Bill > H5101

This bill makes several changes to Florida's education funding and oversight, including expanding financial emergency determinations to include postsecondary institutions like Florida College System institutions and State University System institutions, and establishing a "preeminent state research universities program" to recognize and support top-tier research universities based on specific academic and research excellence standards. It also revises how funding is calculated for virtual instruction, modifies the duties of the Florida Virtual Campus to focus on statewide access to distance learning resources, and creates a "Complete Florida Degree Program" to help adult learners finish their degrees. The bill grants the Board of Governors oversight authority over State University System institutions and revises certain state university fees, while also establishing requirements for postsecondary institutions to maintain fund balances and modifying funding requirements for the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). Finally, it revises eligibility, enrollment, and funding for the school readiness program, which provides early childhood education services.