SB 1820 Summary

• Establishes reading scholarship accounts for Florida public school students who scored Level 1 or Level 2 on the grade 3 statewide English Language Arts assessment, available on a first-come, first-served basis contingent on available funds.

• Allows eligible parents to use scholarship funds for instructional materials, curriculum, tutoring services by certified educators, summer and after-school programs, specialized services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, applied behavior analysis), and contributions to Florida College Savings Program.

• Requires school districts to notify parents of Level 1 and Level 2 students about the scholarship application process through eligible scholarship funding organizations already participating in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

• Sets maximum scholarship amount to be specified in the General Appropriations Act, with 100 percent of appropriated funds released at the beginning of the first quarter of each fiscal year.

• Authorizes scholarship funding organizations to use up to 3 percent of contributions for administrative expenses and requires annual financial and operational audits by the Auditor General.