The bill amends Section 1009.8962 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund, which aims to address the nursing shortage in the state by promoting collaboration between nursing education programs and health care partners. Key revisions include expanding the definition of "health care partner" to include those making both monetary and nonmonetary contributions, and establishing that monetary contributions will receive priority in the allocation of matching funds. The bill also outlines the allowable uses of awarded funds, which now include recruitment of faculty and clinical preceptors, as well as the expansion and modernization of existing facilities, while explicitly prohibiting the use of funds for new construction.

Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements for proposals to participate in the LINE Fund, mandating that they be submitted by designated officials from institutions and that they include a health care partner. Nonmonetary contributions must be quantified at fair market value and cannot solely comprise a proposal. The Board of Governors and the Department of Education are tasked with reviewing proposals based on specific criteria, including the potential impact on student enrollment and program completion. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1325 Filed: 1009.8962
H 1325 c1: 1009.8962
H 1325 c2: 1009.8962