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HB 3-C — Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
by Rep. Tomkow and others (SB 4-C by Senator Collins)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Fiscal Policy Committee (FP)
The bill modifies the number of students served under the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program for students with disabilities (FES-UA). The bill revises the maximum number of students served for the 2023-2024 school year to be the number determined by the Department of Education and the scholarship funding organizations. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the maximum number of students will increase annually by three percent of the exceptional student education full-time equivalent student membership, not including gifted students.
The change made by the bill does not require an additional appropriation as any additional students will be absorbed by the current Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) appropriation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which includes the $350 million appropriated for the Educational Enrollment Stabilization Program created pursuant to s. 1011.62(18), F.S.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 111-0