CS/HB 3 - Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2017

• Revises performance-based metrics for Florida College System institutions and state universities, including graduation rates, retention rates, job placement, and affordability measures with specific benchmarks and weighted criteria.

• Establishes the World Class Faculty and Scholar Program to fund faculty recruitment, retention, and research initiatives at state universities, requiring annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature by March 15.

• Requires Florida College System institutions to execute at least one "2+2" targeted pathway articulation agreement with state universities by 2018-2019 academic year, guaranteeing qualified associate degree graduates access to university degree programs.

• Mandates each state university adopt a block tuition policy by fall 2018 exempting resident undergraduate students from tuition and fees for credits exceeding 15 credit hours per semester.

• Modifies graduation rate standards for preeminent state research universities from 4-year to 6-year rates at 70 percent; changes emerging preeminent university funding from one-fourth to one-half of designated university amounts; prohibits adjustment of performance benchmarks after data receipt.