SB 668 & HB 859-Relating to Postsecondary Distance Education 
On Tuesday, April 25th, SB 668, by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville), was heard by Senate Committee on Appropriations and passed unanimously by a vote of 15 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

On Wednesday, April 26th, HB 859, by Representative Amber Mariano (R-Port Richey), was read for a third time on the House floor and passed unanimously by a vote of 116 yeas to 0 nays.

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.

SB 668 will move on to the Senate floor for consideration.

HB 859 will move on to the Senate floor for consideration.

AIF SUPPORTS our State Universities and our Independent Colleges and Universities’ continued efforts to address the growing challenges that comes with increased enrollment, which in turn increases the workforce throughout Florida.

SB 392-High School Graduation Requirements
On Wednesday, April 26th, SB 392, by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), was read for a third time on the Senate and passed by a vote of 36 yeas to 0 nays. 

Currently, based on 56 Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in financial literacy, high school students receive financial literacy instruction as part of the one-half Economics course credit required for graduation. The bill requires students entering grade 9 in the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter to complete a one-half course credit in personal financial literacy and revises the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards to include additional specified financial literacy topics.

SB 392 will go on to House floor for consideration.

AIF SUPPORTS legislation that gives students tools to learn about relevant, and real life subjects that will prepare them for the workforce in the future.