FL S0072

Revises the preeminent state research universities program standards by updating SAT/ACT score requirements, removing the emerging preeminent funding distribution (previously one-fourth of preeminent funding), and replacing the "programs of excellence" designation with a new "state universities of distinction" designation focused on core competencies in areas like health care, security, transportation, and STEM

Reforms multiple Florida student assistance grant programs (Public, Private, Postsecondary, and Career Education) by capping grants at amounts specified in the General Appropriations Act, setting the expected family contribution limit at one and one-half times the maximum Pell Grant-eligible level, allowing summer term awards for fall/spring recipients, and imposing stricter fund certification and remittance deadlines (30 and 60 days)

Creates the Florida Institute of Politics at Florida State University's College of Social Sciences and Public Policy as a bipartisan institute for civic engagement, and establishes the Adam Smith Center for the Study of Economic Freedom at Florida International University to study the effects of government and free-market economies on individual freedom

Adds new state university performance-based metrics including 2-year graduation rates for associate in arts transfer students and 6-year graduation rates for Pell Grant recipients (both beginning fiscal year 2021-2022), and prohibits adjusting benchmarks and metrics after university performance data has been received by the Board of Governors

Extends carry forward spending plan deadlines for universities and Florida College System institutions from September 1 to September 30 (board of trustees) and from October 1 to November 15 (Board of Governors/State Board of Education review), and authorizes contingency reserves for Governor-declared state emergencies