This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance educational opportunities within the criminal justice system and improve the operations of the Florida Virtual School. It authorizes the Department of Corrections to award additional gain time to inmates who complete specific educational programs, including vocational and workforce preparedness programs. New provisions for calculating gain time are introduced, allowing for awards based on successful completion of educational or rehabilitation programs, while specifying that inmates must serve a minimum percentage of their sentence before being eligible for gain time.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program, set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, aimed at providing inmates under 22 years of age the opportunity to earn a standard high school diploma through online and blended learning courses. The Florida Virtual School is required to report on its performance and student enrollment, including those in the Justice Education Program, to ensure transparency and effectiveness. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Florida Virtual School and the Department of Corrections in a cooperative agreement, covering resource allocation and assessment procedures, and allows students who turn 22 while enrolled to continue their education with approval. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 818 Filed: 1011.61