SB 1618 — Education

amending s.

1000.21, F.S.;

renaming Hillsborough Community College as “Hillsborough College”;

amending s.

deletingremoving oversight of the Florida School for Competitive Academics from the duties of the Office of Inspector General within the department;Department of Education;

prohibiting the expenditure Pageof 2funds ofby 75public CODING:schools, charter schools, school districts, charter school administrators, or direct-support organizations to promote, support, or maintain certain programs or activities;

authorizing the use of student fees and school or district facilities by student-led organizations under certain circumstances;

providing Page 1 of 36 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 ofconstruction; funds by public schools, charter schools, school districts, charter school administrators, or direct- support organizations to promote, support, or maintain certain programs or activities;

authorizingrequiring the useState Board of studentEducation feesto andadopt schoolrules; or district facilities by student-led organizations under certain circumstances;

providing construction;

requiring the state board to adopt rules;

creating s.

1001.68, F.S.;

authorizing Florida College System institutions with a certain number of full-time equivalent students to enter into cooperative agreements to form a state college regional consortium service organization;

requiring such organizations to provide at least a specified number of certain services;

requiring that regional consortium service organizations be governed by a board of directors consisting of specified members;

1001.706, F.S.;

deleting a requirement that state universities provide student access to certain information;

amending s.

1001.7065, F.S.;

revising academic standards for the preeminent state research university program to include a specified average Classic Learning Test score;

amending s.

authorizing public schools to purchase or enter into arrangements for certain emergency Pageopioid 3antagonists, ofrather 75than CODING:only for naloxone;

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 opioid antagonists, rather than only for naloxone;

deletingremoving the Florida School for Competitive Academics from Family Empowerment Scholarship prohibitions;

deletingremoving the Florida School for Competitive Academics from Florida Tax Credit Scholarship prohibitions;

revising the conditions under which a student mayPage withdraw2 fromof a36 prekindergartenCODING: program and reenroll in another program;

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 1618 602-02771-25 20251618c1 may withdraw from a prekindergarten program and reenroll in another program;

Pagerequiring 4the Commissioner of 75Education CODING:to revise currently approved standards documents and submit them to the state board by a specified date;

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 requiring the Commissioner of Education to revise currently approved standards documents and submit them to the state board by a specified date;

authorizing the inclusion in the reading instruction plans of a description of how school districts prioritizePage the3 assignment of highly36 effectiveCODING: teachers;

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 1618 602-02771-25 20251618c1 prioritize the assignment of highly effective teachers;

1004.0971, F.S.;

revising the definition of the term “emergency opioid antagonist”;

amending s.

1004.933, F.S.;

authorizing an institution to enter into an agreement with an online provider for the adult education or career instruction portion of Page 5 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program;

deleting the age limit for enrollment in the program;

clarifying that students are not required to enroll in adult secondary and career education coursework simultaneously;

amending s.

1005.06, F.S.;

authorizing certain institutions to operate without licensure;

specifying affirmations required as a part of an affidavit;

requiring submission of requested documentation in a specified timeframe;

requiring the Commission for Independent Education to review such affidavit in a public meeting;

specifying commission actions for noncompliance;

authorizing the commission to adopt rules;

amending s.

1006.73, F.S.;

revising reporting requirements relating to the Florida Postsecondary Academic Library Network;

amending s.

conforming a provision to changes made by the act;

amending s.

1007.34, F.S.;

expanding the scope of the college reach-out program to all low-income educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students regardless of minority status;

amending s.

1007.35, F.S.;

revising legislative findings;

renaming the Florida Partnership for Minority and Underrepresented Student Achievement as the “Florida Partnership for Page 6 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 Underrepresented Student Achievement”;

revising the purposes and duties of the partnership to focus on all underrepresented students regardless of minority status;

revising duties of the partnership;

revising which examinations public high schools are required to administer;

revising which examinations a partnership must provide information to specified individuals and entities;

revising which examinations the department must provide the learning data from to a certain partnership;

deleting duties of the partnership;

amending s.

1008.37, F.S.;

revising the date by which the Commissioner of Education must deliver a report to specified entities;

revising the requirements of the report;

amending s.

1009.23, F.S.;

authorizing the Florida College System to allocate a portion of financial aid fees to assist underrepresented students, rather than students who are members of a targeted gender or ethnic minority population;

amending s.

1009.26, F.S.;

revising the residency requirement for a grandparent for an out-of- state fee waiver;

revising the residency criteria for a grandparent in a specified attestation;

amending s.

1009.536, F.S.;

clarifying the required minimum Page 7 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 cumulative weighted grade point average for the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award;

authorizing students to apply for a Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award within a specified timeframe before or after completing the GATE Program;

amending s.

1009.8962, F.S.;

revising the definition of the term “institution”;

amending s.

1009.897, F.S.;

requiring institutions receiving funds through the Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education Fund to allocate funding to health care-related programs;

1011.71, F.S.;

revising the types of casualty insurance premiums that may be paid by a district school tax;

amending s.

1011.804, F.S.;

authorizing certain institutions to apply for and use grant funds under the GATE Startup Grant Program for specified purposes;

amending s.

authorizing individuals to demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, subject area knowledge, or professional preparation and education competence by providing a school district with documentation of a valid certificate issued by the American Board for Certification of Teacher PageExcellence; 8 of 75 CODING:

amending s.

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 Excellence;1012.77, F.S.;

amending s.

1012.77, F.S.;

amending s.

1013.30, F.S.;

revising the timeframe for updates to state university campus master plans;

amending s.

1013.46, F.S.;

deleting a provision relating to set asides for construction contracts with minority business enterprises;

PageThe 9Auditor ofGeneral 75shall CODING:perform his or her duties independently but under the general policies established by the Legislative Auditing Committee.

This subsection does not limit the Auditor General’s discretionary authority to conduct other audits or engagements of governmental entities as authorized in Page 5 of 36 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 Thesubsection Auditor(3). General shall perform his or her duties independently but under the general policies established by the Legislative Auditing Committee.

This subsection does not limit the Auditor General’s discretionary authority to conduct other audits or engagements of governmental entities as authorized in subsection (3).

Subsection (5) is added to section 11.51, Florida Statutes, to read:

11.51 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.— (5) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability may develop contracts or agreements with institutions in the State University System to use the expertise of state university faculty and research staff to provide assistance in analysis and evaluative research.

Section 3.

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 3.

Section 4.3.

Subsection (9)(2) of section 251.001,447.203, Florida Statutes,Page is6 amendedof to36 read:CODING:

251.001 Florida State Guard Act.— (9) REIMBURSEMENT, BENEFIT, AND COMPENSATION.— (a) The division shall reimburse members of the Florida State Guard for per diem and travel expenses incurred to attend required training or in the course of active service as provided in s.

112.061.

(b) Members of the Florida State Guard may be compensated for time spent training or in the course of active service at rates established by the director, subject to appropriation.

(c) A member of the Florida State Guard may not make any purchase or enter into any contract or agreement for purchases or services as a charge against the state without the authority of the director.

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 (d)Statutes, Asis aamended benefit to theread: active members of the Florida State Guard, subject to approval by the director of the Division of the State Guard, each state university and Florida College System institution shall waive tuition and fees for active members of the Florida State Guard to enroll for up to 6 credit hours of courses per term on a space-available basis.

Section 5.

Subsections (3) and (4) of section 288.036, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

288.036 Ocean economy development.— (3) The Office of Ocean Economy shall:

(a) Develop and undertake activities and strategies with a focus on research and development, technological innovation, emerging industries, strategic business recruitment, public and private funding opportunities, and workforce training and education to promote and stimulate the ocean economy.

(b)1.

Collaborate Foster relationships and coordinate with state universities, private universities, career centers, and Florida College System institutions, including the College of the Florida Keys, to periodically survey surveying the development of academic research relating to the ocean economy across all disciplines and facilitating the transfer of innovative technology into marketable goods and services.

The office shall encourage collaboration between state universities and Florida College System institutions that have overlapping areas of academic research.

2.

Include and update on the office’s website information related to:

a.

An inventory of current research and current collaborations, including contact information;

and Page 12 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 b.

Any available resources for research and technology development, including financial opportunities.

(c) Collaborate with relevant industries to identify economic challenges that may be solved through innovation in the ocean economy, including commercializing or otherwise facilitating public access to academic research and resources, removing governmental barriers, strengthening the workforce, and maximizing access to financial or other opportunities for growth and development.

(d) Develop and facilitate a pipeline for innovative ideas and strategies to be created, developed, researched, commercialized, and financed.

This includes promotion and coordination of industry collaboration, academic research, accelerator programs, training and technical assistance, and startup or second-stage funding opportunities.

(e) Maintain and update on the office’s website:

1.

Reports and data on the number, growth, and average wages of jobs included in the ocean economy;

the impacts on the number, growth, and development of businesses in the ocean economy;

and the collaboration, transition, or adoption of innovation and research into new, viable ideas employed in the ocean economy.

2.

A current inventory of programs related to the ocean economy, an evaluation of additional opportunities to earn credentials, and the institutions or training providers where such credentials may be earned.

(f) Educate other state and local entities on the interests of the ocean economy and how such entities may positively address environmental issues while simultaneously considering Page 13 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 the economic impact of their policies.

(g) Communicate the state’s role as an integral component of the ocean economy by promoting the state on national and international platforms and other appropriate forums as the premier destination for convening on pertinent subject matters.

(h) Collaborate with public and private educational and industry organizations to make recommendations:

1.

For strengthening employment opportunities in:

a.

Commercial fishing;

b.

Fisheries and aquaculture, marine and freshwater;

c.

Processing and preserving fish, crustaceans, and mollusks;

d.

Shipbuilding and repair;

and e.

Shipping, water transport such as sea and coastal and inland water transportation of both freight and passengers, ports, and related services and support activities.

2.

Regarding the expansion of existing maritime programs and the addition of new programs and strategies for a public awareness campaign.

3.

To increase the availability of dual enrollment, preapprenticeship and apprenticeship, and work-study programs at both public and private institutions.

4.

For aligning the regulatory framework for fishing and boat operations with the demand for personnel through consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

(4) By August 1, 2025, and each August 1 thereafter, the office shall provide to the Board of Governors, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and post on its website a detailed report on Page 14 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 demonstrating the economic benefits of the office and the development of emerging ocean economy industries.

By August 1, 2026, the report must include the recommendations in paragraph (3)(h).

Section 6.

Subsection (4) of section 381.853, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

381.853 Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research.— (4) There is established within the center a scientific advisory council that includes biomedical researchers, physicians, clinicians, and representatives from public and private universities and hospitals.

The council shall meet at least annually.

(a) The council shall be composed consist of members appointed by the President of the University of Florida, in consultation with the dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine:

1.

Two members from the Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research within the Evelyn F.

and William L.

McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida appointed by the Governor.

2.

Two members from The Scripps Research Institute, one of whom must have expertise in basic brain tumor research, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

3.

Two members from other public and private universities and institutions directly involved in brain tumor research appointed by the President of the Senate.

4.

One member from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who is directly involved in the treatment of brain tumor patients or who has expertise in basic brain tumor research appointed by the Page 15 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 State Surgeon General.

5.

Two members from the Cleveland Clinic in Florida who are directly involved in basic brain tumor research appointed by the Governor.

6.

One member from the H.

Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute who is directly involved in the treatment of brain tumor patients or who has expertise in basic brain tumor research appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

7.

One member from the M.

D.

Anderson Cancer Center Orlando who is directly involved in the treatment of brain tumor patients or who has expertise in basic brain tumor research appointed by the President of the Senate.

(b) Council members shall serve staggered 4-year terms.

(c) Council members shall serve without compensation, and each organization represented shall cover all expenses of its representative.

Section 7.

Paragraphs (d) and (f) of subsection (1) of section 413.407, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

413.407 Assistive Technology Advisory Council.—There is created the Assistive Technology Advisory Council, responsible for ensuring consumer involvement in the creation, application, and distribution of technology-related assistance to and for persons who have disabilities.

The council shall fulfill its responsibilities through statewide policy development, state and federal legislative initiatives, advocacy at the state and federal levels, planning of statewide resource allocations, policy-level management, and reviews of consumer responsiveness and the adequacy of program service delivery and by performing Page 16 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 the functions listed in this section.

(1) (d) Members of the council must be geographically representative of the state and reflect the diversity of the state’s population with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, age, type of disability, and type of disability-related services and devices received.

(f)1.

Each member of the council shall serve for a term of not more than 5 3 years, except that a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which a predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term.

2.

A member of the council may not serve more than two consecutive terms;

however, any appointment under subparagraph 1., if for less than 18 months, is not considered a term for the purposes of this section.

3.

A member who has served two consecutive terms and has been retired from the council for at least 3 years may be reappointed to the council on the same basis as a new member.

Section 8.

Subsection (3) of section 435.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

435.12 Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.— (3)(a) Employees of each district unit under s.

1001.30, special district units under s.

1011.24, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind under s.

1002.36, the Florida Virtual School under s.

1002.37, virtual instruction programs under s.

1002.45, charter schools under s.

1002.33, hope operators under s.

1002.333, private schools participating in an educational scholarship program established pursuant to chapter 1002, and Page 17 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 alternative schools under s.

1008.341 must be rescreened in compliance with the following schedule:

1.

Employees for whom the last screening was conducted on or before June 30, 2021, must be rescreened by December 1 June 30, 2025.

2.

Employees for whom the last screening was conducted between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, must be rescreened by December 1 June 30, 2026.

3.

Employees for whom the last screening was conducted between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, must be rescreened by December 1 June 30, 2027.

Section 9.

Subsection (2) of section 446.032, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

446.032 General duties of the department for apprenticeship training.—The department shall:

(2) By November 30 September 1 of each year, publish an annual report on apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

The report must be published on the department’s website and, at a minimum, include all of the following:

(a) A list of registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs, sorted by local educational agency, as defined in s.

1004.02(18), and apprenticeship sponsor, under s.

446.071.

(b) A detailed summary of each local educational agency’s expenditure of funds for apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs, including:

1.

The total amount of funds received for apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

2.

The total amount of funds allocated by training Page 18 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 provider, program, and occupation.

3.

The total amount of funds expended for administrative costs by training provider, program, and occupation.

4.

The total amount of funds expended for instructional costs by training provider, program, and occupation.

(c) The number of apprentices and preapprentices per trade and occupation.

(d) The percentage of apprentices and preapprentices who complete their respective programs in the appropriate timeframe.

(e) Information and resources related to applications for new apprenticeship programs and technical assistance and requirements for potential applicants.

(f) Documentation of activities conducted by the department to promote apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs through public engagement, community-based partnerships, and other initiatives and the outcomes of such activities and their impact on establishing or expanding apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

(g) Retention and completion rates of participants disaggregated by training provider, program, and occupation.

(h) Wage progression of participants as demonstrated by starting, exit, and postapprenticeship wages at 1 and 5 years after participants exit the program.

Section 10.

Subsection (12) of section 446.041, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

446.041 Duties of the department.—The department shall:

(12) Ensure that underrepresented groups minority and gender diversity are considered in administering this program.

Section 11.

Subsection (2) of section 447.203, Florida Page 19 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 Statutes, is amended to read:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 Section 12.4.

Section 13.5.

Subsection (1), paragraph (d) of subsection (2), paragraph (e) of subsection (3), and subsections (5) and (7) of section 1000.05, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

1000.05 Discrimination against students and employees in the Florida K-20 public education system prohibited;

equality of access required.— (1) This section may be cited as the “Florida Educational Equality Equity Act.” (2) (d) Students may be separated by sex for a single-sex single-gender program, for any portion of a class that deals with human reproduction, or during participation in bodily contact sports.

For the purpose of this section, bodily contact sports include wrestling, boxing, rugby, ice hockey, football, Page 21 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 basketball, and other sports in which the purpose or major activity involves bodily contact.

(3) (e) A public school or Florida College System institution may provide separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of sex gender, but such facilities shall be comparable to such facilities provided for students of the other sex.

(5) Public schools and Florida College System institutions shall develop and implement methods and strategies to increase the participation of underrepresented students of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status in programs and courses in which students of that particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status have been traditionally underrepresented, including, but not limited to, mathematics, science, computer technology, electronics, communications technology, engineering, and career education.

(7) The functions of the Office of Equal Educational Opportunity of the Department of Education shall include, but are not limited to:

(a) Requiring all district school boards and Florida College System institution boards of trustees to develop and submit plans for the implementation of this section to the Department of Education.

(b) Conducting periodic reviews of school districts and Florida College System institutions to determine compliance with this section and, after a finding that a school district or a Florida College System institution is not in compliance with Page 22 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 this section, notifying the entity of the steps that it must take to attain compliance and performing follow-up followup monitoring.

(c) Providing technical assistance, including assisting school districts or Florida College System institutions in identifying unlawful discrimination and instructing them in remedies for correction and prevention of such discrimination and performing follow-up followup monitoring.

(d) Conducting studies of the effectiveness of methods and strategies designed to increase the participation of students in programs and courses in which students of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status have been traditionally underrepresented and monitoring the success of students in such programs or courses, including performing follow-up followup monitoring.

(e) Requiring all district school boards and Florida College System institution boards of trustees to submit data and information necessary to determine compliance with this section.

The Commissioner of Education shall prescribe the format and the date for submission of such data and any other educational equity data.

If any board does not submit the required compliance data or other required educational equity data by the prescribed date, the commissioner shall notify the board of this fact and, if the board does not take appropriate action to immediately submit the required report, the State Board of Education shall impose monetary sanctions.

(f) Based upon rules of the State Board of Education, developing and implementing enforcement mechanisms with appropriate penalties to ensure that public K-12 schools and Page 23 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 Florida College System institutions comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and subsection (3) of this section.

However, the State Board of Education may not force a public school or Florida College System institution to conduct, nor penalize such entity for not conducting, a program of athletic activity or athletic scholarship for female athletes unless it is an athletic activity approved for women by a recognized association whose purpose is to promote athletics and a conference or league exists to promote interscholastic or intercollegiate competition for women in that athletic activity.

(g) Reporting to The Commissioner of Education any district school board or Florida College System institution board of trustees found to be out of compliance with rules of the State Board of Education adopted as required by paragraph (f) or paragraph (3)(d).

To penalize the board, the State Board of Education shall:

1.

Declare the school district or Florida College System institution ineligible for competitive state grants.

2.

Notwithstanding the provisions of s.

216.192, direct the Chief Financial Officer to withhold general revenue funds sufficient to obtain compliance from the school district or Florida College System institution.

The school district or Florida College System institution shall remain ineligible and the funds shall not be paid until the institution comes into compliance or the State Board of Education approves a plan for compliance.

The Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education Page 24 of 75 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 shall use their authority under s.

1008.32 to enforce compliance with this subsection.

Section 14.

Paragraph (j) of subsection (5) of section 1000.21, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1000.21 Systemwide definitions.—As used in the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code:

(5) “Florida College System institution” except as otherwise specifically provided, includes all of the following public postsecondary educational institutions in the Florida College System and any branch campuses, centers, or other affiliates of the institution:

(j) Hillsborough Community College, which serves Hillsborough County.

Section 15.

If the Commissioner of Education determines that a district school board, the Board of Trustees for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Board of Trustees for the Florida Page 258 of 7536 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CSSB 1618 602-02771-25 20251618c1 school board, the Board of Trustees for SBthe 1618Florida 594-03396-25School 20251618c2for the Deaf and the Blind, the Board of Trustees for the Florida School for Competitive Academics, or a Florida College System institution board of trustees is unwilling or unable to address substantiated allegations made by any person relating to waste, fraud, or financial mismanagement within the school district, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Florida School for Competitive Academics, or the Florida College System institution, the office must conduct, coordinate, or request investigations into such substantiated allegations.

Section 16.6.

1001.325 Prohibited expenditures.— (1) A public school, charter school, school district, charter school administrator, or direct-support organization may not expend any funds, regardless of source, to purchase membership in, or goods and services from, any organization that discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability,Page or9 religion.of 36 CODING:

(2) A public school, charter school, school district, Page 26 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 charterdisability, school administrator, or direct-supportreligion. organization may not expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that:

(2) A public school, charter school, school district, charter school administrator, or direct-support organization may not expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that:

SectionPage 17.10 of 36 CODING:

Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 1001.452, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

Page 27 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 1001.452Section District7. and school advisory councils.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT.— (a) The district school board shall establish an advisory council for each school in the district and shall develop procedures for the election and appointment of advisory council members.

Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 1001.452, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1001.452 District and school advisory councils.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT.— (a) The district school board shall establish an advisory council for each school in the district and shall develop procedures for the election and appointment of advisory council members.

3.Page 11 of 36 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 1618 602-02771-25 20251618c1 3.

PageThe 28district school board shall establish procedures to be used by schools in selecting business and community members which that include means of 75ensuring CODING:wide notice of vacancies and of taking input on possible members from local business, chambers of commerce, community and civic organizations and groups, and the public at large.

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 The district school board shall establish procedures to be used by schools in selecting business and community members which that include means of ensuring wide notice of vacancies and of taking input on possible members from local business, chambers of commerce, community and civic organizations and groups, and the public at large.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term “education support employee” means any person employed by a school who is not defined as instructional or administrative personnel pursuant to s.

1012.01 and whose duties require 20 or more hours in each normalPage working12 week.of 36 CODING:

Section 18.

Section 1001.68, Florida Statutes, is created Page 29 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 tonormal read:working week.

1001.68Section State8. college regional consortium service organizations.—In order to create effectiveness and efficiency of small institutions in the Florida College System which serve rural communities:

(1) Colleges with 5,000 or fewer full-time equivalent students may enter into cooperative agreements to form a regional consortium service organization.

Each regional consortium service organization shall, at a minimum, provide three of the following services:

grant procurement;

institutional research and reporting;

risk management;

professional development for faculty and staff;

leadership support;

information technology and cybersecurity training;

faculty and staff recruitment;

workforce development programs;

cooperative purchasing;

administrative services;

or enrollment management services.

(2) Each regional consortium service organization must be governed by a board of directors composed of the presidents of the respective member colleges.

Section 19.

Paragraph (d) of subsection (5) of section 1001.706, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1001.706 Powers and duties of the Board of Governors.— (5) POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACCOUNTABILITY.— (d) The Board of Governors shall annually require a state university prior to registration to provide each enrolled student electronic access to the economic security report of employment and earning outcomes prepared by the Department of Commerce pursuant to s.

445.07.

In addition, the Board of Governors shall require a state university to provide each Page 30 of 75 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 student electronic access to the following information each year prior to registration using the data described in s.

1008.39:

1.

The top 25 percent of degrees reported by the university in terms of highest full-time job placement and highest average annualized earnings in the year after earning the degree.

2.

The bottom 10 percent of degrees reported by the university in terms of lowest full-time job placement and lowest average annualized earnings in the year after earning the degree.

Section 20.

Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 1001.7065, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1001.7065 Preeminent state research universities program.— (2) ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE STANDARDS.—The following academic and research excellence standards are established for the preeminent state research universities program and shall be reported annually in the Board of Governors Accountability Plan:

(a) An average weighted grade point average of 4.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and an average SAT score of 1200 or higher on a 1600-point scale or an average ACT score of 25 or higher on a 36 score scale, using the latest published national concordance table developed jointly by the College Board and ACT, Inc., or an average Classic Learning Test score of 83 or higher on a 120 score scale, for fall semester incoming freshmen, as reported annually.

Section 21.

1002.20 K-12 student and parent rights.—Parents of public Pageschool 31students must receive accurate and timely information regarding their child’s academic progress and must be informed of 75ways CODING:they can help their child to succeed in school.

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 school students must receive accurate and timely information regarding their child’s academic progress and must be informed of ways they can help their child to succeed in school.

1003.32, corporalPage punishment13 of a36 publicCODING: school student may only be administered by a teacher or school principal within guidelines of the school principal and according to district school board policy.

Another adult must be present and must be informed in the student’s presence of the reason for the punishment.

Upon Page 32 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 request,corporal thepunishment teacherof ora public school principalstudent mustmay provideonly thebe parentadministered withby a writtenteacher explanationor ofschool theprincipal reasonwithin forguidelines theof punishment and the nameschool ofprincipal theand otheraccording adultto whodistrict wasschool present.board policy.

Another adult must be present and must be informed in the student’s presence of the reason for the punishment.

Upon request, the teacher or school principal must provide the parent with a written explanation of the reason for the punishment and the name of the other adult who was present.

Section 22.9.

3.Page 14 of 36 CODING:

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 1618 602-02771-25 20251618c1 3.

Page5. 33 of 75 CODING:

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25 20251618c2 5.

Section 1002.20(4)(c), relating to school corporal punishment.Page 15 of 36 CODING:

Section 23.

Section 1002.351, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

Section 24.

Subsection (6) of section 1002.394, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

Page 34 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 1002.394punishment. The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program.— (6) SCHOLARSHIP PROHIBITIONS.—A student is not eligible for a Family Empowerment Scholarship while he or she is:

Section 10.

Section 1002.351, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

Section 11.

Subsection (6) of section 1002.394, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1002.394 The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program.— (6) SCHOLARSHIP PROHIBITIONS.—A student is not eligible for a Family Empowerment Scholarship while he or she is:

1002.421(1)(i), unless he or she is eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) and enrolled in thePage participating16 privateof school’s36 transition-to-workCODING: program pursuant to subsection (16) or a home education program pursuant to s.

1002.41;

(e) Participating in a private tutoring program pursuant to s.

1002.43 unless he or she is determined eligible pursuant to Page 35 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 paragraphthe (3)(b);participating private school’s transition-to-work program pursuant to subsection (16) or a home education program pursuant to s.

1002.41;

(e) Participating in a private tutoring program pursuant to s.

1002.43 unless he or she is determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b);

Section 25.12.

However, an eligible public school student receivingPage a17 scholarshipof under36 s.CODING:

1002.411 may receive a scholarship for transportation pursuant to subparagraph (6)(d)4.;

(d) Not having regular and direct contact with his or her private school teachers pursuant to s.

1002.421(1)(i) unless he Page 36 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 orreceiving she is enrolled in a personalizedscholarship educationunder program;s.

1002.411 may receive a scholarship for transportation pursuant to subparagraph (6)(d)4.;

(d) Not having regular and direct contact with his or her private school teachers pursuant to s.

1002.421(1)(i) unless he or she is enrolled in a personalized education program;

Section 26.13.

402.305 under its preexisting zoning and land use designations without rezoning or obtaining a special exceptionPage or18 aof land36 useCODING: change and without complying with any mitigation requirements or conditions.

The new facility must be located on property used solely for purposes described in this paragraph and must meet applicable state and local health, safety, and welfare laws, codes, and rules, including firesafety Page 37 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 exception or a land use change and buildingwithout safety.complying with any mitigation requirements or conditions.

SectionThe 27.new facility must be located on property used solely for purposes described in this paragraph and must meet applicable state and local health, safety, and welfare laws, codes, and rules, including firesafety and building safety.

Section 14.

Section 28.15.

(a)Page A19 child who, for any of the36 prekindergartenCODING: programs listed in s.

1002.53(3), has not completed any of the prekindergarten programs listed in s.

1002.53(3) more than 70 percent of the hours authorized to be reported for funding under subsection (2), or has not expended more than 70 percent of the Page 38 of 75 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 1618 594-03396-25602-02771-25 20251618c220251618c1 funds(a) authorizedA child who, for any of the childprekindergarten underprograms listed in s.