summary
Introduced
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
In Committee
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to virtual learning; amending s. 1002.37, F.S.; revising the purpose of the Florida Virtual School to provide for the development and delivery of blended learning; requiring the Florida Virtual School to give priority to studentsin certain Department of Corrections education programs; conforming a reporting requirement to changes made by the act; revising the calculation of funding for the Florida Virtual School; requiring full-time equivalent studentsin a certain blended learning program to be reported to the Department of Education in a specified manner; providing conditions under which the Florida Virtual School may be funded through the Florida Education Finance Program; revising the requirements of a report that the board of trustees of the Florida Virtual School must annually submit to certain entities, beginning with a specified school year; requiring studentsin the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program to take specified examinations and assessments at institutions or facilities operated by, or under the supervision of, the Department of Corrections; providing for the determination of Florida Virtual School performance hb523-00 related to the Justice Education Program; creating s. 1002.371, F.S.; requiring the Florida Virtual School to establish the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program, beginning with a specified school year; providing the purpose of the program; providing criteria for course delivery; requiring the Florida Virtual School to report program students separately from other students for funding purposes; providing for funding of studentsin the program; authorizing certain students to remainunder certain circumstances; prohibiting funding for such a student from being reported through the Florida Education Finance Program; requiring the Department of Education, with assistance from specified entities, to select a common student assessment instrument and protocol for measuring student learning gains and progression; requiring specified entities to jointly review such assessment instrument and protocol and implement changes as necessary; authorizing students to appeal removal from the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program, subject to a final determination on the appeal by the Commissioner of Education; requiring the Florida Virtual School to negotiate by a specified date and annually thereafter a cooperative agreement with the Department of hb523-00 Corrections to implement the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program for the delivery of educational services to students under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections; providing requirements for such agreement; providing construction; requiring the state board and the Department of Corrections to adopt rules; amending s. 1011.61, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "full-time equivalent student"; amending s. 1011.62, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, designed to provide educational opportunities for inmates under 22 years old in Department of Corrections facilities. The program will offer inmates the chance to earn a standard high school diploma through online and blended learning courses delivered by certified Florida Virtual School personnel. Key provisions include separately reporting and funding these students through the Florida Education Finance Program, creating a summer school component, and establishing a comprehensive cooperative agreement between the Florida Virtual School and the Department of Corrections that covers roles, responsibilities, curriculum delivery, assessment procedures, and student support. The bill requires the development of a common student assessment instrument to measure learning gains, allows students to appeal removal from the program, and permits students who turn 22 to potentially remain in the program with approval. The legislation aims to provide educational opportunities for incarcerated young people while establishing clear operational guidelines and accountability mechanisms for the program's implementation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/523 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/523/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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