CS/HB 7045 - School Choice Summary

• Repeals Gardiner Scholarship Program: Eliminates the separate Gardiner Scholarship for students with disabilities effective July 1, 2022, consolidating it into the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program.

• Expands Family Empowerment Scholarship: Increases scholarship caps to 18,000 students annually for low-income students and 20,000 students annually for students with disabilities, with annual increases of 1.0% of public school enrollment.

• Increases Income Eligibility: Raises household income threshold from 375% to 300% of federal poverty level for Family Empowerment Scholarships, with potential adjustments based on available funding.

• Adds Transition-to-Work Programs: Allows eligible students with disabilities (ages 17-22) to participate in private school transition-to-work programs combining academic instruction, work skills training, and paid/volunteer work experience.

• Modifies Funding Calculations: Changes scholarship amounts to 95-100% of Florida Education Finance Program funding based on grade level and establishes clearer payment procedures through organizations rather than directly through the Department of Education.