House Bill 1307 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance educational opportunities and compliance within the state's education system. Key provisions include the introduction of tuition assistance for active members of the Florida State Guard, allowing them to enroll in up to six credit hours of courses per term at state universities and Florida College System institutions on a space-available basis. The bill also revises the submission date for the annual report on apprenticeship programs from September 1 to November 30, updates the duties of the Department of Education regarding apprenticeship training, and renames the "Florida Educational Equity Act" to the "Florida Educational Equality Act." Additionally, it mandates public schools and Florida College System institutions to provide accommodations based on sex and removes certain requirements for developing strategies to increase participation among underrepresented students.

Furthermore, the bill enhances protections against sex discrimination in public postsecondary educational institutions, aligning with Title IX regulations. It introduces provisions for objective evidence evaluation in discrimination cases, access to evidence before disciplinary proceedings, and in-person hearings with cross-examination allowed. The bill also modifies existing statutes related to financial aid and scholarship programs, removing caps on student eligibility and introducing new criteria for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Additionally, it establishes two levels of school leader preparation programs, requiring competency-based training and partnerships with school districts. Overall, HB 1307 aims to streamline educational frameworks, enhance accountability in financial aid, and improve the quality of educational leadership preparation in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1307 Filed: 251.001, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.64, 1001.706, 1002.20, 1003.42, 1004.04, 1004.42, 1004.85, 1004.933, 1005.06, 1006.60, 1006.71, 1007.25, 1007.271, 1008.37, 1008.44, 1009.22, 1009.23, 1009.25, 1009.26, 1009.40, 1009.94, 1011.801, 1011.802, 1012.56, 1012.562, 1013.46, 1013.841