The bill amends existing laws related to apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs in Florida, specifically focusing on enhancing partnerships between local educational agencies and these programs. It introduces new requirements for uniform minimum standards and policies, mandating that apprenticeship programs partner with local educational agencies to ensure equitable funding distribution. The Department of Education is tasked with developing a standard model contract template for these partnerships, which must clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and financial arrangements between the parties involved. Additionally, the bill revises the timeline for annual reports on apprenticeship programs, now due by November 30, and expands the report's content to include detailed financial and performance metrics.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a transparency tool to track historical funding for apprenticeship programs, which must be accessible on the Department of Education's website by July 1, 2026. It also modifies the requirements for meetings of the District Workforce Education Funding Steering Committee, ensuring they are publicly noticed and open to public comment, while allowing for the use of communications media technology for these meetings. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 681 c1: 1011.80
H 681 er: 1011.80