The bill CS for SB 7030 First Engrossed introduces significant amendments to Florida's educational scholarship programs, establishing new sections in the Florida Statutes, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program and the Educational Enrollment Stabilization Program. It mandates the Department of Education to manage fund disbursement based on full-time equivalent student enrollment and to provide supplemental funding to school districts experiencing enrollment fluctuations. The bill also includes provisions for the management of scholarship funds, requiring organizations to verify educational expenditures before disbursing funds and to maintain separate accounts for each student. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of background screenings for individuals involved in the scholarship program and outlines the responsibilities of parents and private schools in the application and renewal processes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing scholarship regulations, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, by removing certain definitions and clarifying eligibility criteria for students. It establishes a cap on the number of scholarships available and outlines the verification process for scholarship funds. The bill also introduces new requirements for nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations, including the development of a purchasing handbook and annual financial audits. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of obligations for school districts to notify households about scholarship eligibility and the coordination of assessments with the Department of Education. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability, streamline processes, and expand educational opportunities for students in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 7030 Filed: 1011.65, 1002.40, 1002.411, 1002.421, 1008.25, 1010.305, 1011.61, 11.45, 212.099, 1002.45
S 7030 c1: 1011.65, 1002.40, 1002.411, 1002.421, 1008.25, 1010.305, 1011.61, 11.45, 212.099, 1002.45
S 7030 e1: 1011.65, 1002.40, 1002.411, 1002.421, 1008.25, 1010.305, 1011.61, 11.45, 212.099, 1002.45