FL H1043

Establishes the Doula Workforce Development Support Program within the Department of Commerce to fund and expand doula training programs, with priority for high-need regions including urban counties with maternal morbidity disparities, rural areas lacking obstetric providers, and communities affected by hospital closures

Appropriates $7.5 million in nonrecurring General Revenue funds for fiscal year 2026-2027, with up to $500,000 allocated for administrative expenses and the remainder distributed as competitive or formula-based grants to eligible doula training entities

Defines eligible grant recipients as nonprofit organizations, community-based programs, academic institutions, and private educational providers that conduct doula training, mentoring, continuing education, or workforce placement activities

Authorizes grant funds for training program expansion, instructor compensation, curriculum development, business development training for doulas, stipends for newly trained doulas, and partnerships with hospitals, Medicaid managed care plans, and Healthy Start Coalitions

Requires the Department to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature by December 1 detailing grant recipients, number of doulas trained, geographic distribution of activities, workforce outcomes, and program improvement recommendations