CS/CS/CS/HB 187 Summary

• Requires postsecondary institutions to report annually to the Commissioner of Education starting September 1, 2021 on dual enrollment program data including student enrollment, course completion, credits earned, and degrees awarded.

• Prohibits recreation and leisure studies courses from dual enrollment programs and prevents district school boards and Florida College System institutions from limiting student participation unless granted a capacity waiver by the commissioner.

• Requires schools to obtain signed acknowledgement forms from both students and parents before enrolling in dual enrollment courses, and mandates schools inform students and parents that dual enrollment grades affect college GPA and financial aid eligibility.

• Establishes early college programs allowing public school students in grades 11-12 to earn industry certifications and complete 30 credit hours through dual enrollment, with option to graduate with an associate degree.

• Appropriates $550,000 in recurring funds for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to provide instructional materials to private school and charter school dual enrollment students free of charge.