FL H1299

Creates a Community Inclusion and Life Transition Advisory Council in each congressional district of Florida, administratively housed within the Department of Education but operating independently.

Each council consists of 11 members appointed by the Commissioner of Education with input from district school boards and county commissions, serving 2-year terms with an initial staggered approach of six 1-year and five 2-year appointments.

Councils must conduct educational campaigns on disability benefits programs, seek funding for transition services, promote community partnerships, assess transitioning individuals' needs, and recommend program improvements to county commissioners, the Governor, and Legislature.

Councils shall submit a collaborative annual report by December 1 containing summaries of each council's work and recommendations to county commissioners, the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.

Council members receive no compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses in accordance with Florida Statutes section 112.061; the act takes effect July 1, 2015.