CS/HB 7043 Summary

• Creates Florida College System Performance-Based Incentive program using metrics including retention rates, graduation rates, postgraduation employment, salaries, and wage thresholds for certificates and degrees.

• Revises preeminent state research university standards and creates new "emerging preeminent state research university" designation for universities meeting at least 6 of 12 excellence standards (down from 11 of 12).

• Establishes Florida Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarship Program providing scholarships to classroom teachers with SAT/ACT scores at or above 80th percentile and highly effective performance ratings, with $1,000 minimum for Title I school teachers.

• Requires university boards of trustees to select their own chair and vice chair, with specified term limits and removal grounds for unexcused absences; mandates posting of detailed meeting minutes on university websites within 2 weeks.

• Prohibits requiring students in teacher preparation programs to purchase liability insurance as condition for clinical field experience; extends educator liability insurance program and requires annual notification to personnel.