L E G I S L A T I V E A L E R T
January 21, 2021
Today, Senator Diaz (R-Hialeah) filed SB 48, a bill consolidating voucher programs into education savings accounts (ESA). FSBA’s team is working through the 158 page bill, but wanted you all to be aware of its filing.
At a minimum the bill:
- Combines the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Hope Scholarship into the Florida Empowerment Scholarship (FES)
- Extends eligibility to students currently in public, private, or homeschool education
- Combines the Gardiner and McKay scholarships
- Makes the cost of an internet provider eligible for scholarship use.
Proponents include Senate President Simpson and the Foundation for Excellence in Education. The bill’s supporters and sponsor are touting the increased flexibility for parents and students. As of this evening, there is no companion bill on the House side.
You can read the bill here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/48/BillText/Filed/PDF
FSBA will continue to update you with information as it becomes available.
