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FL H0017

FL H0017
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program


summary

Introduced
12/06/2024
In Committee
01/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program; amending s. 1007.27, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending s. 1007.35, F.S.; requiring public middle schools to provide for the administration of the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to students who meet specified criteria to help such students qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program; providing for an exemption from such test; requiring specified test preparation resources and information be provided to certain students for a specified time period; providing continued eligibility criteria for students receiving such resources and information; providing for the funding for such assessments and resources; amending ss. 1009.534 and 1009.535, F.S.; revising the eligibility criteria for certain awards under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to enhance opportunities for minority and underrepresented students. It requires public middle schools to administer the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to 8th-grade students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, with parents having the option to opt their child out. For students scoring 1,000 or higher, schools must provide SAT or ACT preparation resources and information about scholarship eligibility, continuing until 11th grade, provided the student maintains a 3.5 GPA. The bill also updates eligibility criteria for Florida Academic Scholars and Florida Medallion Scholars awards, replacing specific references to the Hispanic Recognition Program with broader College Board National Recognition Programs. Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to cross-references in existing statutes and ensures that funding for these initiatives will come from lottery funds deposited in the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to improve access to scholarship opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Died in Student Academic Success Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)

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