The proposed bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance accountability and transparency in private school participation in educational scholarship programs. It introduces new requirements for private schools, such as compliance with antidiscrimination laws, notification of changes in school details, and the submission of documentation for student participation. Additionally, private schools must demonstrate fiscal soundness, maintain a physical location for student-teacher interaction, and ensure that all employees undergo background screenings. The bill also prohibits confidentiality agreements that conceal misconduct affecting student welfare and mandates employment history checks for potential hires. Furthermore, private schools receiving over $250,000 in scholarship funds are required to submit an annual report from an independent certified public accountant, and those with personnel who have a history of sexual misconduct are prohibited from employment.

In addition to these provisions, the bill establishes the K-12 Classroom Technology Grant Program, administered by the Department of Education, and creates the K-12 Education Funding Task Force to evaluate education funding and recommend increased transparency for nontraditional schools receiving state funds. The task force will provide annual reports to the public and relevant stakeholders. The bill also revises the method for determining the base student allocation using the Consumer Price Index, updates the minimum base salary for classroom teachers, and includes penalties for schools that disenroll a significant percentage of scholarship students without parental consent. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1045 Filed: 1002.421