summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
03/09/2026
03/09/2026
Crossed Over
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Passed
03/12/2026
03/12/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund; amending s. 1009.8962, F.S.; revising the Legislative intent for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund; revising the definition of the term “health care partner”; authorizing the inclusion of nonmonetary contributions to institutions for purposes of proposals for LINE Fund matching funds; requiring monetary contributions to receive priority in the award of matching funds; revising the authorized uses of awarded funds; requiring proposals for participation in the fund to be submitted by specified persons; providing allowable nonmonetary contributions; providing requirements for the acceptance of nonmonetary contributions as health care matching funds; prohibiting a proposal to participate in the fund from being comprised solely of nonmonetary contributions; revising the criteria the Board of Governors and the Department of Education must use to review proposals; requiring grant funds awarded based on nonmonetary contributions to be based on such contribution’s fair market value; authorizing the Board of Governors and the Department of Education to provide multiyear awards under certain circumstances; providing notification requirements for such awards; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund, which aims to address Florida's nursing shortage by encouraging partnerships between nursing education programs and "health care partners" (licensed healthcare providers in Florida). The changes allow for non-monetary contributions, such as the donated use of employees, space, or equipment from healthcare partners, to be considered for matching funds, though monetary contributions will be prioritized. Proposals for LINE Fund participation must now be submitted by specific institutional leaders, and cannot consist solely of non-monetary contributions, with the fair market value of any non-monetary contributions needing to be quantified. The bill also expands the authorized uses of awarded funds to include internships and allows for multi-year awards under certain conditions, while clarifying that funds cannot be used for new building construction but can be used to upgrade existing facilities if it leads to increased enrollment or improved educational spaces.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education (Senate)
Last Action
Ordered engrossed, then enrolled (on 03/12/2026)
Official Document
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