House Bill 1307 proposes significant amendments to Florida's education laws, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities and compliance with federal regulations. 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 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 requires the State Board of Education to enforce compliance with educational equity standards.

Further amendments include the establishment of the Florida Partnership for Underrepresented Student Achievement, aimed at connecting underrepresented students to postsecondary success, and changes to financial aid eligibility criteria, such as the removal of caps on student numbers for certain programs and the introduction of new revocation policies for scholarships. The bill also emphasizes the importance of high-quality instructional materials in educator preparation programs, modifies definitions related to residency for tuition purposes, and adjusts fee structures for nonresident students. Overall, HB 1307 seeks to improve educational standards, access, and workforce development initiatives while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

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