The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Education Postsecondary
BILL: SB 1654
INTRODUCER: Senator Ingoglia
SUBJECT: Education
DATE: March 21, 2023 REVISED:
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Brick Bouck HE Favorable
2. AED
3. FP
I. Summary:
SB 1654 modifies the eligibility requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to
authorize students to satisfy the qualifying service requirement through a combination of the
required work or volunteer service hours. The bill also provides specifications for the application
of Bright Futures Scholarship Program awards to credentials earned in career and technical
education programs.
The bill provides that that the earning of two sufficiently rigorous computer science courses
satisfies two credits of sequential foreign language instruction.
The provisions of the bill modifying eligibility for awards from the Bright Futures Scholarship
Program may have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2023.
II. Present Situation:
Computer Science Courses and Instruction
Florida law defines computer science as “the study of computers and algorithmic processes,
including their principles, hardware and software designs, applications, and their impact on
society.”1 Computer science also includes computer coding and computer programming.
Foundational skills for computer science learning include problem solving, such as
computational thinking, understanding and recognizing patterns, understanding and
1
Section 1007.2616(1), F.S.
BILL: SB 1654 Page 2
implementing sequencing, and understanding how computers represent data.2 One application of
these skills is computational thinking, which refers to the thought processes involved in
expressing solutions as computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer.3
Although typically associated with computer science, computational thinking can be applied in
the classroom setting through lessons in core subject areas. For example, in English language
arts, students may be asked to analyze simple sentences and determine a framework for
generating similar sentences, using pattern recognition and problem solving skills.4
Public schools are required to provide students in kindergarten through grade 12 opportunities
for learning computer science, including computer coding and computer programming.5 Such
opportunities may include:6
Instruction on computer coding in elementary and middle school.
Instruction to develop computer usage and digital literacy skills in middle school.
Courses in computer science, computer coding, and computer programming in high school,
including opportunities to earn industry certifications related to the courses.
Computer science courses must be offered to students in high school and middle school.7 The
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) must offer computer science courses identified in the Course
Code Directory. If a school district does not offer an identified course, the district must provide
students access to the course through FLVS or through other means.8 There are 70 middle and
high school computer science courses currently identified in the Course Code Directory.9
Postsecondary Foreign Language Requirements
The Board of Governors (BOG) of the State University System oversees the performance of state
university boards of trustees in the enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations.10 The BOG
specifies that state university admissions requirements include competency in a foreign language,
which is satisfied by two credits in the same foreign language, American Sign Language, or
through demonstration of competency through an examination.11 The BOG provides that a
limited number of first-time-in-college, degree-seeking students who do not meet the foreign
language requirement may be admitted; however, these students must complete the foreign
language requirement prior to receiving their baccalaureate degree.12
2
K-12 Computer Instruction Framework Steering Committee, K-12 Computer Instructional Framework, pgs. 183-198,
available at https://k12cs.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/K%E2%80%9312-Computer-Science-Framework.pdf (last visited
Mar. 20, 2023).
3
Id. at 86.
4
Code.org, Computational Thinking Lesson Assessment, available at https://code.org/curriculum/course3/1/Assessment1-
CompThinking.pdf (last visited Feb. 1, 2023). If provided the following sentences: “The triangle has three sides.” and “The
square has four sides.” A student can determine a framework sentence of “The ____ has ____ sides.” This framework
provides the student a basis for describing additional shapes. Id.
5
Section 1007.2616(2)(a), F.S.
6
Id.
7
Id.
8
Section 1007.2616(3), F.S.
9
Florida Department of Education, Florida Course Code Directory Computer Science Course Information 2022-2023
(2023), available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7746/urlt/2223CompSci.pdf (last visited Mar. 20, 2023).
10
Section 1008.322(1), F.S.
11
BOG Regulation 6.002(1)(h).
12
Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.002(1)(h)
BILL: SB 1654 Page 3
All Florida College System (FCS) institutions require a student in an associate in arts degree
program to demonstrate competency in a foreign language prior to degree award.13 and state
universities require two credits of sequential foreign language instruction at the secondary level.
A student whose first language is not English is exempt from this requirement if he or she
demonstrates proficiency in his or her native language.14 The foreign language requirement can
be satisfied by secondary foreign language credits and with two credits of American Sign
Language.15
Some states allow computer science to satisfy university admissions requirements. For example,
the University System of Georgia allows 2 units of computer science to satisfy the requirement
of 2 units of the same foreign language.16 Texas allows two credits in computer programming
languages to satisfy the two credit Languages other than English requirement for its Foundation
high school program.17
Career and Technical Education Credentials
Public career, technical and adult education programs are primarily found in public school
districts and FCS institutions.18 There are several different type of career and technical credential
offered in Florida.19
The Career Certificate signifies a student has successfully completed a clock hour postsecondary
career education program and is ready for employment in a field that requires non-college credit
postsecondary training.20 The program varies in length from 40 hours or more to more than 1,500
hours.21
The Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) signifies a student has successfully completed a (clock
hour or college credit) postsecondary career education program and is ready for employment in a
field. The program has embedded statewide articulation leading to the award of an AS degree.22
This pathway is offered by colleges or in school districts as non-college credit. An ATD program
is a course of study that is part of an Associate in Science (AS) degree or an Associate in
13
Section 1007.25(9), F.S.
14
Section 1007.262, F.S.
15
Rule 6A-10.02412, F.A.C.
16
University System of Georgia, Required High School Curriculum,
https://www.usg.edu/student_affairs/prospective_students/hs_curriculum_requirements (last visited Mar. 21, 2023).
17
Rule §74.12, Texas Administrative Code.
18
Kathy Hebda, Florida Department of Education, Workforce Education System Overview, presentation to the House
Postsecondary Education & Employment Committee (Jan. 24, 2023) at 3, available at
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3247&Se
ssion=2023&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=pew+1-24-23.pdf.
19
Id at 6.
20
Id.
21
Florida Department of Education, The Florida College System Transparency, Accountability, Progress, and Performance,
at 2, available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7724/urlt/0083531-fcsawardtypestapp.pdf.
22
Kathy Hebda, Florida Department of Education, Workforce Education System Overview, presentation to the House
Postsecondary Education & Employment Committee (Jan. 24, 2023) at 6, available at
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3247&Se
ssion=2023&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=pew+1-24-23.pdf.
BILL: SB 1654 Page 4
Applied Science (AAS) degree. The AS and AAS prepares students for occupations that require
a two-year technical degree.23
The College Credit Certificate prepares students for entry into employment in a field that
requires some college credit but less than a degree and signifies a student has successfully
completed part of an AS degree.24
The Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) prepares students who already have earned an AS,
AAS, or baccalaureate degree with an advanced specialized program of instruction.25
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
In 1997,26 the Florida Legislature created the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program (Bright
Futures Program), a lottery-funded scholarship program, to reward any Florida high school
graduate who merits recognition of high academic achievement and who enrolls in a degree
program, certificate program, or applied technology program at an eligible Florida public or
private postsecondary education institution.27
The Bright Futures Program consists of the:
Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS);
Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS);
Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional Education Scholarship (CAPE); and
Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship (FGSV).28
Florida Academic Scholarship and Florida Medallion Scholarship
A Florida high school student who wishes to qualify for the FAS award or the FMS award must
graduate from a Florida public high school with a standard high school diploma, graduate from a
registered Florida Department of Education (DOE) private high school, earn a general education
diploma (GED), complete a home education program, or graduate from a non-Florida high
school as an eligible student.29
23
Florida Department of Education, The Florida College System Transparency, Accountability, Progress, and Performance,
at 2, available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7724/urlt/0083531-fcsawardtypestapp.pdf.
24
Kathy Hebda, Florida Department of Education, Workforce Education System Overview, presentation to the House
Postsecondary Education & Employment Committee (Jan. 24, 2023) at 6, available at
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=3247&Se
ssion=2023&DocumentType=Meeting+Packets&FileName=pew+1-24-23.pdf.
25
Id.
26
Chapter 97-379, L.O.F.
27
Section 1009.53(1), F.S.
28
Section 1009.53(2), F.S.
29
Department of Education, 2022-23 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Oct.
2022), at 2, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf. An out-of-state
student may qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship if the student earned a high school diploma from a non-Florida school
while living with a parent or guardian who is a Florida resident and on military or public service assignment away from
Florida during the student’s last year of high school. Florida Department of Education, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
Program and the Out-Of-State Student (2022-23), at 2, available at
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFOOSGuide.pdf.
BILL: SB 1654 Page 5
A student must also meet the following initial eligibility requirements:30
High
School College
Scholarship 16 High School Course Weighted Entrance Volunteer or
Type Credits31 Bright Exams Work Service33
Futures (ACT/SAT)32
GPA
4 - English 2022-23
(three must include Graduates
substantial writing) 29/1330
FAS34 3.50 100 hours
4 - Mathematics 2023-24
(at or above the Algebra I Graduates
level) 29/1340
3 - Natural Science
2022-23
(two must have
Graduates
substantial laboratory)
25/1210
FMS35 3 - Social Science 3.00 75 hours
2023-24
2 - World Language Graduates
(sequential, in same 25/1210
language)
A student who has demonstrated academic merit through a recognition program may be eligible
for an FAS or FMS award without having to meet one or more of the requirements identified in
the table above. These merit recognition programs include:36
National Merit Finalists and Scholars;
National Hispanic Scholars;
Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma;
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma;
AICE Curriculum; and IB Curriculum.
30
Department of Education, 2022-23 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility Requirements (Oct.,
2022), at 2, available at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf.
31
The required coursework aligns with the State University System admission requirements found in Florida Board of
Governor’s Regulation 6.002, Admission of Undergraduate First-Time-in-College, Degree-Seeking Freshmen, available at
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/6_002FINAL_FTIC_03252020.pdf.
32
Section 1009.531(6)(b)-(d), F.S. To ensure the required exam scores represent top student performance and are equivalent
between the ACT and SAT, the DOE determines the score for the academic scholarship as no lower than the 89th national
percentile on the SAT, for medallion scholarship no lower than 75th national percentile on the SAT, and the required ACT
score must be made concordant. The DOE must publish any changes to the exam requirements that apply to students
graduating in the next 2 years.
33
Section 1009.534(1), F.S. Beginning with a high school student graduating in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter,
100 hours may be in either volunteer work or paid work. Id.
34
Section 1009.534, F.S.
35
Section 1009.535, F.S.
36
Section 1009.534(1)(b)-(e), F.S.
BILL: SB 1654 Page 6
An FAS award recipient is eligible for an award equal to the amount necessary to pay 100
percent of tuition and applicable fees and an additional stipend for textbooks as specified in the
General Appropriations Act (GAA).37 An FMS award recipient is eligible for an award equal to
the amount necessary to pay 75 percent of tuition and fees,38 however, an eligible FMS recipient
enrolled at a Florida College System (FCS) institution is eligible for an award amount equal to
the amount necessary to pay 100 percent of tuition and fees.39
A student may receive an FAS or FMS award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of
credit hours required to complete an associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or postsecondary
career certificate program.40
For the 2021-2022 academic year, a total of $396,650,80441 was disbursed to 68,585 stude