summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions; amending s. 1005.06, F.S.; removing religious colleges from the list of institutions specified as not being under the jurisdiction or purview of the Commission for Independent Education; creating s. 1005.12, F.S.; providing legislative intent; providing requirements that must be met by nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions that operate without being licensed by the commission; requiring such institutions to provide a sworn affidavit with specified information to the commission; requiring the commission to provide such institutions annually with a written notice of exemption from licensure and of compliance with specified requirements; providing methods for verifying such compliance; authorizing a religious nongovernmental education association to cooperate with the commission to determine whether a nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institution is in compliance; providing requirements for such associations; requiring the commission to send a specified notice to nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions under certain circumstances; requiring noncompliant institutions to hb125-00 submit specified documentation, apply for a license, or cease operations within a specified timeframe; requiring that the employee or agent of the noncompliant institution who produced the sworn affidavit be subject to criminal penalties under certain circumstances; authorizing the commission to adopt rules; amending ss. 553.865, 1005.03, 1005.04, 1005.21, and 1005.31, F.S.; conforming cross- references and provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new framework for nonpublic religious postsecondary educational institutions (such as religious colleges) in Florida, replacing previous exemption rules with more structured requirements. Under the new law, these institutions can operate without a license from the Commission for Independent Education, but must annually submit a sworn affidavit verifying specific conditions: their name must include a religious reference, they can only offer programs preparing students for religious vocations (expanded to include areas like business and accounting), and degree titles must include a religious modifier. The bill aims to protect the integrity of educational credentials by ensuring these institutions meet minimum standards, provide transparent consumer information, and maintain fair practices. If an institution fails to comply with requirements, it must either correct issues, apply for a license, or cease operations within 45 days. The Commission for Independent Education will oversee this process, providing annual exemption notices and having the authority to verify compliance through direct review or cooperation with approved religious education associations. An employee who submits a false affidavit may be subject to criminal penalties, and the commission is authorized to adopt implementing rules. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2025, and make conforming changes to various related statutes to ensure consistency.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Education Administration Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/125 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/125/BillText/Filed/PDF |
Loading...