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Gov. DeSantis Signs “Universal School Choice” Legislation Into Law

Income, ZIP Code No Longer Determine Access to Quality Education in the Sunshine State

NAPLES, FL—This week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law sweeping legislation that would allow any student—regardless of income or where he or she lives—to obtain a voucher and attend a private or charter school.

House Bill 1:

  • Expands the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to make it easier for parents to access the money they need for tuition, tutoring, and other vital tools for their children’s education
  • Requires the Office of K-12 School Choice to create an online portal to help parents choose the best school for their children’s unique needs
  • Eliminates the requirement that students must complete at least one credit through a virtual course to graduate
  • Removes the general education requirement for teachers as long as they have had three years in the classroom and have an “effective” or “highly effective” rating for three years in a row 

“This bill signing is yet another example of Florida putting parents and students in the driver’s seat,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of FGA. “Government should not be a barrier to getting a quality education, and ZIP Codes and income levels shouldn’t determine a student’s ability to learn. Florida’s new universal school choice will be a life-changing opportunity for students across the state, especially students in low-income areas and students with disabilities who need specialized programs.”

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