Bill > S1246

This bill expands the scope of the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund to address shortages not only in nursing but also in other health science professions, defining "health science" as programs preparing graduates for direct patient care or diagnostic services within healthcare settings, aligned with the State Board of Education's Career and Technical Education Health Science curriculum framework. It revises the definition of "student" to include those in eligible health science programs and allows the LINE Fund to match contributions from individuals or entities beyond just healthcare partners, though contributions from healthcare partners will be prioritized. The bill also broadens the allowable uses of LINE funds to include facility renovation and remodeling, and designates the Department of Education as the lead entity responsible for identifying and maintaining a list of eligible health science programs, which must be compiled by October 1, 2026, and updated annually, using the Career and Technical Education Health Science curriculum framework as the basis for eligibility. While the Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) will provide workforce data to inform prioritization, it will not determine program eligibility, and the bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1246