CS for SB 190 - Higher Education Summary

• Requires Auditor General to verify accuracy of unexpended fund amounts certified by university and Florida College System institution chief financial officers.

• Establishes minimum carry forward balance requirements: 7 percent for state universities and large Florida College System institutions (FTE ≥15,000), and 5 percent for smaller Florida College System institutions (FTE <15,000); institutions must submit spending plans for excess balances.

• Creates points-based capital project prioritization methods for the State Board of Education and Board of Governors to rank public education capital outlay projects based on specified criteria including prior funding, maintenance needs, and space requirements.

• Requires Board of Governors to develop annual trustee training program covering governance responsibilities, fiduciary duties, and institutional oversight; implements "2+2" targeted pathway agreements between Florida College System institutions and state universities.

• Expands Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to include Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, removes the 3-year enrollment requirement for recipients, extends reapplication periods to 5 years after graduation, and adjusts excess credit hour surcharge thresholds for state university students.