CS/HB 5101 (2013) - Education Funding Bill

• Establishes a "Preeminent State Research Universities Program" with academic and research excellence standards; the highest-performing university receives funding to develop an institute for fully online baccalaureate degree programs and $15 million annually for research advancement.

• Expands virtual instruction options by allowing school districts to provide part-time and full-time virtual courses for K-12 students in all subjects, removing restrictions on cross-district online course enrollment.

• Includes Florida College System institutions and State University System institutions in financial emergency oversight procedures, audit requirements, and financial management standards previously applied only to local governments and school districts.

• Revises funding provisions for dual enrollment programs, virtual instruction, and Florida Virtual School to clarify full-time equivalent student calculations and funding distribution among institutions.

• Establishes school readiness program eligibility priorities effective August 1, 2013, prioritizing children from working families receiving temporary assistance and at-risk children, with implementation guidelines for early learning coalitions.