This bill seeks to improve higher education and related programs in Florida by introducing various amendments to existing statutes. Key provisions include the authorization for the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to create contracts with state universities for evaluative research assistance, as well as tuition assistance for active members of the Florida State Guard. The bill also revises the Florida Educational Equity Act, now renamed the Florida Educational Equality Act, and expands programs for underrepresented students while increasing the maximum term length for members of the Assistive Technology Advisory Council. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industries to promote workforce training in the ocean economy sector.

Significant changes include a shift in focus from "minority and gender diversity" to "underrepresented groups" in apprenticeship program administration, and the introduction of provisions for small colleges in rural areas to form regional consortium service organizations. The bill clarifies the status of nonpublic religious postsecondary institutions, allowing them to operate without governmental oversight under certain conditions. It also modifies eligibility criteria for the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program and updates financial aid provisions to better support students from underrepresented backgrounds. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational access, equity, and workforce development across Florida's higher education landscape.

Statutes affected:
S 1624 Filed: 251.001, 381.853, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1004.0971, 1007.35, 1009.23, 1009.26, 1009.536, 1013.46, 1007.27
S 1624 c1: 251.001, 381.853, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1004.0971, 1007.35, 1009.23, 1009.536, 1013.30, 1013.46, 1007.27
S 1624 c2: 251.001, 381.853, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1004.0971, 1005.06, 1007.35, 1009.23, 1009.536, 1013.30, 1013.46, 1007.27