florida;

1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the Page 60 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005;

As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular Page 61 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s.

Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program that meets all of the Pagefollowing 62requirements: of 139 CODING:

Page 62 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb followinga. requirements:

a.

Page8.7. 63 of 139 CODING:

Contracted services provided by a public school or Page 63 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 8.7.school district, including classes.

Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes.

Page13.12. 64 of 139 CODING:

Fees for an annual evaluation of educational Page 64 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 13.12.progress by a state-certified teacher under s.

Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s.

The student, who uses the scholarship for tuition and fees pursuant to subparagraph (4)(a)1., enrolls in a public Pageschool. 65 of 139 CODING:

However, if a student enters a Department of Juvenile Page 65 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb school.Justice detention center for a period of no more than 21 days, the student is not considered to have returned to a public school on a full-time basis for that purpose;

However, if a student enters a Department of Juvenile Justice detention center for a period of no more than 21 days, the student is not considered to have returned to a public school on a full-time basis for that purpose;

Reimbursements for program expenditures may continue until the account balance is expended or remaining funds have Pagereverted 66to ofthe 139state. CODING:

Page 66 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb reverted(b)1. to the state.

(b)1.

Any period of 3 consecutive years after high school completion or graduation during which the student has not been enrolled in an eligible postsecondary educational institution or Page 67 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb enrolled in an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the institution;

(a) Enrolled full time in a public school, including, but not limited to, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the College-Preparatory Boarding Academy, the Florida School for Competitive Academics, the Florida Virtual School, the Florida Scholars Academy, a developmental research school authorized Pageunder 68s. of 139 CODING:

1002.32, or a charter school authorized under this Page 68 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb underchapter. s.

1002.32, or a charter school authorized under this chapter.

1002.421(9)(i) s.

(7) SCHOOL DISTRICT OBLIGATIONS.— (a) By January 1 of each year, a school district shall inform all households within the district receiving free or reduced-priced meals under the National School Lunch Act of their eligibility to apply to the department for a Family Page 69 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb their eligibility to apply to the department for a Family Empowerment Scholarship.

The department shall notify the parent and the organization of the amount of the funds awarded within 10 days Page 70 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb organization of the amount of the funds awarded within 10 days after receiving the school district’s notification of the student’s matrix level.

c.b.c.

(d) Upon the request of the department, a school district shall coordinate with the department to provide to a participating private school the statewide assessments Page 71 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb participating private school the statewide assessments administered under s.

Page1. 72 of 139 CODING:

Publish and update, as necessary, information on the Page 72 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 1.department website about the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, including, but not limited to, student eligibility criteria, parental responsibilities, and relevant data.

Publish and update, as necessary, information on the department website about the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, including, but not limited to, student eligibility criteria, parental responsibilities, and relevant data.

Page(b)8. 73 of 139 CODING:

Maintain on its website a list of approved providers Page 73 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (b)8.as required by s.

Maintain on its website a list of approved providers as required by s.

any parent input and Pagefeedback 74collected ofregarding 139the CODING:program;

and any other Page 74 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb feedbackinformation collecteddeemed regardingnecessary by the program;department.

and any other information deemed necessary by the department.

In determining whether to suspend or revoke participation or lift a suspension or revocation in accordance with this paragraph, the department may consider factors that include, but are not limited to, acts or omissions that led to a previous Page 75 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb are not limited to, acts or omissions that led to a previous suspension or revocation of participation in a state or federal program or an education scholarship program;

(b) Provide to the organization all documentation required Page 76 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (b) Provide to the organization all documentation required for a student’s participation, including confirmation of the student’s admission to the private school, the private school’s and student’s fee schedules, and any other information required by the organization to process scholarship payment under subparagraph (12)(a)4.

A participating private school may choose to offer and administer the statewide assessments to all students who attend the private school in grades 3 through 10 and must submit a request in writing to the department by March 1 of each year in order to administer the statewide assessments in the Page 77 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb in order to administer the statewide assessments in the subsequent school year.

4.2.4.

Inform the applicable school district when the parent withdraws his or her student from a public school to attend an Page 78 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb withdraws his or her student from a public school to attend an eligible private school using the standard withdrawal form developed by the department pursuant to s.

Agree to have the organization commit scholarship funds on behalf of his or her student for tuition and fees for which the parent is responsible for payment at the eligible private school before using scholarship account funds for additional Page 79 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb school before using scholarship account funds for additional authorized uses under paragraph (4)(a).

Affirming that the program funds are used only for authorized purposes serving the student’s educational needs, as Page 80 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb authorized purposes serving the student’s educational needs, as described in paragraph (4)(b);

Enrolling his or her child in a program from a Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program provider authorized Pageunder 81s. of 139 CODING:

1002.55, a school readiness provider authorized under Page 81 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb under s.

1002.55, a school readiness provider authorized under s.

The parent may not designate any entity or individual associated with the eligible private school as the parent’s Pageattorney 82in offact 139to CODING:approve a funds transfer.

When the student Page 82 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb attorneyreceives ina factscholarship, the district school board is not obligated to approveprovide the student with a fundsfree transfer.appropriate public education.

When the student receives a scholarship, the district school board is not obligated to provide the student with a free appropriate public education.

Page2. 83 of 139 CODING:

Establish a process that allows a parent to apply for a Page 83 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 2.new scholarship.

Establish a process that allows a parent to apply for a new scholarship.

If a parent purchases a product identical to one offered by an organization’s online platform Page 84 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb identical to one offered by an organization’s online platform for a lower price, the organization must reimburse the parent the cost of the product.

A student’s renewal is contingent upon an eligible private school providing confirmation of student Pageadmission 85pursuant ofto 139subsection CODING:(9), if applicable.

The process Page 85 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb admissionmust pursuantrequire tothat subsectionparents (9),confirm ifthat applicable.the scholarship is being renewed or declined by May 31.

The process must require that parents confirm that the scholarship is being renewed or declined by May 31.

Notify the parent about the availability of, and the requirements associated with requesting, an initial IEP or IEP Page 86 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb requirements associated with requesting, an initial IEP or IEP reevaluation every 3 years for each student participating in the program.

Such administrative expense amount is considered within the 3-percent limit on the total amount an organization may use to administer Pagescholarships 87under ofthis 139chapter. CODING:

Page 87 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb scholarships(d) underAn thiseligible chapter.nonprofit scholarship-funding organization shall establish a process to collect input and feedback from parents, private schools, and providers before implementing substantial modifications or enhancements to the reimbursement process.

(d) An eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization shall establish a process to collect input and feedback from parents, private schools, and providers before implementing substantial modifications or enhancements to the reimbursement process.

Upon receiving the verified list of eligible scholarship students, Page 88 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb receiving the verified list of eligible scholarship students, the department shall release, from state funds only, the amount calculated pursuant to subparagraph 1.

Page4. 89 of 139 CODING:

An organization may not transfer any funds to an account Page 89 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 4.of a student determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(a) which has a balance in excess of $24,000.

An organization may not transfer any funds to an account of a student determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(a) which has a balance in excess of $24,000.

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “prior school year in attendance” means that the student was enrolled and Page 90 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb year in attendance” means that the student was enrolled and reported by:

1011.62(8), the funds must be allocated based on the school district’s average exceptional Page 91 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb allocated based on the school district’s average exceptional student education guaranteed allocation funds per exceptional student education full-time equivalent student.

to the organization for deposit into the student’s account in quarterly payments no later than August Page 92 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb the student’s account in quarterly payments no later than August 1, November 1, February 1, and April 1 of each school year in which the scholarship is in force.

Commodities or services related to the development of such a system must be procured by competitive solicitation unless they are purchased from a state Page 93 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb competitive solicitation unless they are purchased from a state term contract pursuant to s.

(b) “Choice navigator” means an individual who meets the Page 94 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (b) “Choice navigator” means an individual who meets the requirements of sub-subparagraph (6)(d)4.g.

or an independent college or university that is eligible to participate in the Page 95 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb college or university that is eligible to participate in the William L.

(j) “Household income” has the same meaning as the term “income” as defined in the Income Eligibility Guidelines for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Page 96 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program in 7 C.F.R.

(h)(p) “Unweighted FTE funding amount” means the statewide average total funds per unweighted full-time equivalent funding amount that is incorporated by reference in the General Appropriations Act, or any subsequent special appropriations Pageact, 97for ofthe 139applicable CODING:state fiscal year.

Page 97 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb act,(3) forPROGRAM; the applicable state fiscal year.

(3) PROGRAM;

1002.32, or a charter school authorized under this Pagechapter. 98 of 139 CODING:

For purposes of this paragraph, a 3- or 4-year-old Page 98 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb chapter.child who receives services funded through the Florida Education Finance Program is considered a student enrolled full time in a public school;

For purposes of this paragraph, a 3- or 4-year-old child who receives services funded through the Florida Education Finance Program is considered a student enrolled full time in a public school;

1002.421(9)(i) s.

(b) Must comply with the following background check requirements:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (b)1. Must comply with the following background check requirements:

1.

Upon submission of fingerprints for this purpose, the eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization shall request that the Department of Law Enforcement forward the fingerprints to Page 100 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb nonprofit scholarship-funding organization shall request that the Department of Law Enforcement forward the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for level 2 screening, and the fingerprints shall be retained by the Department of Law Enforcement under subparagraph 3.

The fee may be borne by Pagethe 101owner or operator of 139the CODING:nonprofit scholarship-funding organization.

Page 101 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb the5. owner or operator of the nonprofit scholarship-funding organization.

5.

Pageh. 102 of 139 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 h.

Section 817.568, relating to criminal use of personal identificationPage information.102 of 139 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb identification information.

Shall establish a process for parents who are in Pagecompliance 103with ofparagraph 139(7)(a) CODING:to renew their students’ scholarships.

Renewal applications for the 2025-2026 school year Page 103 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb complianceand withthereafter paragraphmust (7)(a)provide tofor renewa theirrenewal students’timeline scholarships.beginning February 1 of the prior school year and ending April 30 of the prior school year.

Renewal applications for the 2025-2026 school year and thereafter must provide for a renewal timeline beginning February 1 of the prior school year and ending April 30 of the prior school year.

Pagea. 104 of 139 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 a.

Has a publicly available description of courses and activities.Page 104 of 139 CODING:

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb activities.

A student who receives contracted services under this subparagraph sub-subparagraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (9) (11) but rather Pageattending 105a ofpublic 139school CODING:on a part-time basis as authorized under s.

1002.44.

Page 105 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb attending8.g. a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s.

1002.44.

8.g.

Renewal scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 school year and thereafter must provide for a renewal timeline beginning Page 106 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Renewal scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 school year and thereafter must provide for a renewal timeline beginning February 1 of the prior school year and ending April 30 of the prior school year.

(g) Must provide a new scholarship to an eligible student Pageon 107a offirst-come, 139first-served CODING:basis unless the student is seeking priority eligibility pursuant to subsection (3).

Page 107 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb on(g)(h) Must refer any student eligible for a first-come,scholarship first-servedpursuant basisto unlessthis section who did not receive a renewal or initial scholarship based solely on the studentlack isof seekingavailable priorityfunds eligibilityunder pursuantthis section to subsectionanother (3).eligible nonprofit scholarship- funding organization that may have funds available.

(g)(h) Must refer any student eligible for a scholarship pursuant to this section who did not receive a renewal or initial scholarship based solely on the lack of available funds under this section to another eligible nonprofit scholarship- funding organization that may have funds available.

Administrative expenses from eligible contributions may not exceed 3 percent of the total amount of all scholarships and Page 108 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Administrative expenses from eligible contributions may not exceed 3 percent of the total amount of all scholarships and stipends funded by an eligible scholarship-funding organization under this chapter.

All amounts carried forward, for audit purposes, must be specifically identified for particular students, by student name and the name of the school to which the student is admitted, subject to the requirements of Pagess. 109 of 139 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 ss.

Any amountsPage carried109 forwardof shall139 beCODING: expended for annual or partial- year scholarships in the following state fiscal year.

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb amounts carried forward shall be expended for annual or partial- year scholarships in the following state fiscal year.

All transferred funds must be deposited by Pagethe 110receiving ofnonprofit 139scholarship-funding CODING:organization into its scholarship accounts.

All transferred amounts received by Page 110 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb theany receiving nonprofit scholarship-funding organization intomust itsbe scholarshipseparately accounts.disclosed in the annual financial and compliance audit required in this section.

All transferred amounts received by any nonprofit scholarship-funding organization must be separately disclosed in the annual financial and compliance audit required in this section.

In addition, an eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization must submit in a timely manner the verified list of eligible scholarship students and any information requested by the PageDepartment 111 of 139Education CODING:relating to the scholarship program.

(l)1.a.(q)1.a.

Must participate in the joint development of Page 111 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Departmentagreed-upon ofprocedures Educationduring relatingthe to2009-2010 thestate scholarshipfiscal program.year.

(l)1.a.(q)1.a.

Must participate in the joint development of agreed-upon procedures during the 2009-2010 state fiscal year.

1002.421(1)(q) if the scholarship-funding organization provided the majority of the Pagescholarship 112funding ofto 139the CODING:school.

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 scholarship funding to the school.

1002.421(1)(q), thePage appropriate112 scholarship-funding organization shall annually notify the Commissioner of Education139 byCODING: October 30 of:

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Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb the appropriate scholarship-funding organization shall annually notify the Commissioner of Education by October 30 of:

Boyd, IV, Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program, located and chartered in this state, is not for profit, and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges Pageand 113Schools. of 139 CODING:

(n)(s) Must provide to the Auditor General any information Page 113 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb andor Schools.documentation requested in connection with an operational audit of a scholarship-funding organization conducted pursuant to s.

(n)(s) Must provide to the Auditor General any information or documentation requested in connection with an operational audit of a scholarship-funding organization conducted pursuant to s.

(p)(u) May permit eligible students to use program funds for the purposes specified in paragraph (d), as authorized in Page 114 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (p)(u) May permit eligible students to use program funds for the purposes specified in paragraph (d), as authorized in the organization’s purchasing handbook, by paying for the authorized use directly, then submitting a reimbursement request to the eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization.

Information and documentation provided to the Department of Education and the Auditor General relating to the identity of a Page 115 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Information and documentation provided to the Department of Education and the Auditor General relating to the identity of a taxpayer that provides an eligible contribution under this section shall remain confidential at all times in accordance with s.

Page6. 116 of 139 CODING:

Meet with the eligible private school’s principal or the principal’s designee to review the school’s academic programs Page 116 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 6.and policies, specialized services, code of student conduct, and attendance policies before enrollment.

Meet with the eligible private school’s principal or the principal’s designee to review the school’s academic programs and policies, specialized services, code of student conduct, and attendance policies before enrollment.

Agree to have the organization commit scholarship funds on behalf of his or her student for tuition and fees for which the parent is responsible for payment at the participating private school before using scholarship account funds for Page 117 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb the parent is responsible for payment at the participating private school before using scholarship account funds for additional authorized uses under paragraph (6)(d).

Affirming that the parent is responsible for all Pageeligible 118expenses in excess of 139the CODING:amount of the scholarship and for the education of his or her student.

Page 118 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb eligible(c)c. expenses in excess of the amount of the scholarship and for the education of his or her student.

(c)c.

1002.421(9)(i) s.

An eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization may not further regulate, exercise control over, or require Page 119 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb An eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization may not further regulate, exercise control over, or require documentation beyond the requirements of this subsection unless the regulation, control, or documentation is necessary for participation in the program.

A participating private school must annually report Pageby 120August 15 the scores of 139all CODING:participating students to a state university described in paragraph (9)(f).

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 by August 15 the scores of all participating students to a state university described in paragraph (9)(f).

1008.22Page if120 aof participating139 privateCODING: school chooses to offer the statewide assessments.

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Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb 1008.22 if a participating private school chooses to offer the statewide assessments.

(d) Notify eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding Pageorganizations 121of the deadlines for submitting the verified list of 139eligible CODING:scholarship students;

cross-check the verified list with the public school enrollment lists to avoid duplication;

Page 121 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb organizationsand, ofwhen the deadlinesFlorida forEducation submittingFinance theProgram verifiedis listrecalculated, adjust the amount of eligiblestate scholarshipfunds students;allocated to school districts through the Florida Education Finance Program based upon the results of the cross-check.

cross-check the verified list with the public school enrollment lists to avoid duplication;

and, when the Florida Education Finance Program is recalculated, adjust the amount of state funds allocated to school districts through the Florida Education Finance Program based upon the results of the cross-check.

To minimize costs and reduce time required for the state university’s analysis and evaluation, the Department of Education shall coordinate with the state university to provide Page 122 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb minimize costs and reduce time required for the state university’s analysis and evaluation, the Department of Education shall coordinate with the state university to provide data to the state university in order to conduct analyses of matched students from public school assessment data and calculate control group student performance using an agreed-upon methodology with the state university;

1232g, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and the applicable rules and Pageregulations 123issued pursuant thereto, and shall be for the sole purpose of 139creating CODING:the annual report required by subparagraph 1.

All parties must preserve the confidentiality of such Page 123 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb regulationsinformation issuedas pursuant thereto, and shall be for the sole purpose of creating the annual report required by subparagraphlaw. 1.

All parties must preserve the confidentiality of such information as required by law.

(e)(j) Provide a process to match the direct certification list with the scholarship application data submitted by any nonprofit scholarship-funding organization eligible to receive Page 124 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb (e)(j) Provide a process to match the direct certification list with the scholarship application data submitted by any nonprofit scholarship-funding organization eligible to receive the 3-percent administrative allowance under paragraph (6)(i) (6)(l).

A school district is responsible for implementing test administrations at a participating private Pageschool, 125including ofthe: 139 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 school, including the:

2.Page 125 of 139 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb 2.

Ninety-six percent for a student enrolled in grade 9 Pagethrough 126grade of12. 139 CODING:

2.

For students initially eligible in the 2019-2020 school year or thereafter, the calculated amount for a student to Page 126 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb throughattend gradean 12.eligible private school shall be calculated in accordance with s.

2.

For students initially eligible in the 2019-2020 school year or thereafter, the calculated amount for a student to attend an eligible private school shall be calculated in accordance with s.

(b)(f) A scholarship awarded to an eligible student shall Pageremain 127in offorce 139until: CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 remain in force until:

2.Page 127 of 139 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb 2.

The student remains unenrolled in an eligible private Pageschool 128for of30 139days CODING:while receiving a scholarship that requires full-time enrollment;

4.

A student’s scholarship no longer remains in force due Page 128 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb schoolto forany 30of daysthe whilereasons receivingprovided ain scholarshipparagraph that(b). requires full-time enrollment;

4.

A student’s scholarship no longer remains in force due to any of the reasons provided in paragraph (b).

The student must apply and be accepted by another eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization for the Pageupcoming 129school ofyear. 139 CODING:

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 upcoming school year.

Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) and paragraph (l)Page of129 subsection (4) of section139 1003.485,CODING: Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

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Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb (l) of subsection (4) of section 1003.485, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

PageSection 13010. of 139 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 7030 576-03223-25 20257030c1 Section 10.

coordinatedPage screening130 andof progress139 monitoring;CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 7030 602-02541A-25 20257030pb coordinated screening and progress monitoring;

Page6. 131 of 139 CODING:

That the statewide, standardized English Language Arts assessment is not the sole determiner of promotion and that additional evaluations, portfolio reviews, and assessments are Page 131 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 6.available to the child to assist parents and the school district in knowing when a child is reading at or above grade level and ready for grade promotion.

That the statewide, standardized English Language Arts assessment is not the sole determiner of promotion and that additional evaluations, portfolio reviews, and assessments are available to the child to assist parents and the school district in knowing when a child is reading at or above grade level and ready for grade promotion.

Such communications must be in writing and must explain any additional interventions or supports that will be implemented to accelerate the student’s progress if the interventions and supports already being Pageimplemented 132have ofnot 139resulted CODING:in improvement.

Upon the request of the parent, the teacher or school administrator shall meet to discuss the student’s progress.

The parent may request more Page 132 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb implementedfrequent havenotification notof resultedthe student’s progress, more frequent interventions or supports, and earlier implementation of the additional interventions or supports described in improvement.the initial notification.

Upon the request of the parent, the teacher or school administrator shall meet to discuss the student’s progress.

The parent may request more frequent notification of the student’s progress, more frequent interventions or supports, and earlier implementation of the additional interventions or supports described in the initial notification.

As provided for by rule, if errors in a specific program of a district or eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization recur in consecutive years due to lack of corrective action by the district or eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization, adjustments may be made based upon statistical estimates of Page 133 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb consecutive years due to lack of corrective action by the district or eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization, adjustments may be made based upon statistical estimates of error projected to the overall district or scholarship program.

(a) If the funds appropriated for current operation of the Florida Education Finance Program, including funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (18), are not sufficient to pay the state Pagerequirement 134in offull, 139the CODING:department shall prorate the available state funds to each district in the following manner:

1.

Determine the percentage of proration by dividing the Page 134 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb requirementsum of the total amount for current operation, as provided in full,this paragraph for all districts collectively, and the departmenttotal shalldistrict proraterequired local effort into the availablesum of the state funds toavailable eachfor districtcurrent inoperation and the followingtotal manner:district required local effort.

1.

Determine the percentage of proration by dividing the sum of the total amount for current operation, as provided in this paragraph for all districts collectively, and the total district required local effort into the sum of the state funds available for current operation and the total district required local effort.

1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district where the student is reported for purposes of the PageFlorida 135Education ofFinance 139Program CODING:as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act;

divide the result by the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership as appropriated Page 135 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb Florida Education Finance Program as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act;

divide the result by the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act;

If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the allocation shall be prorated to the level provided to support the appropriation, based on each school district’s proportionate share of the total Page 136 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb provided in the General Appropriations Act, the allocation shall be prorated to the level provided to support the appropriation, based on each school district’s proportionate share of the total allocation.

216.351, the unexpended balance of funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection which is not disbursed by June 30 of the fiscal year Pagein 137which the funds are appropriated may be carried forward for up to 10 years after the effective date of 139the CODING:original appropriation.

Page 137 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb inSection which14. the funds are appropriated may be carried forward for up to 10 years after the effective date of the original appropriation.

Section 14.

212.099 Credit for contributions to eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations.— (7) Page 138 of 139 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS(PROPOSED forBILL) SBSPB 7030 576-03223-25602-02541A-25 20257030c120257030pb 212.099 Credit for contributions to eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations.— (7) (c) The organization may, subject to the limitations of s.