FL H0371

Establishes the Florida Council on Poverty as an advisory council within the Department of Economic Opportunity, with five members appointed by the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Council members must be Florida residents, serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses, and must meet at least twice yearly with a minimum quorum of three members required for official action.

Council shall conduct policy reviews, develop strategies to address poverty causes, create recommendations to reduce poverty percentages, and study academic outcomes for children in poverty.

Council must submit annual reports by January 15 of each year beginning in 2018 to the Governor and Legislature containing activities and recommendations for legislative, administrative, and regulatory reforms related to poverty mitigation.

Council is abolished effective July 1, 2019, and the act takes effect July 1, 2016.