The bill CS for SB 318 First Engrossed establishes a new categorical fund for the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which will award scholarships based on the number of full-time equivalent students participating. The Department of Education is responsible for quarterly fund disbursements, contingent upon compliance verification by scholarship-funding organizations. The bill also creates the Educational Enrollment Stabilization Program to provide supplemental state funds to school districts based on student enrollment changes. It amends existing laws related to scholarship programs, including the renaming of the Hope Scholarship Program, and introduces new requirements for nonprofit scholarship-funding organizations, such as prohibiting application fees and ensuring appropriate fund usage.

Additionally, the bill modifies the scholarship application process, prioritizing students from lower-income households and those in foster care. It sets specific timelines for application acceptance and outlines responsibilities for parents and school districts regarding scholarship notifications and assessments. The bill also enhances accountability measures for private schools participating in scholarship programs, including compliance with operational standards and background checks for staff. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the scholarship process, improve transparency, and ensure that funds are allocated effectively while maintaining oversight of the organizations involved.

Statutes affected:
S 318 Filed: 1002.40, 1002.421, 1003.485, 1008.25, 1010.305, 11.45, 212.099, 402.22, 1002.45, 1003.4935
S 318 c1: 1002.40, 1002.421, 1003.485, 1008.25, 1010.305, 1011.61, 11.45, 212.099, 402.22, 1002.45, 1003.4935
S 318 e1: 1002.40, 1002.421, 1003.485, 1008.25, 1010.305, 1011.61, 11.45, 212.099, 402.22, 1002.45, 1003.4935