Welcome back for the first committee week before the 2018 Legislative Session! This week, as both Chambers convene, we see the beginnings of bill hearings, workshops and many discussions regarding Hurricane Irma and the impact the storm had on our state. Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is pleased to present its first daily/weekly update containing legislation most important to Florida employers.

SB 88-High School Graduation Requirements

On Monday, October 9th, SB 88, by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), was heard by the Senate Committee on Education and passed. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

Currently, based on Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, high school students receive financial literacy instruction as part of the one-half Economics course credit required for graduation. The bill revises that standard to require students entering grade 9 in the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter to complete a one-half standalone course credit in personal financial literacy.

SB 88 will go on to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Pre-K – 12 Education.

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