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CS/HB 1145 — Workforce Education
by Higher Education Budget Subcommittee and Rep. Shoaf (CS/SB 742 by Education Pre-K – 12 Committee and Senator Simon)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
The bill expands access to workforce education grant funding and modifies requirements under the Money-back Guarantee Program.
Specifically, the bill:
- Authorizes charter schools to directly apply for and receive funding through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. This allows charter schools to independently propose and implement new or expanded career and technical education programs that lead to industry certifications on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List.
- Expands the Money-back Guarantee Program, which requires school districts and Florida College System (FCS) institutions to refund tuition to students who are unable to find employment within six months of completing a qualifying workforce program. The bill:
- Increases the number of required programs from three to six by July 1, 2026, and requires notification to the State Board of Education.
- Clarifies that enrollment in a designated program automatically enrolls the student in the Money-back Guarantee Program.
- Allows institutions to set eligibility criteria for reimbursement but specifies that work search and internship requirements may not exceed the requirements for reemployment assistance under s. 443.091, F.S.
- Requires school districts and FCS institutions to report eligibility criteria annually to the State Board of Education.
- Expands DOE’s annual reporting requirement to include both performance outcomes and the eligibility criteria used by each school district and FCS institution for tuition reimbursement.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 100-4