The bill CS for SB 7030 First Engrossed introduces comprehensive 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 disbursements based on full-time equivalent student enrollment and to provide supplemental funding to school districts facing enrollment declines. The bill also streamlines application processes for scholarship funding organizations, enhances accountability measures, and clarifies eligibility criteria for students, particularly those with disabilities. Notably, it emphasizes the verification of student data to prevent duplication in scholarship programs and outlines specific requirements for private schools participating in these programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to improve the operational framework for scholarship-funding organizations, including the establishment of a purchasing handbook for authorized uses of scholarship funds and the requirement for annual financial audits. It introduces new deadlines for scholarship applications and renewals, while also ensuring that parents are informed about their responsibilities and the status of their children's scholarship accounts. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of certain notification requirements and outdated provisions, aiming to streamline processes and enhance transparency in the management of educational funds. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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