HB 429 Summary - Private Schools

• Revises private school eligibility and accountability requirements for three state scholarship programs (Family Empowerment Scholarship, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, and Hope Scholarship Program), including background screening standards for owners, operators, and employees with direct student contact

• Requires private schools accepting scholarship students to assess at least 95 percent of eligible students using statewide assessments and submit annual test score reports to state universities by August 15

• Mandates the Department of Education develop school report cards annually in collaboration with private schools accepting scholarship students, including grades and performance metrics to be provided to parents

• Requires private schools to comply with State Requirements for Educational Facilities of the Florida Building Code, with local governments prohibited from imposing stricter requirements; allows schools to seek injunctive relief and attorney fees if local authorities refuse compliance

• Makes clarifying edits to parent and student responsibilities for program participation, including changes to assessment participation requirements from mandatory to optional participation options