House Bill 1279 introduces significant amendments to Florida's education statutes, focusing on vocational rehabilitation services and university performance metrics. A new section, 413.0114, mandates that entities providing fee-based services to blind or visually impaired individuals must disclose the availability of similar no-cost services from public agencies. Additionally, the bill amends section 413.208 to require service providers to obtain approval from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which will establish qualifications and an application process. The bill also calls for a reporting system to assess the effectiveness of service providers and sets requirements for vocational rehabilitation service rates.

In terms of university standards, the bill revises academic criteria for preeminent state research universities, including a requirement to maintain a specific enrollment ratio of resident students for funding eligibility. It also updates performance metrics to emphasize four-year graduation rates and establishes a uniform weighted grading system for high school courses. Other changes include limitations on noncitizen student enrollment in public postsecondary institutions and the removal of the requirement for gender equity plans. The bill further modifies the dual enrollment program, clarifies accreditation processes for public postsecondary institutions, and specifies financial aid eligibility criteria, including citizenship requirements. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1279 Filed: 413.208, 1001.92, 1003.437, 1004.06, 1005.06, 1006.71, 1007.25, 1009.25, 1009.40, 1009.895