Volume 19 | Number 10 | May 9, 2012

he 2012 legislative session concluded on March 9 and a $70 bil- lion state budget, along with 292 bills, were sent to the governor Tfor his response. Thank On April 17, the governor vetoed $142.7 million from the budget be- fore signing it into law, which will take effect on July 1. These vetoes You For included $350,000 for the Florida Storm Risk Management Center in the FSU College of Business (see Quick Budget Guide). Another All but 12 of the 292 bills that passed the legislature became law, either with or without the governor’s signature. The governor vetoed one of particular interest to Florida State University – House Bill 7129, the Great State Universities of Academic and Research Excellence and National Preeminence Act – which would have established 14 academic and re- Session search standards of excellence and allowed institutions that met 12 of them (only FSU and UF currently do so) the ability to establish student The Office of Governmental Relations tuition and fees at differentiated and market rates (see Veto Message). would like to express its gratitude for the The Spotlight on Bills section of this newsletter provides a complete support received from the Legislative listing of legislation of interest that passed during the session, as well Liaison Committee members. These im- portant members of our team contribut- as the bills that did not. ed much hard work and patience during This past session also included reapportionment so all 160 political the 2012 Legislative Session. districts were redrawn and, with the Florida Supreme Court’s recent Anne Blankenship Academic Affairs signoff on those new legislative and Congressional boundaries, the Ralph Alvarez Budget and Analysis election cycle has officially begun. Michael Lake Budget and Analysis Sandra Lewis Faculty Senate As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions about Terry Fulcher Finance & Administration bills that passed or those that failed, or any budget-related inquiries. Brian Fairhurst Magnet Lab I can be reached at (850) 644-4453 or [email protected]. Beth Hodges Office of Research Mary Coburn Student Affairs Liz Maryanski University Relations Mike Cramer University Attorney Vicki Dobiyanski Student Government Asimina Boutzoukas Student Government Jenn Hunter Athletics Dennis Bailey Facilities Dan Dayhoff Facilities Darryl Marshall Financial Aid Renisha Gibbs Human Resources GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Joyce Ingram Human Resources Marcie Doolittle Purchasing Bob Pekurny College of Communication 850.644.4453 govrel.fsu.edu Marcy Driscoll College of Education Sissi Carroll College of Education John Fogarty College of Medicine Kathleen M. Daly, Toni Moore, Chris Adcock, Laura Brock College of Medicine Asst. Vice President Program Coordinator Office Administrator Diane Speake College of Nursing Lynn Wicker Florida High LEGISLETTER FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Volume 19 | Number 1 | January 9, 2012

HB 7129, State Universities and fees at differentiated and market rates awarded by the United States Patent of AcademicBILLS THAT and HAVEResearch PASSED is contingent OR FAILED upon the BOG verifying that and Trademark Office for the most -re Excellence and National Pre- the SUS institution substantially meets at cent 3-year period. eminence, by Representative least 11 of the following 14 academic and n Two hundred fifty or more doctoral de- Bill Proctor (R – St. Augustine, research excellence standards: grees awarded annually, as reported by FSU Alum), establishes the State TARU. Universities of Academic and Research n An average weighted grade point aver- Excellence and National Preeminence age of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale and n Two hundred or more post-doctoral ap- Act (Act). The Act is a collaborative part- an average SAT score of 1800 or higher pointed annually, as reported by TARU. nership between the Board of Governors for fall semester incoming freshman, as n A national ranking in quality higher than (BOG) and the Legislature to elevate the reported annually. predicted based available financial re- academic and research excellence and sources rankings, as reported annually national preeminence of the highest per- n A top 50 ranking on at least two well- forming state research universities in known and highly respected national by U.S. News and World Report. Florida. A state research university that public university rankings, reflecting n An endowment of $400 million or more, substantially meets 11 of the 14 academic national preeminence, using most re- as reported annually by the TARU and research excellence standards (of cent rankings. n Annual giving of $50 million or more, as which only UF and FSU currently meet) n A freshman retention rate of 90 percent reported annually by the TARU. established in the bill may: or higher for full-time first-time-in-col- lege students, as reported annually to Additionally, a state research university n  Establish student tuition and fees at dif- the Integrated Postsecondary Educa- that substantially meets the requirements ferentiated and market rates; and tion Data System (IPEDS). of the bill must submit a tuition and fee n  rate proposal annually by May 31 detail- Require incoming first-time-in-college n A 6-year graduation rate of 70 percent students to take 9-12 credit hours of ing the requested budget authority in the or higher for full-time first-time-in-col- coursework specifically determined by lege students, as reported annually to Education and General Student and Other the university at the university. the IPEDS. Fees Trust Fund needed to implement the new tuition structure to the BOG with the n Six or more faculty members at the A qualified Prepaid Program beneficiary is university work plans. state university who are members of a exempt from the payment of any increase national academy, as reported annually in tuition and fees if an advance payment Finally, a state research university that by The Center for Measuring University contract for such qualified beneficiary substantially meets the requirements of Performance for the Top American Re- predates the first year an SUS institution search Universities (TARU). the bill must maintain fees used to pledge receives tuition and fee authority; and if or secure debt at an appropriate fee level n Total annual research expenditures, in- the advance payment contract for such to meet all debt service obligations of that cluding federal research expenditures, qualified beneficiary remains in effect. university. of $200 million or more, as reported A qualified Prepaid Program beneficiary who enters into an advance payment con- annually by the TARU. The bill is effective upon becoming law. tract in the first year an SUS institution n Total annual research expenditures in VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR receives tuition and fee authority, or in diversified nonmedical sciences of $100 the years thereafter, must pay the differ- million or more, as reported annually by HB 7135, Postsecondary Edu- ence between the highest rate of tuition the National Science Foundation (NSF). and fees covered by the advance pay- cation by Representative Bill n A top 100 university national ranking ment contract and the tuition and fees as- Proctor (R – St. Augustine, for research expenditures in five or sessed by the SUS institution of national FSU Alum), amends provisions of law more science, technology, engineer- preeminence that such qualified benefi- relating to the State University System ing, or mathematics fields of study, as ciary attends. (SUS), the Florida College System (FCS), reported annually by the NSF. general education requirements, and vari- The authority to establish student tuition n One hundred or more total patents ous other provisions. The bill requires that the strategic plan ad- from 36 semester credit hours to 30 se- for the current fiscal year and $1 million opted by the Board of Governors (BOG) mester credit hours for an associate or for the subsequent years; address, not only goals and objectives for baccalaureate degree. The chairs of the n Maintains the salary limitation on the the State University System (SUS) and SBE and the BOG are required to jointly amount of state funds that may be used each constituent university, but also each convene faculty committees to identify for salaries of Florida College System university’s contribution to overall system statewide general education core course and State University presidents and goals and objectives. The strategic plan options. General education core course administrative employees in Fiscal Year must also include performance metrics options must consist of a maximum of 2012-2013; and standards common to all institutions five courses within each of the subject and standards and metrics unique to each areas of communication, mathematics, n Provides that a full-time student, co-en- institution, depending on the institutional social sciences, humanities, and natural rolled in a K-12 education program and mission. To advance system and unique in- sciences. The bill also requires that asso- an adult general education program, stitutional priorities the BOG may consider ciate in arts degree students demonstrate may be reported for funding for two waiving its regulations to reduce barriers competency in a foreign language pursu- courses in an adult education program and support attainment of goals identified ant to s. 1007.262, F.S. in Fiscal Year 2012-2013; in institutional plans as necessary. n Revises the severance package lan- Beginning December 31, 2013, the bill guage for colleges and universities to The bill establishes a formula for perfor- requires the DEO to annually prepare an conform to s. 215.512, F.S.; mance funding whereby state universi- economic security report of employment n Requires both college and universities ties can compete for additional funding and earning outcomes for degrees or cer- to maximize purchasing power by en- to support engineering and technology tificates earned at a public postsecondary tering into consortia and cooperative programs that have high employment educational institution. agreements; outcomes. The bill requires all private postsecond- n Removes an exemption from State The State Board of Education (SBE) must ary institutions that receive state funds to Board of Education approval for bacca- clarify the mission statements of each submit student-level data to appropriate laureate degree programs to be offered Florida College System (FCS) institution state level entities. by a Florida College System Institution; and its role within the system as a whole. n Requires the Auditor General to notify More specifically, the SBE must identify The bill is effective upon becoming law. the Joint Legislative Auditing Commit- the role of each institution in baccalaure- Ch. 2012-195 tee of any audit review which indicates ate degree production and establish crite- that a state university or state college ria for service delivery areas of FCS insti- HB 5201, Higher Education has failed to take corrective action, tutions authorized to grant baccalaureate Funding, by Representative and requires the district school board, degrees. The SBE must identify perfor- Denise Grimsley (R – Sebring), the Florida College System institution mance metrics for the FCS and develop provides higher education funding issues board of trustees, or university board of a plan that specifies goals and objectives to conform to the 2012-2013 General Ap- trustees to conduct an audit overview for each FCS institution. propriations Act. Specifically, the bill: during a public meeting; and n Authorizes the University of Florida to The SBE, in consultation with the BOG n Establishes the Florida Virtual Campus exceed the 5% bonding limitation on and the Department of Economic Oppor- to provide access to online student and the Activity and Service (A&S) fee to tunity (DEO) must adopt a unified state library support services and serve as a fund the renovation and expansion of plan for Science, Technology, Engineering, statewide resource and clearinghouse the student union. and Mathematics (STEM). for postsecondary education distance learning courses and degree programs n Allows colleges to increase the fee up to A FCS institution notice of intent to pro- and to increase student access and 20% of tuition or the sum of tuition and pose a baccalaureate degree program completion of degrees; out-of-state fees. It implements a new must include independently-determined n Establishes a Degree Completion Pilot fee structure for universities allowing workforce demand and unmet need data. Program to recruit, recover, and retain them to increase the Capital Improve- In addition, the bill repeals the unused pro- adult learners and assist them in com- ment Trust Fund (CITF) fee up to 10% vision allowing FCS institutions to bypass pleting degrees aligned to high-wage, of tuition or the sum of tuition and out- SBE approval for additional baccalaureate high-skill, and workforce needs; of-state fees as approved by a fee com- degrees and requires each FCS institution mittee and the board of trustees. The n offering baccalaureate degree programs Increases the surcharge for excess fee may increase no more than $2 per to annually report its status using specific credit hours; credit hour over the prior year for resi- performance and compliance indicators. n Authorizes the Board of Governors to dent students. The bill also stipulates transfer unused Student and Other the fee may be used to fund any proj- The bill revises provisions related to Fees Trust Fund authority between in- ect or real property acquisition and any general education beginning with stu- stitutions, and restricts universities’ reduction must undergo review of the dents initially entering a FCS institution ability to transfer funds to and from sat- State Board of Administration, Division in 2014-15, by reducing the requirement ellite campuses in excess of $2 million of Bond Finance. The bill makes the following changes to HB 5009, Health Insurance creates the Agency for State Technology student financial aid and tuition assis- Benefits for State Employ- (AST) and abolishes Agency for Enter- tance programs: ees, by Representative Denise prise Information Technology, and trans- n Shortens the length of time from 3 years Grimsley (R – Sebring), revises fers its records, property, funds, trust to 2 years that a student is eligible to ac- the State Group Health Insurance Pro- funds, administrative authority and rules, cept the initial Bright Futures Scholar- gram (program) as follows: pending issues, and, existing contracts to ship after high school graduation; AST. The bill nullifies specified rules relat- The program is an optional benefit for all ing to enterprise e-mail service and revis- n Clarifies that students enrolled in the state employees working for state agen- es provisions for consolidation of agency Spring/Summer University of Florida cies, state universities, the court system computing facilities into the primary data pilot program are authorized to receive and the Legislature. Universities are re- centers system. Additionally, the bill revis- a Bright Futures Scholarship award for quired to participate. es provisions relating to state data center only two semesters each year; system and provides duties of AST. Finally, n Clarifies that students are required to The program provides several options for the bill revises the duties of state agen- annually submit the Free Application employees who choose health insurance cies. Effective July 1, 2012.VETOED BY for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and coverage. The state offers Individual and THE GOVERNOR n Limits allowable uses for the Bright Fu- Family Coverage in both a standard plan tures Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship. and a high-deductible plan with Preferred HB 5203 – Workers Compensation, by Provider Organization PPO and Health Representative Denise Grimsley (R – Se- The bill includes provisions for other maintenance Organization HMO op- bring), repeals section 1010.87, Florida scholarship programs which: tions. The high deductible plan includes a Statutes, removing the Department of Ed- n Requires annual financial reporting by the Health Savings Account (HSA). Every year ucation’s administrative responsibilities Florida Fund for Minority Teachers (FFMT) since the high-deductible option has been toward Workers Compensation and plac- and the Florida Education Fund (FEF); offered, the state has contributed $500 ing those duties within the Department and $1,000 into the HSA for employees n Requires the FFMT to use a contingency of Financial Services. Effective July 1, with Individual or Family Health coverage, collection agency to recoup scholarship 2012. Ch. 2012-135 respectively. repayments from students in default; HB 5509, State Data Center n Eliminates a law scholarship program During the 2010 session, the Legislature System, by Representative Ed that is no longer funded, nor does the implemented a policy whereby partici- Hooper (R - Clearwater), consoli- FEF provide scholarships; and pants in the PPO plan were required to use dates all agency data centers and com- n Revises matching requirements for the mail order for certain maintenance drugs. puting facilities in a primary data center. FEF, the Jose Marti and Mary McLeod Mail order prescriptions are for 90 days The bill requires that computing resourc- Bethune Scholarship Programs. and cost the equivalent of two monthly es be concentrated in quality facilities copayments, saving both the participant The General Appropriations Act provides: that provide proper security, infrastruc- and the state money. Retail outlets are ture, and staff resources to ensure that n $24.4 million to support the newly es- limited to providing 30 day supplies. The the state’s data is maintained reliably and tablished Virtual Campus, including $2.5 bill provides that DMS may implement a sagely, and is recoverable in the event of million for a degree completion pilot; 90-day supply limit program for certain a disaster. The bill designates Northwest n $11 million in savings to the state as- maintenance drugs for retail pharmacies Regional Data Center at FSU as a primary sociated with the decrease in allowable participating in the program if DMS finds data center that will have the following fa- excess credit hours; and it is in the best interest of the state. cilities consolidate with: n  $505,926 in savings due to changes in The bill provides the Board of Trustees n The Department of Education’s Knott the Bright Futures Vocational Gold Seal of the University of Florida with the op- Data Center Scholarship program. tion to create their own health insurance n The Department of Education’s Division Effective July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-134 program separate from DSGI to cover its of Vocational Rehabilitation students, employees and retirees. If such n The Department of Education’s Division HB 5007, State Employees by a program is established, the bill directs of Blind Services Representative Denise Grims- the University to be provided funding ley (R – Sebring), provides for the as established for other entities in the n The FCAT Explorer resolution of collective bargaining issues General Appropriations Act adjusted on n FACTS.org at impasse between the State of Florida an annual basis by an actuarially deter- n The Department of Revenue’s Carlton and the certified bargaining units for state mined implicit subsidy for retiree benefits. building and Imaging Center locations employees. Bargaining units include: Effective July 1, 2012. Teamsters Local 2011, Police Benevolent VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR The bill is effective July 1, 2012. Association, Fire Services Association, Ch. 2012-142 AFCME, Federation of Physicians and Senate Bill 5011 – Relating to State Dentist, and the Department of Lottery. Information Technology, by Represen- HB 5101, Pre-kindergarten Effective July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-132 tative Denise Grimsley (R – Sebring), – 12 Education Funding by Representative Marti Coley (R n Limits the 5% charter school adminis- n Adjusts the employer contribution rates – Marianna, FSU Alum), is the bud- trative charge for schools with excep- for the FRS based on the 2011 Actuarial get conforming bill for Pre-K – 12. The bill: tional student enrollment that is 75% or Valuation as adjusted by the changes to greater of the total school enrollment. the Investment Plan allocations. n Removes references to the pub- lic broadcasting radio stations. This n Conforms severance package language Effective July 1, 2012, Ch. 2012-146 change limits the use of state funds for district superintendents and em- provided for educational television to ployees to s. 215.425, F.S. (from a maxi- CS SB 198, State University only be disbursed by the Department mum of one year’s salary to a maximum System Optional Retirement of Education to public broadcasting of 20 weeks compensation). Program, by Senator John Thrasher (R – Jacksonville, FSU television stations meeting the require- n Limits the use of public broadcasting Alum), increases the number of compa- ments of the Corporation for Public funds to TV stations to reflect budget nies that the Department of Management Broadcasting. allocations. Services (DMS) is authorized to contract n Modifies the FEFP Supplemental Aca- n Clarifies that the Sheriff is an eligible ju- with for provision of State University Sys- demic Instruction and Reading alloca- venile justice education provider. tem optional retirement plans (SUSORP) tions for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 to from five to six companies. The bill also require districts with the 100 lowest n Repeals the Manatee County School provides that if an additional company is performing elementary schools to pro- District compulsory school attendance to be added by competitive procurement, vide intensive reading instruction by age pilot project. that the contract with the new provider be effective teachers for the students in n Authorizes the Commissioner of Edu- effective from July 1, 2012 until December these schools for an additional hour a cation to waive certain school district 14, 2014, and that all SUSORP providers to day beyond the normal school day for facilities construction requirements if the entire school year. be designated after January 1, 2015, must justified by the district. participate together in a competitive pro- n Delays the increased class size penalty n Clarifies that Auditor General audits curement. Effective upon becoming (from 50% to the full amount of the base satisfy the independent audit require- law. Ch. 2012-10 student allocation) until 2014-2015, in- ment for the educational facilities plan cluding a retroactive adjustment of the of school districts. SB 922, Current and Former 2011-2012 penalty calculation. Military Personnel, by Senator n Provides technical clarification of FEFP n  Mike Bennett (R – Bradenton), Provides school districts with flexibility reporting requirements and audit ad- for instructional materials purchases, contains numerous provisions relating to justments. for the 2012-2013 mathematics adop- support of military installations, military tion if the districts meet certain re- n Maintains the waiver of the three- personnel and veterans. The bill address- quirements. fourths limit for the use of school dis- es military support as follows: trict discretionary capital outlay millage n Requires providers and schools to im- funds for payments required by lease- plement pre and post assessments for Encroachment: The bill clarifies provi- purchase agreements. students in the voluntary prekindergar- sions relating to military installation com- ten program. The bill is effective July 1, 2012, Ch. manders’ advisory comments on land 2012-133 use changes. In addition, the bill requires n Limits the amendatory period for the advisory comments be supported by ap- reporting of FTE for payment to provid- HB 5005, Retirement, by Rep- propriate data and analyses that are to be ers and schools by early learning coali- provided with the comments. tions for the voluntary prekindergarten resentative Denise Grimsley program. (R – Sebring), revises the employer contributions for members of the State Property Tax Exemption for Deployed n  Service members: The bill makes chang- Requires districts to provide Discretion- University System Option Retirement ary Local Effort funds up to the state av- es to the designated operations for which Program, and the State Retirement Sys- erage and/or state compression funding deployed service members may qualify tem. The bill: for juvenile justice education students. for an ad valorem tax exemption. It also n Reduces the allocation rates for all re- n Requires school districts to participate provides an exception to the March 1 ap- tirement classes being deposited into in a School District Consortium to maxi- plication deadline in s. 196.173(5), F.S., for investment plan member accounts. mize purchasing power for goods and 2012 only. services. n Reduces the employer contribution rates into the Community College Sys- Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Coun- n Creates the K-12 Public School Facility tem Optional Retirement Program. cil: The bill creates the Florida Veterans’ Funding Task Force to make recommen- Hall of Fame Council to serve as an advi- n Reduces the employer contribution dations for funding equity among char- sory body tasked with accepting nomina- rates into the Senior Management Ser- ter schools and school district schools. tions of persons to be considered for in- vice Optional Annuity Program. n Creates the Digital Instructional Mate- duction into the Hall of Fame. rials Work Group to plan and monitor n Reduces the employer contribution rate the transition to digital instructional by 2.28% into the State University Sys- Grants for Military Base Retention: materials. tem Optional Retirement Program. The bill streamlines the grant programs and revises legislative intent for the pro- granted priority course registration, and search Institute, which is currently at USF grams to include the Legislature’s inter- that qualified GI Bill users will be eligible Polytechnic is established within the Flor- est in supporting and sustaining military for priority registration until the expiration ida Polytechnic University, and the USF installations throughout the state. of the GI Bill educational benefits. Effec- Doctor of Pharmacy program, which was tive July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-162 designated to be housed at USF Polytech- T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment nic, will remain at USF. As space becomes Intervention Act: The bill authorizes HB 7079, State Retirement, available at the Florida Polytechnic Uni- the chief judge of each judicial circuit to by Representative Jimmy Pa- versity’s new campus, space at the Lake- establish a Military Veterans and Service tronis (R – Panama City, FSU land joint-use facility must be transferred members Court Program (Program) for Alum), clarifies the definitions of terms to Polk State College. The University of veterans and service members who are “normal retirement date” and “vesting”. Florida is authorized to advise the board convicted of a criminal offense and who The bill authorizes distributions to cer- of trustees and president of the Florida suffer from a mental illness, traumatic tain members who are terminated from Polytechnic University in accreditation brain injury (TBI), or substance abuse dis- employment for 1 calendar month if the and administrative matters. Effective order as a result of their military service. member has reached the normal retire- upon becoming law, Ch. 2012-129 Under the Program, a judge may sentence ment date. The bill provides rulemaking such veterans and service members in ac- authority to the Department of Manage- HB 931, Board of Governors/ cordance with ch. 921, F.S., and through ment Services and college boards of Student Member of Board of services tailored to the individual needs of trustees. Additionally, the bill clarifies pro- Governors by Representative the participant. The bill includes require- visions related to the prohibition of hard- Matt Gaetz (R – Shalimar, FSU ments for entry into the Program. The bill ship loans or payments and clarifies that Alum), proposes to amend Section also authorizes a court to impose a condi- a retiree who is reemployed in regularly 7(d), Article IX of the Florida Constitution tion of supervision requiring probationers established position, after certain date, as follows: or community controlees whose crime may not be enrolled as renewed member. n The specific reference to “the president was committed on or after July 1, 2012, The bill makes conforming changes to of the Florida student association, or and who is a service member or veteran, DROP regarding the deferral age. The bill the equivalent,” as the student member who suffers from a military service-relat- also provides that the term “benefit” for of the BOG is removed; ed mental illness, TBI, or substance abuse purposes of the SUSORP means a distri- n The number of members appointed by disorder, to participate in a treatment bution taken by the member, or surviving the Governor is increased from 14 to 15; program capable of treating the offender. beneficiary, funded in part or in whole by and The bill requires preference for certain employer and employee contributions. A treatment programs. Finally, the bill adds rollover distribution to another qualified n One of the 15 members appointed by both felony and misdemeanor pre-trial plan qualifies as a distribution. The bill the Governor must be a state university intervention programs as eligible treat- specifies that the definition of the term student body president selected from a ment programs for veterans and service “eligible employee” does not include cer- pool of applicants. members. Except as otherwise expressly tain members reemployed in regularly The state university student body presi- provided in this act and except for specific established position and clarifies when dent will serve a one-year term and is sections, which shall take effect upon this benefits may be paid out.Effective July not subject to confirmation by the Flor- act becoming a law, this act shall take 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-222 ida Senate. A state university student effect July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-159 body president is ineligible for appoint- SB 1994, Postsecondary Edu- ment if the student body president ap- HB 45, Postsecondary Educa- cation by Senator Don Gaetz pointed to the BOG in the previous year tion Course Registration for (R - Destin), creates the Florida Poly- was from the same university. The ini- Veterans by Representative technic University as a new university in tiative will be placed on the ballot to be Jimmie Smith (R – Lecanto), the State University System (SUS) and decided by the voters. requires institutions within the Florida codifies the steps established by the College System and the State University Board of Governors (BOG) as require- HB 347, College Credit for Mili- System that offer priority course registra- ments the university must meet as a new tary Training and Education tion for a segment of the student popu- SUS institution. The bill requires that stu- Courses, by Representative lation (or upon the implementation of dents currently enrolled at the University Gayle Harrell (R – Port St. Lu- such a policy), to provide priority course of South Florida (USF) Polytechnic must cie), requires the Board of Governors to registration to veterans of the U.S. Armed be allowed to complete their degrees at adopt regulations and the State Board of Forces who are receiving GI Bill educa- USF. The bill requires real and personal Education to adopt rules that enable eligi- tional benefits. The bill also encourages property, licenses and associated rev- ble members of the United States Armed independent postsecondary educational enues, and funds of USF Polytechnic to Forces to earn academic college credit at institutions to offer similar priority course be transferred to the Florida Polytechnic public postsecondary educational institu- registration. The bill provides that the University. All programs, offices, functions tions for college-level training and educa- spouse or dependent children of the vet- and faculty and staff positions of USF tion acquired in the military. eran to whom the GI Bill educational ben- Polytechnic will be transferred to USF. efits have been transferred would also be The Florida Industrial and Phosphate Re- The bill requires that the regulations and rules include procedures for credential The bill requires the department to enable which require intervention. Instead, the evaluation and the award of academic the hotline to accept reports of known or Florida Department of Education (FDOE) college credit, including but not limited suspected child abuse, abandonment, or must identify public schools for interven- to, equivalency and alignment of mili- neglect through web-based chat. Also, the tions based upon a school earning a grade tary course work with appropriate col- department is directed to conduct a study of “D” or “F.” The most intense strategies lege courses, course descriptions, type on the feasibility of adding text and short must be provided to schools earning re- and amount of college credit that may be message service formats as means for curring letter grades of “D” or “F.” Tradi- awarded, and transfer of credit. Effective the hotline to accept and process reports tional public schools that earn a grade of July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-169 of abuse. The department must also up- “F” or three consecutive “D’s” must imple- date the web-based reporting form for the ment school turnaround options. Charter HB 1205, Drug-free Workplace hotline to receive appropriate information schools that earn a grade of “D” or “F” by Representative Jimmie and allow the department to assess need must implement a school improvement Smith (R – Lecanto), expands the and the appropriate response to the need. plan. Those that earn recurring grades of authorization of state agencies to drug The bill requires the department to part- “D” or that fluctuate between “D” and “F” test employees to allow for random drug ner with community-based organizations over a period of years must implement testing of all employees at specified in- and public service campaigns to promote corrective actions. A charter school’s tervals. It limits the number of employees public awareness of the hotline. The bill sponsor must terminate a charter school tested to no more than 10 percent of each appropriates 47 full-time equivalent staff that earns two consecutive grades of “F,” agency’s workforce every three months. and $2.44 million from the General Rev- with certain exceptions. The bill provides enue Fund to the department to handle eligibility for Opportunity Scholarships The bill also revises requirements for the additional workload for the hotline. discipline, treatment, and continued em- to students attending schools earning a ployment of a state employee who re- grade of “F” or three consecutive “D’s.” The bill imposes a $1,000,000 fine on ceives a positive drug test result. In part, public and private colleges, universities such revisions include authorization for The bill also increases the percentage of and schools whose personnel or law en- a state agency to terminate the employ- a high school’s grade that may be based forcement agencies fail to report certain ment of any employee who receives a upon the statewide assessment compo- child abuse taking place on campus or first-time positive drug test result. nents. The calculation of school district at an event or function sponsored by the grades is revised to capture students who college, university, or school and speci- The bill provides for the blanket drug test- transfer among district schools and stu- fies who shall assess the fine against the ing of all state agency job applicants, re- dents attending ungraded schools. Middle institution. gardless of the duties of the position. The school students enrolled in courses that bill provides that any drug test conducted require passage of a statewide, standard- The bill requires the department to de- under the Drug-Free Workplace Act must ized end-of-course (EOC) assessment velop and implement a program to as- be paid for by each agency’s appropriation. will no longer be required to take the cor- sist parents and custodians of children responding grade level FCAT. Effective who call the hotline to seek assistance In addition, the bill revises the categories July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-194 unrelated to a report of abuse or a crime of public job applicants that may be drug involving a child. The bill establishes re- tested. It also expands the categories of HB 7087, Economic Development employers that may qualify for certain in- quirements for the program and specifies the services to be offered by the program. by Representative Steve Pre- surance discounts due to maintenance of court (R – Orlando), contains several a drug-free workplace program. Effective provisions designed to encourage economic July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-8 The bill expands the scope of victims who are eligible to receive monetary reloca- development in Florida. These are: CS/CS/CS/HB 1355, Protec- tion assistance to include a victim of sex- tion of Vulnerable Persons ual battery, and appropriates $1.5 million Intangible Personal Property Tax on Gov- by Representative Chris Dor- from the General Revenue Fund for that ernmental Leaseholds—The bill provides an exemption from the intangible person- worth (R – Heathrow), requires purpose. al property tax on governmental lease- any person to report known or reasonably suspected physical or emotional abuse of The bill increases criminal penalties by re- holds when the lessee serves or performs a child by any adult person. The bill also classifying certain violations involving sex- a governmental, municipal, or public pur- requires any person to report known or ual conduct with minors. The bill is ef- pose or function. reasonably suspected sexual abuse of a fective October 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-155 child by any person. Any report of child New Markets Development Program— abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a HB 7127, School Improvement The bill increases the total amount of tax person other than a child’s caregiver, as and Education Accountability, credits available to be allocated to the defined in statute, must be accepted by by Representative Erik Fresen program from $97.5 million to $163.8 mil- the Florida Abuse Hotline (hotline), main- (R – Miami, FSU Alum), elimi- lion over seven years. The bill also makes tained by the Department of Children and nates existing criteria for identifying pub- clarifying changes to conform certain as- Families (department), and forwarded to lic schools for intervention and classifica- pects of the state program to the federal the appropriate sheriff’s office. tion of schools into six categories, five of program. Sales Tax Exemptions—The bill modi- The bill provides that a vendor whose to a Selected Exempt Service position. principal place of business is in Florida fies several sales tax exemptions and cre- n Limits a career service employee’s pro- may not be precluded from being an au- ates two addition exemptions: bationary period to no more than 18 thorized reseller of information technol- n The current sales tax exemption for months. ogy commodities of a state contractor if electricity used for production or pro- certain criteria are met. n Clarifies provisions relating to employ- cessing of agricultural products on the ees who have been promoted and are in farm is expanded to include electricity Sales Tax Holiday—The bill estab- probationary status. used directly or indirectly in a packing- lishes a three day period, August 3, 2012 house where fruits, vegetables, or meat Effective July1, 2012. Ch. 2012-215. through August 5, 2012, during which from cattle or hogs are packed or other- certain items will be exempt from sales wise prepared for market or shipment. HB 7059, Acceleration Options in tax. During the sales tax holiday, clothing, Public Education by Representa- n The increase in productive output re- footwear, wallets, and bags that cost $75 tive Kelli Stargel (R – Lakeland), quired to qualify for the current sales or less, and school supplies that cost $15 amends various provisions of the law re- tax exemption for industrial machinery or less are exempt from the state sales tax lated to acceleration options in public ed- and equipment used by an expanding and county discretionary sales surtaxes. ucation, establishes Academically Chal- business is lowered from 10 % to 5%. lenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning Appropriation—The bill provides an ap- n The current minimum aircraft weight (ACCEL) options, and provides an oppor- propriation of $14.9 million of nonrecur- requirement for the sales tax exemp- tunity for students to graduate early from ring General Revenue funds to the State tions on repair and maintenance parts high school. More specifically, the bill: and labor for aircraft is lowered from Economic Enhancement and Develop- ment Trust Fund for various economic de- 15,000 pounds maximum certified ACCEL Options: Establishes ACCEL op- velopment incentives. takeoff weight to 2,000 pounds maxi- tions that provide academically challeng- mum certified takeoff weight. Effective July 1, 2012. Ch. 2012-32 ing curriculum or accelerated instruction A new exemption is created for the pur- to eligible students; requires principals chase of certain chemicals, machinery, HB 1261, State Employment by and school districts to establish eligibil- parts, and equipment used and consumed Representative Debbie Mayfield ity requirements for ACCEL options and in the manufacture or fabrication of air- (R – Vero Beach), makes the follow- a process for a parent to request student ing changes to the statutes governing craft engines and gas turbine engines. participation in an ACCEL option; and re- state employees: quires a school district’s student progres- Entertainment Industry Financial In- n Revises requirements for fingerprint- sion plan to include information about centive Program—The bill substantially ing conducted as part of a background ACCEL options, early and accelerated revamps the priority and eligibility of high- screening. graduation options, and dual enrollment impact television series for tax credits n Restructures the administrative annual courses included in the dual enrollment under this program. It also creates and leave cap for certain disabled veterans articulation agreement. revises several definitions to expand the from six days to 48 hours. program to include certain interactive Early Graduation: Provides a student n Revises the process for the implemen- websites. The program is extended for the option to graduate from high school tation of furloughs. an additional year and $42 million in tax early once a student meets the standard credits in FY 2015-16. n Removes the annual hourly cap for oth- graduation requirements; authorizes eli- Corporate Income Tax Exemption—The er-personal-services employees and re- gible high school students who graduate bill increases the current corporate in- vises related agency reporting require- midyear to receive a Bright Futures Schol- come tax exemption from net income ments. arship award during the spring term; from $25,000 to $50,000. n Transfers administration of the alter- authorizes school districts to receive native retirement income security funding for unpaid credits delivered to Government Procurement Preferenc- program for other-personal-services students who graduate early; defines un- es to Florida Businesses—The bill pro- employees from the Department of paid credits; and requires school districts vides a five percent preference for Florida Management Services to the Depart- to notify parents and advise students of vendors in purchases of printing and tan- ment of Financial Services. the options for early and accelerated high gible personal property by state agencies, n Revises provisions related to telework. school graduation. universities, colleges, school districts and n Requires employees to designate a other political subdivisions of the state, End-of-Course Assessments: Estab- charity when donating to the Florida but does not apply to counties or munici- lishes performance based funding for Al- State Employees’ Charitable Campaign. palities. For tangible personal property gebra I, Biology I, and Geometry courses purchases, if the low bid is submitted by n Revises provisions relating to pay contingent upon students passing the an out-of-state vendor whose home state additives. end-of-course (EOC) assessments, be- grants a preference to in-state business- n Removes a career service employee’s ginning in the fourth year of administering es, the preference to the Florida business ability to carry forward unused com- the EOC, and requires the Algebra I EOC to shall equal that preference amount. pensatory leave when he or she moves be administered four times annually. Dual Enrollment Program: Clarifies could choose to attend according to dis- HB 61, Public Broadcasting Pro- student eligibility requirements for dual trict school board policies. This provision gram System, by Representa- enrollment; provides faculty and cur- is similar to current law that authorizes tive Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed (D riculum standards for college credit dual eligible home school, private school, and – Pompano Beach), expanded the enrollment courses, which are consistent charter school students to participate in eligibility for state funding for educational with those required by the Southern As- public school interscholastic extracur- television to include “nondenominational sociation of Colleges and Schools Com- ricular activities who meet specified aca- full-power educational television stations mission on Colleges and are currently demic standards and eligibility require- licensed by the Federal Communications outlined in State Board rule; requires su- ments, etc. Effective date July 1, 2012. Commission. The bill died in the PreK- perintendents and Florida College System Ch. 2012-192 12 Appropriations Subcommittee. (FCS) institution presidents to establish a dual enrollment articulation agreement HB 71, High School Diploma Op- instead of a district interinstitutional ar- BILLS THAT FAILED tions, by Representative Jim- ticulation agreement; repeals s. 1007.235, mie Smith (R – Lecanto), required F.S., relating to district interinstitution- SB 14, Relief of Dennis Darling, a study on the creation of a high school al articulation agreements; repeals s. Sr. and Wendy Smith/State of graduation option that focused on career- 1007.272, F.S., relating to joint dual enroll- Florida, by Senator Arthenia technical education and lead to a career- ment and advanced placement instruc- Joyner (D – Tampa), the bill would technical education diploma. The bill was tion; and prohibits the practice of “credit have provided compensation for the loss withdrawn prior to introduction. in escrow.” of their son, Devaughn Darling, whose death occurred while he was engaged in HB 81, Postsecondary Stu- Career-Themed Courses: Defines a ca- football preseason training of the Florida dent Fees, by Representative reer-themed course and clarifies that any State University campus. The bill died in Dwight Bullard (D – Miami), school can offer career-themed courses, provided an exemption from payment of the Special Master on Claims Bills. not just career and professional acad- nonresident tuition at state universities emies and changes the existing strategic HB 23, Ban of Oil Exploration, and Florida College System institutions five year plan to address and meet local Drilling, Extraction, and Pro- for students without legal immigrant status who graduated with at least three and regional workforce needs to a three duction in Territorial Seas by years attendance at a Florida high school, year plan. Effective date July 1, 2012. Representative Rick Kriseman Ch. 2012-191 etc. The bill died in the K-20 Innova- (D – Tampa), proposed an amend- tion Subcommittee. HB 7063, Digital Learning by ment to the State Constitution to prohibit Representative Kelli Stargel (R exploration, drilling, extraction, and pro- SB 96, Commissioner of Edu- duction of oil beneath Florida waters be- – Lakeland), expands digital learning cation by Senator Joe Negron tween mean high-water line and seaward options for students in public schools, (R – Palm City), proposed an limit of Florida’s boundaries. The bill allows all students eligible to enter kin- amendment to the State Constitution to died in the Energy and Utilities Sub- dergarten through grade 5 to participate provide for the election of the Commis- committee. in Florida Virtual School Full Time (FLVS sioner of Education and the inclusion of FT), full-time district virtual instruction the commissioner as a member of the programs, and full-time virtual charter HB 35, Allocation and Expenditure of Cabinet. The bill died in the Education schools. The bill also authorizes FLVS FT State Lottery Revenues, by Representa- PreK-12 Committee. students to participate in interscholastic tive Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed (D – Pompa- extracurricular activities. The bill prohibits no Beach), required a portion of Powerball SB 106, Postsecondary Stu- any individual from knowingly and willfully net revenues to be allocated to voluntary dent Fees by Senator Gary Sip- taking an online course or examination prekindergarten education programs. lin (D – Orlando), provided that be- on behalf of another person for compen- The bill died in the PreK-12 Appropria- ginning with the 2012 fall term, a student, sation. Any individual that violates this tions Subcommittee. other than a nonimmigrant alien, qualified provision commits a misdemeanor of the for in-state tuition rates at a state univer- second degree. HB 41, Naming of Public Build- sity or Florida College System institution ing and Facilities, by Represen- if the student: The bill authorizes FLVS to expand part- tative Matthew Caldwell (R – Ft. n Attended high school in Florida for 3 or time instruction to kindergarten through Myers), proposed amending the State more years; grade 3. The bill also expands part-time Constitution to prohibit the naming of pub- n Graduated from a Florida high school or lic building and facilities for any person not offerings for grades 4 and 5 by removing attained high school equivalency; the limitation which restricts students deceased for a certain period of time unless to taking grades 6 through 8 courses. appred by four-fifths vote of the govern- n Registered as an entering student or is The bill authorizes FLVS FT students to mental body that is enacting such designa- currently enrolled at a state university participate in interscholastic extracur- tion, except that no such building or facility or Florida College System institution; ricular activities at the public school to could be named for any public officer while and which the student would be assigned or that person is in public office. n In the case of a student without lawful immigration status, files an affidavit SB 404, Postsecondary Edu- agreements with a collective bargaining stating that the student has filed an ap- cation of Military Veterans organization. The bill further prohibited a plication to legalize his or her immigra- by Senator Mike Bennett (R – governmental unit from granting certain tion status or will do so as soon as he or Bradenton), provided that any veter- awards as condition of contracts and pro- she is eligible. an of the United States Armed Forces who hibited certain terms from being placed was a resident of this state 4 years before The bill was laid on the table by the in bid specifications, project agreements, entering military service and who holds Judiciary Committee. or other controlling documents. The bill an associate degree or has earned at least died in the Governmental Operations HB 111, Career Education by 60 college credit hours from a Florida Col- Representative Bryan Nelson lege System institution shall be admitted Subcommittee. (R – Apopka), revised the career and to any Florida College System institution education planning course for middle or state university of the veteran’s choice. HB 1314, Career-themed grades promotion and provided require- The bill was withdrawn prior to intro- Courses by Senator Don Gaetz ment for a career high school diploma. duction. (R – Destin), required that each dis- The bill required the student and parent trict school board, in collaboration with to agree in writing to the requirements for HB 441, Resident Status for regional workforce boards, economic de- the career diploma track, specified credit Tuition Purposes by Repre- velopment agencies, and postsecondary sentative Reggie Fullwood (D requirements and strategies for meeting institutions, develop a strategic 3-year instructional needs of students and stan- – Jacksonville), provided that a plan addressing and meeting local and dards for graduation. The bill died in the dependent child who is a United States regional workforce demands. The bill re- K-20 Innovation Subcommittee. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a qualified legal alien whose parent is not a vised the requirements of the strategic HB 131, Resident Status for Tu- United States citizen, a lawful permanent 3-year plan to include career-themed ition Purposes by Representa- resident, or a qualified legal alien and who courses and specified strategies and re- tive James Grant (R – Tampa), attends a Florida high school for 4 con- vised provisions relating to the compu- provided that veterans of the Armed Ser- secutive years, enrolls in an institution of tation of the annual allocation of funds vices of the United states including re- higher education within 12 months after to each school district for operation, etc. graduating from a Florida high school, and servist, who attend a physical location of The bill died on the calendar. a public college, university or institution of submits to the institution of higher educa- tion his or her high school transcript prior higher learning within the state are resi- HB 1375, Postsecondary Ed- dents for tuition purposes. The bill died to initial enrollment in the institution, shall in the K-20 Innovation Subcommittee. be classified as residents for tuition pur- ucation by Representative poses. The bill died in the K-20 Innovation Franklin Sands (D – Sunrise), HB 165, Education and Train- Subcommittee. created the Postsecondary Education ing Opportunities for Public Study Committee to evaluate and de- Employees by Representative HB 591, Archeological Sites termine whether state university branch Daphne Campbell (D – Miami and Specimens by Represen- campuses should be combined with Flor- Shores), provided that state and local tative Larry Metz (R – Eustis), ida College System campuses to create a authorized the Division of Historical Re- government employees may be autho- three-level postsecondary education sys- rized to receive a voucher or grant, for sources of the Department of State to is- tem. The bill died in the K-20 Innova- matriculation fees, to attend work-related sue permits for excavation, surface recon- tion Subcommittee. courses at public community colleges, naissance, and archaeological activities public career centers, or public universi- on land owned by a political subdivision. ties. The bill was withdrawn prior to intro- The bill died in the Governmental Over- SB 1606, Postsecondary Edu- duction. sight and Accountability Committee. cation by Senator Mike Ben- nett (R – Bradenton), required HB 239, State Lotteries by HB 719, Public Contracting by that the Higher Education Coordinating Representative Geraldine Representative Charles Van Council review and evaluate the current Thompson (D – Orlando), pro- Zant (R – Palatka), provided defi- higher education governance structure vided for a special instant scratch-off lot- nitions for the terms “governmental unit” in this state and make recommendations tery game title Ticket for the Cure. The & “facility.” The bill prohibited a govern- to the Legislature for potential revisions provided for revenues to be equitably ap- mental unit that contracts for construc- to the higher education delivery system. portioned to state universities that have tion, repair, remodeling, or improving of medical research facilities or that are as- facility from imposing conditions that re- The bill required that the council report sociated with medical research facilities. quire, prohibit, encourage, or discourage its findings and recommendations to the The bill died in the Government Operation certain bidders, contractors, or subcon- Governor and Legislature, etc. The bill Subcommittee. tractors from entering into or adhering to died on the calendar. 2012-2013 QUICK BUDGET REFERENCE GUIDE SB 5001

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OPERATING BUDGET 37 General Revenue ...... $156,883,468 129 4 Lottery ...... $ 26,415,961 11 37 Student and Other Fees $214,937,655 129 38 Student Financial Assistance ...... $1,467,667 136 (GR – includes $3.3 million recurring for the National High Field Magnet Laboratory)

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE 38 General Revenue ...... $32,572,857 133 5 Lottery ...... $605,115 15 38 Student and Other Fees $11,572,716 133

2 Bright Futures + proviso $329,408,935 3

6 FCO – Maintenance, Repair, Renovation & Remodeling, SUS ...... $7,000,000 16

LOTTERY CAPITAL OUTLAY – FSU 8 Earth Ocean Atmospheric Sciences Building ...... $3,850,000 17A

FLORIDA DIAGNOSTIC AND LEARNING RESOURCE CTR. 24 General Revenue ...... $396,525 88

AUTISM – FSU COLLEGE OF MEDICINE 24 General Revenue ...... $770,762 91

PUBIC BROADCASTING

27 Statewide Gov. & Cultural Affairs Programming ...... $497,522 103 Florida Channel Closed Captioning - GR ...... $340,862 Florida Channel Year Round Coverage - GR ...... $1,806,676 FSU – Public Television ...... $307,447

103 Proviso FAMU/UF/FSU/FAU collaboration to provide: (1) training opportunities for 570 students from diverse backgrounds to pursue advanced degrees in the state’s existing medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing and other health related programs. . . $1,600,000 VETOED

306 Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center VETOED ...... $350,000 2488A

311 Proviso May be utilized to promote and enhance collaborative research among State Universities. The Florida Public Hurricane Loss Model located at Florida International University may consult with the private sector and the Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center. $588,639

385 Proviso Funds are provided in each agency’s budget to continue paying the state share Section 8 of the current State Life Insurance Program. 2012-2013 QUICK BUDGET REFERENCE GUIDE SB 5001

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386 Proviso State Health Insurance Plans and Benefits Section 8 A. Premiums paid by Employees for the coverage period July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013 the employee’s share of the health insurance premiums for the standard plans shall continue at $50 per month for individual coverage and $180 per month for family coverage. B. For the coverage period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, the employee’s share of the health insurance premium for the high deductible health plans shall continue at $15 per month for individual coverage and $64.30 per month for family coverage. C. For the coverage period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, the employee’s share of the health insurance premium for the standard plans and high deductible health plans shall continue to be $8.34 per month for individual coverage and $30 per month for family coverage. This subparagraph applies to those employees filling positions with “agency pay all” benefits. D. For the coverage period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, the employee’s share of the health insurance premium for the standard plans and the high deductible health plans shall be $15 per month for each employee participating in the Spouse Program in accordance with section 60P-2.0036, Florida Administrative Code, either as a “spouse” or “dependent spouse.”

386 STATE EMPLOYEES’ PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM Section 8 2. For the coverage period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, co-payments forthe State Group Health Insurance Standard Plan shall be as follows: A. $7 co-payment for generic drugs with card; B. $30 for preferred brand name drug with card; C. $50 nonpreferred brand name drug with card; D. $14 for generic mail order drug; E. $60 for preferred brand name mail order drug; F. $100 for nonpreferred brand name mail order drug. 6. The Department of Management Services shall maintain a listing of certain maintenance drugs that must be filled through mail order by participants of the Preferred Provider Organization option only. Effective July 1, 2012, those drugs on the maintenance list may be filled three times in a retail pharmacy; thereafter, any covered prescriptions must be filled through mail order, unless the Department of Management Services develops a program per House Bill 5003 to allow retail pharmacies to provide 90 day prescriptions for such drugs.

388 Proviso Each state agency, at the discretion of the agency head, may expend funds Section 8 provided in this act for bar dues and for legal education courses for employees who are required to be a member of the Florida Bar as a condition of employment.

390 The following fixed capital outlay projects may be constructed, acquired and financed by Section 9 a university or university direct support organization. Financing mechanisms include any form of approved debt or bonds authorized by the Board of Governors. NHMFL Storage Building FSU Lake Bradford Waste Management & Recycling Center FSU Talla-Com Building FSU Gunter Building FSU 3000 Commonwealth FSU Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

390 The following facilities may be constructed or acquired from non-appropriated sources, Section 9 which upon completion will require general revenue funds for operation. FSU Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Building (EOAS) FSU Athletic Facility

Note: Page numbers are in correlation with the printed page numbers, there may be some variation from the online page numbers.The budget may be found at: www.myfloridahouse.gov