This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance educational governance and support for underrepresented students, while also streamlining compliance and accountability within the Florida College System and K-12 education. Key changes include the removal of the Florida School for Competitive Academics from audit requirements and public employer definitions, as well as the renaming of the Florida Educational Equity Act to the Florida Educational Equality Act. The bill broadens the focus on underrepresented students in educational programs, allowing for single-sex programs in specific contexts and emphasizing the need for public schools to develop strategies to increase participation among these students in traditionally underrepresented fields.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions such as allowing the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to develop contracts with state universities for research assistance, and it provides tuition assistance for active members of the Florida State Guard. It mandates compliance with Title IX regulations for female athletes, prohibits the use of funds to support discriminatory organizations, and requires parental consent for corporal punishment in schools. The bill also updates various educational standards, including those related to financial literacy and reading instruction, and emphasizes partnerships with community organizations to improve access to advanced courses. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational access and success for a diverse range of students in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1618 Filed: 216.251, 447.203, 1000.04, 1001.20, 1001.452, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.395, 1002.68, 1002.71, 1002.945, 1003.41, 1003.42, 1003.4201, 1003.4282, 1007.27, 1008.365, 1011.58, 1011.59, 1012.315
S 1618 c1: 216.251, 1000.04, 1001.20, 1001.452, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.395, 1002.68, 1002.71, 1002.945, 1003.41, 1003.42, 1003.4201, 1003.4282, 1007.27, 1008.365, 1011.58, 1011.59, 1012.315
S 1618 c2: 216.251, 251.001, 381.853, 435.12, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.04, 1000.21, 1001.20, 1001.452, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.395, 1002.68, 1002.71, 1002.945, 1003.41, 1003.42, 1003.4201, 1003.4282, 1004.0971, 1007.27, 1007.35, 1008.365, 1008.37, 1009.23, 1009.536, 1009.8962, 1011.58, 1011.59, 1011.71, 1012.315, 1013.30, 1013.46