HB 859-Relating to Postsecondary Distance Education
On Monday, March 13th, HB 859, relating to Postsecondary Distance Education, by Representative Amber Mariano (R-Port Richey) was heard by the House Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee and passed unanimously by a vote of 14 yeas to 0 nays.  AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis stood in support of this bill.

This legislation seeks to authorize Florida’s participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement known as “SARA” created by the Southern Regional Education Board and the National Council on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. This would allow for Florida’s postsecondary institutions to voluntarily participate in what is a multi-state reciprocity agreement allowing them to offer online education without excessive fees and regulatory compliance processes.  This reciprocity offers student’s greater access to more distance education, enhances oversight of distance education offerings to Florida students by another state, and expands experiential learning opportunities across state lines.  Not only is this good for students but it also helps lessen the burden on Florida businesses and taxpayers to fund construction and facility costs.

HB 859 will move on to the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee for its second hearing.

AIF SUPPORTS our independent colleges and universites continued efforts to address the growing challenges that comes with increased enrollment.