Bill > S0376

This bill establishes the Financial Literacy Program for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities within Florida's Department of Financial Services, recognizing the state's interest in promoting economic independence for individuals with developmental disabilities, who often face challenges with education, employment, and navigating complex benefit programs. The program aims to equip these individuals with essential financial management knowledge and skills to improve their ability to access benefits and make informed financial decisions, thereby fostering economic independence and successful employment. Banks, credit unions, savings associations, and savings banks are designated as key participants, responsible for developing and promoting the program, which will offer education on money management, benefit programs, job training, and the impact of earnings on benefit eligibility. Qualified public depositories, which are financial institutions that hold public funds, will be required to make program information and brochures available to consumers and provide a link to the program's online resources, though they will be protected from liability for distributing this information. The bill also allocates $69,570 in recurring funds for the program's implementation and takes effect on January 1, 2017.