1000.01 The Florida Early Learning-20 education system; technical provisions.—
(1) NAME.—Chapters 1000 through 1013 shall be known and cited as the “Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code.”
(2) LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION.—The provisions of the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code shall be liberally construed to the end that its objectives may be effected. It is the legislative intent that if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or provision of the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code is held invalid, the remainder of the code shall not be affected.
(3) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code is to provide by law for a state system of schools, courses, classes, and educational institutions and services adequate to allow, for all Florida’s students, the opportunity to obtain a high quality education. The Florida Early Learning-20 education system is established to accomplish this purpose; however, nothing in this code shall be construed to require the provision of free public education beyond grade 12.
(4) UNIFORM SYSTEM OF PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS INCLUDED.—As required by s. 1, Art. IX of the State Constitution, the Florida Early Learning-20 education system shall include the uniform system of free public K-12 schools. These public K-12 schools shall provide 13 consecutive years of instruction, beginning with kindergarten, and shall also provide such instruction for students with disabilities, gifted students, limited English proficient students, and students in Department of Juvenile Justice programs as may be required by law. The funds for support and maintenance of the uniform system of free public K-12 schools shall be derived from state, district, federal, and other lawful sources or combinations of sources, including any fees charged nonresidents as provided by law.
1000.02 Policy and guiding principles for the Florida Early Learning-20 education system.—
(1) It is the policy of the Legislature:
(a) To achieve within existing resources a seamless academic educational system that fosters an integrated continuum of early learning through graduate school education for Florida’s students.
(b) To promote enhanced academic success and funding efficiency of educational delivery systems by aligning responsibility with accountability.
(c) To provide consistent education policy across all educational delivery systems, focusing on students.
(d) To provide substantially improved articulation across all educational delivery systems.
(e) To provide for the decentralization of authority to the schools, Florida College System institutions, universities, and other education institutions that deliver educational services to the public.
(f) To ensure that independent education institutions and home education programs maintain their independence, autonomy, and nongovernmental status.
(2) The guiding principles for Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system are:
(a) A coordinated, seamless system for early learning through graduate school education.
(b) A system that is student-centered in every facet.
(c) A system that maximizes education access and allows the opportunity for a high quality education for all Floridians.
(d) A system that safeguards equity and supports academic excellence.
(e) A system that provides for local operational flexibility while promoting accountability for student achievement and improvement.
1000.03 Function, mission, and goals of the Florida Early Learning-20 education system.—
(1) Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system shall be a decentralized system without excess layers of bureaucracy. Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system shall maintain a systemwide technology plan based on a common set of data definitions.
(2)(a) The Legislature shall establish education policy, enact education laws, and appropriate and allocate education resources.
(b) With the exception of matters relating to the State University System, the State Board of Education shall oversee the enforcement of all laws and rules, and the timely provision of direction, resources, assistance, intervention when needed, and strong incentives and disincentives to force accountability for results.
(c) The Board of Governors shall oversee the enforcement of all state university laws and rules and regulations and the timely provision of direction, resources, assistance, intervention when needed, and strong incentives and disincentives to force accountability for results.
(3) Public education is a cooperative function of the state and local educational authorities. The state retains responsibility for establishing a system of public education through laws, standards, and rules to assure efficient operation of an Early Learning-20 system of public education and adequate educational opportunities for all individuals. Local educational authorities have a duty to fully and faithfully comply with state laws, standards, and rules and to efficiently use the resources available to them to assist the state in allowing adequate educational opportunities.
(4) The mission of Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system is to allow its students to increase their proficiency by allowing them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills through rigorous and relevant learning opportunities, in accordance with the mission statement and accountability requirements of s. 1008.31.
(5) The priorities of Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system include:
(a) Learning and completion at all levels, including increased high school graduation rate and readiness for postsecondary education without remediation.—All students demonstrate increased learning and completion at all levels, graduate from high school, and are prepared to enter postsecondary education without remediation.
(b) Student performance.—Students demonstrate that they meet the expected academic standards consistently at all levels of their education.
(c) Civic literacy.—Students are prepared to become civically engaged and knowledgeable adults who make positive contributions to their communities.
(d) Alignment of standards and resources.—Academic standards for every level of the Early Learning-20 education system are aligned, and education financial resources are aligned with student performance expectations at each level of the Early Learning-20 education system.
(e) Educational leadership.—The quality of educational leadership at all levels of Early Learning-20 education is improved.
(f) Workforce education.—Workforce education is appropriately aligned with the skills required by the new global economy.
(g) Parental, student, family, educational institution, and community involvement.—Parents, students, families, educational institutions, and communities are collaborative partners in education, and each plays an important role in the success of individual students. Therefore, the State of Florida cannot be the guarantor of each individual student’s success. The goals of Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system are not guarantees that each individual student will succeed or that each individual school will perform at the level indicated in the goals.
(h) Comprehensive Early Learning-20 career and education planning.—It is essential that Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system better prepare all students at every level for the transition from school to postsecondary education or work by providing information regarding:
1. Career opportunities, educational requirements associated with each career, educational institutions that prepare students to enter each career, and student financial aid available to pursue postsecondary instruction required to enter each career.
2. How to make informed decisions about the program of study that best addresses the students’ interests and abilities while preparing them to enter postsecondary education or the workforce.
3. Recommended coursework and programs that prepare students for success in their areas of interest and ability.
This information shall be provided to students and parents through websites, handbooks, manuals, or other regularly provided communications.
1000.04 Components for the delivery of public education within the Florida Early Learning-20 education system.—Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system provides for the delivery of early learning and public education through publicly supported and controlled K-12 schools, Florida College System institutions, state universities and other postsecondary educational institutions, other educational institutions, and other educational services as provided or authorized by the Constitution and laws of the state.
(1) EARLY LEARNING.—Early learning includes the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program and the school readiness program.
(2) PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS.—The public K-12 schools include charter schools and consist of kindergarten classes; elementary, middle, and high school grades and special classes; virtual instruction programs; workforce education; career centers; adult, part-time, and evening schools, courses, or classes, as authorized by law to be operated under the control of district school boards; and lab schools operated under the control of state universities.
(3) PUBLIC POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.—Public postsecondary educational institutions include workforce education; Florida College System institutions; state universities; and all other state-supported postsecondary educational institutions that are authorized and established by law.
(4) FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND.—The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a component of the delivery of public education within Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system.
(5) THE FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL.—The Florida Virtual School is a component of the delivery of public education within Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system.
(6) FLORIDA SCHOLARS ACADEMY.—The Florida Scholars Academy is a component of the delivery of public education within the Florida Early Learning-20 education system.
(7) THE FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR COMPETITIVE ACADEMICS.—The Florida School for Competitive Academics is a component of the delivery of public education within Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system.
1000.05 Discrimination against students and employees in the Florida K-20 public education system prohibited; equality of access required.—
(1) This section may be cited as the “Florida Educational Equity Act.”
(2)(a) Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status against a student or an employee in the state system of public K-20 education is prohibited. No person in this state shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any public K-20 education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices, conducted by a public educational institution that receives or benefits from federal or state financial assistance.
(b) The criteria for admission to a program or course shall not have the effect of restricting access by persons of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status.
(c) All public K-20 education classes shall be available to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status; however, this is not intended to eliminate the provision of programs designed to meet the needs of students with limited proficiency in English, gifted students, or students with disabilities or programs tailored to students with specialized talents or skills.
(d) Students may be separated by sex for a single-gender program, for any portion of a class that deals with human reproduction, or during participation in bodily contact sports. For the purpose of this section, bodily contact sports include wrestling, boxing, rugby, ice hockey, football, basketball, and other sports in which the purpose or major activity involves bodily contact.
(e) Guidance services, counseling services, and financial assistance services in the state public K-20 education system shall be available to students equally. Guidance and counseling services, materials, and promotional events shall stress access to academic and career opportunities for students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status.
(3)(a) No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be treated differently from another person or otherwise be discriminated against in any interscholastic, intercollegiate, club, or intramural athletics offered by a public K-20 educational institution; and no public K-20 educational institution shall provide athletics separately on such basis.
(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a), a public K-20 educational institution may operate or sponsor separate teams for members of each sex if the selection for such teams is based upon competitive skill or the activity involved is a bodily contact sport. However, when a public K-20 educational institution operates or sponsors a team in a particular sport for members of one sex but does not operate or sponsor such a team for members of the other sex, and athletic opportunities for that sex have previously been limited, members of the excluded sex must be allowed to try out for the team offered.
(c) This subsection does not prohibit the grouping of students in physical education classes and activities by ability as assessed by objective standards of individual performance developed and applied without regard to sex. However, when use of a single standard of measuring skill or progress in a physical education class has an adverse effect on members of one sex, the educational institution shall use appropriate standards which do not have such effect.
(d) A public K-20 educational institution which operates or sponsors interscholastic, intercollegiate, club, or intramural athletics shall provide equal athletic opportunity for members of both sexes.
1. The Board of Governors shall determine whether equal opportunities are available at state universities.
2. The Commissioner of Education shall determine whether equal opportunities are available in school districts and Florida College System institutions. In determining whether equal opportunities are available in school districts and Florida College System institutions, the Commissioner of Education shall consider, among other factors:
a. Whether the selection of sports and levels of competition effectively accommodate the interests and abilities of members of both sexes.
b. The provision of equipment and supplies.
c. Scheduling of games and practice times.
d. Travel and per diem allowances.
e. Opportunities to receive coaching and academic tutoring.
f. Assignment and compensation of coaches and tutors.
g. Provision of locker room, practice, and competitive facilities.
h. Provision of medical and training facilities and services.
i. Provision of housing and dining facilities and services.
j. Publicity.
Unequal aggregate expenditures for members of each sex or unequal expenditures for male and female teams if a public school or Florida College System institution operates or sponsors separate teams do not constitute nonimplementation of this subsection, but the Commissioner of Education shall consider the failure to provide necessary funds for teams for one sex in assessing equality of opportunity for members of each sex.
(e) A public school or Florida College System institution may provide separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of gender, but such facilities shall be comparable to such facilities provided for students of the other sex.
(4)(a) It shall constitute discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex under this section to subject any student or employee to training or instruction that espouses, promotes, advances, inculcates, or compels such student or employee to believe any of the following concepts:
1. Members of one race, color, national origin, or sex are morally superior to members of another race, color, national origin, or sex.
2. A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.
3. A person’s moral character or status as either privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by his or her race, color, national origin, or sex.
4. Members of one race, color, national origin, or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race, color, national origin, or sex.
5. A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, bears responsibility for, or should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of, actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.
6. A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.
7. A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, bears personal responsibility for and must feel guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.
8. Such virtues as merit, excellence, hard work, fairness, neutrality, objectivity, and racial colorblindness are racist or sexist, or were created by members of a particular race, color, national origin, or sex to oppress members of another race, color, national origin, or sex.
(b) Paragraph (a) may not be construed to prohibit discussion of the concepts listed therein as part of a larger course of training or instruction, provided such training or instruction is given in an objective manner without endorsement of the concepts.
(5) Public schools and Florida College System institutions shall develop and implement methods and strategies to increase the participation of students of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status in programs and courses in which students of that particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status have been traditionally underrepresented, including, but not limited to, mathematics, science, computer technology, electronics, communications technology, engineering, and career education.
(6)(a) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this section as it relates to school districts and Florida College System institutions.
(b) The Board of Governors shall adopt regulations to implement this section as it relates to state universities.
(7) The functions of the Office of Equal Educational Opportunity of the Department of Education shall include, but are not limited to:
(a) Requiring all district school boards and Florida College System institution boards of trustees to develop and submit plans for the implementation of this section to the Department of Education.
(b) Conducting periodic reviews of school districts and Florida College System institutions to determine compliance with this section and, after a finding that a school district or a Florida College System institution is not in compliance with this section, notifying the entity of the steps that it must take to attain compliance and performing followup monitoring.
(c) Providing technical assistance, including assisting school districts or Florida College System institutions in identifying unlawful discrimination and instructing them in remedies for correction and prevention of such discrimination and performing followup monitoring.
(d) Conducting studies of the effectiveness of methods and strategies designed to increase the participation of students in programs and courses in which students of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital status have been traditionally underrepresented and monitoring the success of students in such programs or courses, including performing followup monitoring.
(e) Requiring all district school boards and Florida College System institution boards of trustees to submit data and information necessary to determine compliance with this section. The Commissioner of Education shall prescribe the format and the date for submission of such data and any other educational equity data. If any board does not submit the required compliance data or other required educational equity data by the prescribed date, the commissioner shall notify the board of this fact and, if the board does not take appropriate action to immediately submit the required report, the State Board of Education shall impose monetary sanctions.
(f) Based upon rules of the State Board of Education, developing and implementing enforcement mechanisms with appropriate penalties to ensure that public K-12 schools and Florida College System institutions comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and subsection (3) of this section. However, the State Board of Education may not force a public school or Florida College System institution to conduct, nor penalize such entity for not conducting, a program of athletic activity or athletic scholarship for female athletes unless it is an athletic activity approved for women by a recognized association whose purpose is to promote athletics and a conference or league exists to promote interscholastic or intercollegiate competition for women in that athletic activity.
(g) Reporting to the Commissioner of Education any district school board or Florida College System institution board of trustees found to be out of compliance with rules of the State Board of Education adopted as required by paragraph (f) or paragraph (3)(d). To penalize the board, the State Board of Education shall:
1. Declare the school district or Florida College System institution ineligible for competitive state grants.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 216.192, direct the Chief Financial Officer to withhold general revenue funds sufficient to obtain compliance from the school district or Florida College System institution.
The school district or Florida College System institution shall remain ineligible and the funds shall not be paid until the institution comes into compliance or the State Board of Education approves a plan for compliance.
(8) A public K-20 educational institution must treat discrimination by students or employees or resulting from institutional policies motivated by antisemitic intent in an identical manner to discrimination motivated by race. For purposes of this section, the term “antisemitism” includes a certain perception of the Jewish people, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jewish people, rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism directed toward a person, his or her property, or toward Jewish community institutions or religious facilities.
(a) Examples of antisemitism include:
1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews, often in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
2. Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective, especially, but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, the State of Israel, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
4. Accusing Jews as a people or the State of Israel of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
5. Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interest of their own nations.
(b) Examples of antisemitism related to Israel include:
1. Demonizing Israel by using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism to characterize Israel or Israelis, drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis, or blaming Israel for all inter-religious or political tensions.
2. Applying a double standard to Israel by requiring behavior of Israel that is not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation or focusing peace or human rights investigations only on Israel.
3. Delegitimizing Israel by denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination and denying Israel the right to exist.
However, criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism toward any other country may not be regarded as antisemitic.
(c) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or the State Constitution. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to conflict with federal or state discrimination laws.
(9) A person aggrieved by a violation of this section or a violation of a rule adopted under this section has a right of action for such equitable relief as the court may determine. The court may also award reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs to a prevailing party.
(1) Every public K-20 educational institution that is provided or authorized by the Constitution and laws of Florida shall display daily the flag of the United States and the official flag of Florida when the weather permits upon one building or on a suitable flagstaff upon the grounds of each public postsecondary educational institution and upon every district school board building or grounds except when the institution or school is closed for vacation, provided that, if two or more buildings are located on the same or on adjacent sites, one flag may be displayed for the entire group of buildings.
(2) Each public K-20 educational institution that is provided or authorized by the Constitution and laws of Florida shall display daily in each classroom the flag of the United States. The flag must be made in the United States, must be at least 2 feet by 3 feet, and must be properly displayed in accordance with Title 4 U.S.C. Each educational institution shall acquire the necessary number of flags to implement the provisions of this subsection. The principal, director, or president of each educational institution shall attempt to acquire the flags through donations or fundraising for 1 year prior to securing other funding sources or allocating funds for the purchase of flags. The president of each state university or Florida College System institution must present to the governing board of the institution the results of donations and fundraising activities relating to the acquisition of flags prior to requesting the governing board to approve a funding source for the purchase of flags.
(1) It shall be the policy of every public K-12 educational institution that is provided or authorized by the Constitution and laws of Florida that a person’s sex is an immutable biological trait and that it is false to ascribe to a person a pronoun that does not correspond to such person’s sex. This section does not apply to individuals born with a genetically or biochemically verifiable disorder of sex development, including, but not limited to, 46, XX disorder of sex development; 46, XY disorder of sex development; sex chromosome disorder of sex development; XX or XY sex reversal; and ovotesticular disorder.
(2) An employee, contractor, or student of a public K-12 educational institution may not be required, as a condition of employment or enrollment or participation in any program, to refer to another person using that person’s preferred personal title or pronouns if such personal title or pronouns do not correspond to that person’s sex.
(3) An employee or contractor of a public K-12 educational institution may not provide to a student his or her preferred personal title or pronouns if such preferred personal title or pronouns do not correspond to his or her sex.
(4) A student may not be asked by an employee or contractor of a public K-12 educational institution to provide his or her preferred personal title or pronouns or be penalized or subjected to adverse or discriminatory treatment for not providing his or her preferred personal title or pronouns.
(5) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to administer this section.
(6) The limitations of this section only apply to the actions of an employee or contractor acting within the scope of their employment duties with the public K-12 educational institution.
1000.08 Environmental conservation awards program.—The Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Protection shall, in coordination with representatives of the business community, the environmental community, and the energy community, develop a program to provide awards or recognition for outstanding efforts or achievements concerning conservation, reductions in energy and water use, green cleaning solutions, green pest management, recycling efforts, and curriculum development that is consistent with efforts that enhance the quality of education while preserving the environment. Entities that are eligible for such an award or recognition include students, classes, teachers, schools, or district school boards. The Legislature encourages the Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Protection to form partnerships with the private sector to help fund the program.
1000.21 Systemwide definitions.—As used in the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code:
(1) “Articulation” is the systematic coordination that provides the means by which students proceed toward their educational objectives in as rapid and student-friendly manner as their circumstances permit, from grade level to grade level, from elementary to middle to high school, to and through postsecondary education, and when transferring from one educational institution or program to another.
(2) “Board of Governors” is the Board of Governors of the State University System.
(3) “Commissioner” is the Commissioner of Education.
(4) “Department” is the Department of Education.
(5) “Florida College System institution” except as otherwise specifically provided, includes all of the following public postsecondary educational institutions in the Florida College System and any branch campuses, centers, or other affiliates of the institution:
(a) Eastern Florida State College, which serves Brevard County.
(b) Broward College, which serves Broward County.
(c) College of Central Florida, which serves Citrus, Levy, and Marion Counties.
(d) Chipola College, which serves Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington Counties.
(e) Daytona State College, which serves Flagler and Volusia Counties.
(f) Florida SouthWestern State College, which serves Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties.
(g) Florida State College at Jacksonville, which serves Duval and Nassau Counties.
(h) The College of the Florida Keys, which serves Monroe County.
(i) Gulf Coast State College, which serves Bay, Franklin, and Gulf Counties.
(j) Hillsborough Community College, which serves Hillsborough County.
(k) Indian River State College, which serves Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties.
(l) Florida Gateway College, which serves Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union Counties.
(m) Lake-Sumter State College, which serves Lake and Sumter Counties.
(n) State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, which serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
(o) Miami Dade College, which serves Miami-Dade County.
(p) North Florida College, which serves Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties.
(q) Northwest Florida State College, which serves Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
(r) Palm Beach State College, which serves Palm Beach County.
(s) Pasco-Hernando State College, which serves Hernando and Pasco Counties.
(t) Pensacola State College, which serves Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
(u) Polk State College, which serves Polk County.
(v) St. Johns River State College, which serves Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties.
(w) St. Petersburg College, which serves Pinellas County.
(x) Santa Fe College, which serves Alachua and Bradford Counties.
(y) Seminole State College of Florida, which serves Seminole County.
(z) South Florida State College, which serves DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands Counties.
(aa) Tallahassee State College, which serves Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla Counties.
(bb) Valencia College, which serves Orange and Osceola Counties.
(6) “Parent” is either or both parents of a student, any guardian of a student, any person in a parental relationship to a student, or any person exercising supervisory authority over a student in place of the parent.
(7) “Sex” means the classification of a person as either female or male based on the organization of the body of such person for a specific reproductive role, as indicated by the person’s sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth.
(8) “State academic standards” means the state’s public K-12 curricular standards adopted under s. 1003.41.
(9) “State university,” except as otherwise specifically provided, includes the following institutions and any branch campuses, centers, or other affiliates of the institution:
(a) The University of Florida.
(b) The Florida State University.
(c) The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
1000.36 Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
1000.361 Dues for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
1000.38 Compact Commissioner and Military Family Education Liaison; Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
1000.39 State council; Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
1000.40 Future repeal of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
1000.31 Regional education; state policy.—It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to promote the development and maintenance of regional education services and facilities in the Southern States in the professional, technological, scientific, literary and other fields so as to provide greater educational advantages for the citizens of the state and the citizens in the several states in said region; and it is found and determined by the Legislature of the state that greater educational advantages and facilities for the citizens of the state in certain phases of the professional, technological, scientific, literary and other fields in education can best be accomplished by the development and maintenance of regional educational services and facilities, under the plan embodied in “The Regional Pact” hereinafter adopted; and this law shall be liberally construed to accomplish such purposes.
1000.32 Regional compact.—The compact entered into by the state and other Southern States by and through their respective governors on February 8, 1948, as amended, relative to the development and maintenance of regional education services and schools in the Southern States in the professional, technological, scientific, literary and other fields so as to promote greater educational facilities for the citizens of the several states who reside in said region, a copy of said compact, as amended, being as follows:
THE REGIONAL COMPACT
(as amended)
WHEREAS, The States who are parties hereto have during the past several years conducted careful investigation looking toward the establishment and maintenance of jointly owned and operated regional educational institutions in the Southern States in the professional, technological, scientific, literary, and other fields, so as to provide greater educational advantages and facilities for the citizens of the several states who reside within such region; and
WHEREAS, Meharry Medical College of Nashville, Tennessee, has proposed that its lands, buildings, equipment, and the net income from its endowment be turned over to the Southern States, or to an agency acting in their behalf, to be operated as a regional institution for medical, dental and nursing education upon terms and conditions to be hereafter agreed upon between the Southern States and Meharry Medical College, which proposal, because of the present financial condition of the institution, has been approved by the said states who are parties hereto; and
WHEREAS, the said states desire to enter into a compact with each other providing for the planning and establishment of regional educational facilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants and obligations assumed by the respective states who are parties hereto (hereinafter referred to as “states”), the said several states do hereby form a geographical district or region consisting of the areas lying within the boundaries of the contracting states which, for the purposes of this compact, shall constitute an area for regional education supported by public funds derived from taxation by the constituent states and derived from other sources for the establishment, acquisition, operation and maintenance of regional educational schools and institutions for the benefit of citizens of the respective states residing within the region so established as may be determined from time to time in accordance with the terms and provisions of this compact.
The states do further hereby establish and create a joint agency which shall be known as the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education (hereinafter referred to as the “board”), the members of which board shall consist of the governor of each state, ex officio, and four additional citizens of each state to be appointed by the governor thereof, at least one of whom shall be selected from the field of education, and at least one of whom shall be a member of the legislature of that state. The governor shall continue as a member of the board during his or her tenure of office as governor of the state, but the members of the board appointed by the governor shall hold office for a period of four years except that in the original appointments one board member so appointed by the governor shall be designated at the time of his or her appointment to serve an initial term of two years, one board member to serve an initial term of three years, and the remaining board member to serve the full term of four years, but thereafter the successor of each appointed board member shall serve the full term of four years. Vacancies on the board caused by death, resignation, refusal or inability to serve, shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired portion of the term. The officers of the board shall be a chair, a vice chair, a secretary, a treasurer, and such additional officers as may be created by the board from time to time. The board shall meet annually and officers shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting. The board shall have the right to formulate and establish bylaws not inconsistent with the provisions of this compact to govern its own actions in the performance of the duties delegated to it including the right to create and appoint an executive committee and a finance committee with such powers and authority as the board may delegate to them from time to time. The board may, within its discretion, elect as its chair a person who is not a member of the board, provided such person resides within a signatory state, and upon such election such person shall become a member of the board with all the rights and privileges of such membership. This paragraph as amended in 1957 shall be effective when eight or more of the states party to the compact have given legislative approval to the amendment.
It shall be the duty of the board to submit plans and recommendations to the states from time to time for their approval and adoption by appropriate legislative action for the development, establishment, acquisition, operation and maintenance of educational schools and institutions within the geographical limits of the regional area of the states, of such character and type and for such educational purposes, professional, technological, scientific, literary, or otherwise, as they may deem and determine to be proper, necessary or advisable. Title to all such educational institutions when so established by appropriate legislative actions of the states and to all properties and facilities used in connection therewith shall be vested in said board as the agency of and for the use and benefit of the said states and the citizens thereof, and all such educational institutions shall be operated, maintained and financed in the manner herein set out, subject to any provisions or limitations which may be contained in the legislative acts of the states authorizing the creation, establishment and operation of such educational institutions.
In addition to the power and authority heretofore granted, the board shall have the power to enter into such agreements or arrangements with any of the states and with educational institutions or agencies, as may be required in the judgment of the board, to provide adequate services and facilities for the graduate, professional, and technical education for the benefit of the citizens of the respective states residing within the region, and such additional and general power and authority as may be vested in the board from time to time by legislative enactment of the said states.
Any two or more states who are parties of this compact shall have the right to enter into supplemental agreements providing for the establishment, financing and operation of regional educational institutions for the benefit of citizens residing within an area which constitutes a portion of the general region herein created, such institutions to be financed exclusively by such states and to be controlled exclusively by the members of the board representing such states provided such agreement is submitted to and approved by the board prior to the establishment of such institutions.
Each state agrees that, when authorized by the legislature, it will from time to time make available and pay over to said board such funds as may be required for the establishment, acquisition, operation and maintenance of such regional educational institutions as may be authorized by the states under the terms of this compact, the contribution of each state at all times to be in the proportion that its population bears to the total combined population of the states who are parties hereto as shown from time to time by the most recent official published report of the bureau of the census of the United States of America; or upon such other basis as may be agreed upon.
This compact shall not take effect or be binding upon any state unless and until it shall be approved by proper legislative action of as many as six or more of the states whose governors have subscribed hereto within a period of eighteen months from the date hereof. When and if six or more states shall have given legislative approval to this compact within said eighteen months period, it shall be and become binding upon such six or more states sixty days after the date of legislative approval by the sixth state and the governors of such six or more states shall forthwith name the members of the board from their states as hereinabove set out, and the board shall then meet on call of the governor of any state approving this compact, at which time the board shall elect officers, adopt bylaws, appoint committees and otherwise fully organize. Other states whose names are subscribed hereto shall thereafter become parties hereto upon approval of this compact by legislative action within two years from the date hereof, upon such conditions as may be agreed upon at the time. Provided, however, that with respect to any state whose constitution may require amendment in order to permit legislative approval of the compact, such state or states shall become parties hereto upon approval of this compact by legislative action within seven years from the date hereof, upon such conditions as may be agreed upon at the time.
After becoming effective this compact shall thereafter continue without limitation of time; provided, however, that it may be terminated at any time by unanimous action of the states and provided further that any state may withdraw from this compact if such withdrawal is approved by its legislature, such withdrawal to become effective two years after written notice thereof to the board accompanied by a certified copy of the requisite legislative action, but such withdrawal shall not relieve the withdrawing state from its obligations hereunder accruing up to the effective date of such withdrawal. Any state so withdrawing shall ipso facto cease to have any claim to or ownership of any of the property held or vested in the board or to any of the funds of the board held under the terms of this compact.
If any state shall at any time become in default in the performance of any of its obligations assumed herein or with respect to any obligation imposed upon said state as authorized by and in compliance with the terms and provisions of this compact, all rights, privileges and benefits of such defaulting state, its members on the board and its citizens shall ipso facto be and become suspended from and after the date of such default. Unless such default shall be remedied and made good within a period of one year immediately following the date of such default this compact may be terminated with respect to such defaulting state by an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the board (exclusive of the members representing the state in default), from and after which time such state shall cease to be a party to this compact and shall have no further claim to or ownership of any of the property held by or vested in the board or to any of the funds of the board held under the terms of this compact, but such termination shall in no manner release such defaulting state from any accrued obligation or otherwise affect this compact or the rights, duties, privileges or obligations of the remaining states thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this compact has been approved and signed by governors of the several states, subject to the approval of their respective legislatures in the manner hereinabove set out, as of the 8th day of February, 1948.
STATE OF FLORIDA BY Millard F. Caldwell, Governor. STATE OF MARYLAND BY Wm. Preston Lane, Jr., Governor. STATE OF GEORGIA BY M. E. Thompson, Governor. STATE OF LOUISIANA BY J. H. Davis, Governor. STATE OF ALABAMA BY James E. Folsom, Governor. STATE OF MISSISSIPPI BY F. L. Wright, Governor. STATE OF TENNESSEE BY Jim McCord, Governor. STATE OF ARKANSAS BY Ben Laney, Governor. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA BY Wm. M. Tuck, Governor. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA BY R. Gregg Cherry, Governor. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BY J. Strom Thurmond, Governor. STATE OF TEXAS BY Beauford H. Jester, Governor. STATE OF OKLAHOMA BY Roy J. Turner, Governor. STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA BY Clarence W. Meadows, Governor.
be and the same is hereby approved and the State of Florida is hereby declared to be a party to said compact and the agreements, covenants and obligations contained therein are hereby declared to be binding upon the State of Florida.
1000.34 Member jurisdictions.—The compact for education is entered into with all jurisdictions legally joining therein and enacted into law in the following form:
COMPACT FOR EDUCATION
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND POLICY.—
A. It is the purpose of this compact to:
1. Establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding among executive, legislative, professional educational and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the state and local levels.
2. Provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization and recommendation of public policy alternatives in the field of education.
3. Provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to educational problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of state government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both lay and professional groups in the field of education may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy in education.
4. Facilitate the improvement of state and local educational systems so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advance in educational opportunities, methods and facilities.
B. It is the policy of this compact to encourage and promote local and state initiative in the development, maintenance, improvement and administration of educational systems and institutions in a manner which will accord with the needs and advantages of diversity among localities and states.
C. The party states recognize that each of them has an interest in the quality and quantity of education furnished in each of the other states, as well as in the excellence of its own educational systems and institutions, because of the highly mobile character of individuals within the nation, and because the products and services contributing to the health, welfare and economic advancement of each state are supplied in significant part by persons educated in other states.
ARTICLE II
STATE DEFINED.—
As used in this compact, “state” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
ARTICLE III
THE COMMISSION.—
A. The Education Commission of the States, hereinafter called “the commission,” is hereby established. The commission shall consist of seven members representing each party state. One of such members representing Florida shall be the governor; two shall be members of the state senate appointed by the president; two shall be members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker; and two shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The guiding principle for the composition of the membership on the commission shall be that the members, by virtue of their training, experience, knowledge or affiliations be in a position collectively to reflect broadly the interests of the state government, higher education, the state education system, local education, lay and professional, public and nonpublic educational leadership. Of those appointees, one shall be the head of a state agency or institution, designated by the governor, having responsibility for one or more programs of public education. In addition to the members of the commission representing the party states, there may be not to exceed ten nonvoting commissioners selected by the steering committee for terms of one year. Such commissioners shall represent leading national organizations of professional educators or persons concerned with educational administration.
B. The members of the commission shall be entitled to one vote each on the commission. No action of the commission shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the commission are cast in favor thereof. Action of the commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners are present. The commission shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the commission may delegate the exercise of any of its powers to the steering committee or the executive director, except for the power to approve budgets or requests for appropriations, the power to make policy recommendations pursuant to Article IV and adoption of the annual report pursuant to Article III, J.
C. The commission shall have a seal.
D. The commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chair, who shall be a governor, a vice chair and a treasurer. The commission shall provide for the appointment of an executive director. Such executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission, and, together with the treasurer and such other personnel as the commission may deem appropriate, shall be bonded in such amount as the commission shall determine. The executive director shall be secretary.
E. Irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the party states, the executive director, subject to the approval of the steering committee, shall appoint, remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the commission, and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. The commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the commission.
F. The commission may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of the aforementioned governments, or from any agency of two or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.
G. The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, foundation, or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the commission pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph F of this Article shall be reported in the annual report of the commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.
H. The commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.
I. The commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.
J. The commission annually shall make to the governor and legislature of each party state a report covering the activities of the commission for the preceding year. The commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.
ARTICLE IV
POWERS.—
In addition to authority conferred on the commission by other provisions of the compact, the commission shall have authority to:
1. Collect, correlate, analyze and interpret information and data concerning educational needs and resources.
2. Encourage and foster research in all aspects of education, but with special reference to the desirable scope of instruction, organization, administration, and instructional methods and standards employed or suitable for employment in public educational systems.
3. Develop proposals for adequate financing of education as a whole and at each of its many levels.
4. Conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this article in any instance where the commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this compact, utilizing fully the resources of national associations, regional compact organizations for higher education, and other agencies and institutions, both public and private.
5. Formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of public education as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials.
6. Do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this compact.
ARTICLE V
COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.—
A. If the laws of the United States specifically so provide, or if administrative provision is made therefor within the federal government, the United States may be represented on the commission by not to exceed ten representatives. Any such representative or representatives of the United States shall be appointed and serve in such manner as may be provided by or pursuant to federal law, and may be drawn from any one or more branches of the federal government, but no such representative shall have a vote on the commission.
B. The commission may provide information and make recommendations to any executive or legislative agency or officer of the federal government concerning the common educational policies of the states, and may advise with any such agencies or officers concerning any matter of mutual interest.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES.—
A. To assist in the expeditious conduct of its business when the full commission is not meeting, the commission shall elect a steering committee of thirty-two members which, subject to the provisions of this compact and consistent with the policies of the commission, shall be constituted and function as provided in the bylaws of the commission. One-fourth of the voting membership of the steering committee shall consist of governors, one-fourth shall consist of legislators, and the remainder shall consist of other members of the commission. A federal representative on the commission may serve with the steering committee, but without vote. The voting members of the steering committee shall serve for terms of two years, except that members elected to the first steering committee of the commission shall be elected as follows: sixteen for one year and sixteen for two years. The chair, vice chair, and treasurer of the commission shall be members of the steering committee and, anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, shall serve during their continuance in these offices. Vacancies in the steering committee shall not affect its authority to act, but the commission at its next regularly ensuing meeting following the occurrence of any vacancy shall fill it for the unexpired term. No person shall serve more than two terms as a member of the steering committee; provided that service for a partial term of one year or less shall not be counted toward the two term limitations.
B. The commission may establish advisory and technical committees composed of state, local, and federal officials, and private persons to advise it with respect to any one or more of its functions. Any advisory or technical committee may, on request of the states concerned, be established to consider any matter of special concern to two or more of the party states.
C. The commission may establish such additional committees as its bylaws may provide.
ARTICLE VII
FINANCE.—
A. The commission shall advise the governor or designated officer or officers of each party state of its budget and estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state. Each of the commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states.
B. The total amount of appropriation requests under any budget shall be apportioned among the party states. In making such apportionment, the commission shall devise and employ a formula which takes equitable account of the populations and per capita income levels of the party states.
C. The commission shall not pledge the credit of any party states. The commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it pursuant to Article III, G of this compact, provided that the commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the commission makes use of funds available to it pursuant to Article III, G thereof, the commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same.
D. The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual reports of the commission.
E. The accounts of the commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the commission.
F. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the commission.
ARTICLE VIII
ELIGIBLE PARTIES; ENTRY INTO AND WITHDRAWAL.—
A. This compact shall have as eligible parties all states, territories, and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In respect of any such jurisdiction not having a governor, the term “governor,” as used in this compact, shall mean the closest equivalent official of such jurisdiction.
B. Any state or other eligible jurisdiction may enter into this compact and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same; provided that in order to enter into initial effect, adoption by at least ten eligible party jurisdictions shall be required.
C. Adoption of the compact may be either by enactment thereof or by adherence thereto by the governor; provided that in the absence of enactment, adherence by the governor shall be sufficient to make his or her state a party only until December 31, 1967. During any period when a state is participating in this compact through gubernatorial action, the governor shall appoint those persons who, in addition to himself or herself, shall serve as the members of the commission from his or her state, and shall provide to the commission an equitable share of the financial support of the commission from any source available to him or her.
D. Except for a withdrawal effective on December 31, 1967, in accordance with paragraph C of this article, any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to the time of such withdrawal.
ARTICLE IX
CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY.—
This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.
(1) The purpose of this section is to authorize this state to participate in a reciprocity agreement with other states for the delivery of postsecondary distance education. Each member state or institution participating in a reciprocity agreement must accept each other’s authorization of accredited institutions to operate in their state to offer distance educational services beyond state boundaries.
(2) For purposes of this section, the term:
(a) “Commission” means the Commission for Independent Education.
(b) “Complaint” means a formal assertion in writing that a person, institution, state, agency, or other entity operating under a reciprocity agreement has violated the terms of a reciprocity agreement or the laws, standards, or regulations incorporated therein.
(c) “Council” means the Postsecondary Reciprocal Distance Education Coordinating Council, which serves as the single portal entity designated by the state to administer a reciprocity agreement and serves as the interstate point of contact for questions, complaints, and other matters related to a reciprocity agreement.
(d) “Department” means the Department of Education.
(e) “Florida institution” means a postsecondary educational institution approved by the council to participate in a reciprocity agreement.
(f) “Institution” means a public or private postsecondary degree-granting college or university that is accredited by a federally recognized accrediting body and that awards, at a minimum, associate-level degrees requiring at least 2 years of full-time equivalent college work.
(g) “Member state” means a state, territory, or district of the United States which has been approved to participate in a reciprocity agreement.
(h) “Non-Florida institution” means an institution approved by a member state other than this state to participate in a reciprocity agreement.
(i) “Reciprocity agreement” means an agreement that establishes reciprocity between a member state that accepts other member states’ authorization of accredited institutions to operate in their states to offer distance educational services beyond state boundaries pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement.
(j) “State board” means the State Board of Education.
(3) The council is created within the department for the purpose of administering a reciprocity agreement. The council shall consist of the following persons or their designees: the Chancellor of the State University System, the Chancellor of the Florida College System, the Commissioner of Education, the executive director of the commission, and the president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. The commission shall provide administrative support for the council. The council shall:
(a) Within 60 days after June 9, 2017, apply for this state to participate as a member state of a reciprocity agreement;
(b) Serve as the single portal entity for administration of a reciprocity agreement;
(c) Review and approve applications from institutions in this state to participate in a reciprocity agreement and establish an appeals process for institutions that are not approved to participate in a reciprocity agreement;
(d) Ensure compliance by Florida institutions with the terms and provisions of a reciprocity agreement, including, but not limited to, accreditation and institutional quality, consumer information and protection, disclosure and reporting requirements, complaint mechanisms, and financial responsibility;
(e) Comply with the terms and provisions of a reciprocity agreement relating to any member state, Florida institution, or non-Florida institution;
(f) Comply with the reporting requirements in a reciprocity agreement and post all such reports on the council’s website;
(g) Consistent with the complaint resolution processes in a reciprocity agreement, develop and administer a complaint resolution process to resolve complaints related to a reciprocity agreement after all complaint processes in place at a Florida institution have been exhausted by the complainant;
(h) Delegate any responsibilities, obligations, or authorities necessary for the administration of this state’s participation in a reciprocity agreement to the commission’s staff; and
(i) Recommend rules necessary to administer this section for adoption by the state board.
(4) The Governor may request that the council convene for the purpose of reconsidering this state’s participation in a reciprocity agreement. The council shall provide a recommendation to the Governor within 14 days. Regardless of the council’s recommendation, or lack thereof, the Governor may withdraw this state from participation in a reciprocity agreement. Such withdrawal shall take effect 90 days after the Governor’s decision or by the end of the current academic term of each participating Florida institution, whichever occurs later. For purposes of this subsection, the term “current academic term” means the academic term in which a participating Florida institution has enrolled students at the time of the Governor’s decision to withdraw. If the Governor decides to withdraw this state from participation in a reciprocity agreement, each participating Florida institution must provide the end date of its current academic term to the council.
(5) The council shall collect an annual fee from each Florida institution participating in a reciprocity agreement. The fee shall be based on the Florida institution’s total full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment as shown in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and shall be assessed as follows:
(a) Not to exceed $1,500 per year for a Florida institution participating in a reciprocity agreement with fewer than 2,500 total FTE enrollment.
(b) Not to exceed $3,000 per year for a Florida institution participating in a reciprocity agreement with at least 2,500 but not more than 9,999 total FTE enrollment.
(c) Not to exceed $4,500 per year for a Florida institution participating in a reciprocity agreement with 10,000 or more total FTE enrollment.
Within the limitations imposed under this subsection, the fee shall be set at an amount that will generate no more than the total revenue necessary for the council’s operation. The council shall lower the fee if the total revenue generated is higher than the total revenue necessary for the council’s operation. By February 15, 2018, and each February 15 thereafter, the council shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must show that the total revenue generated is not higher than the total revenue necessary for the council’s operation, must include a justification of staff needed for the council, and must include the number of Florida institutions participating in a reciprocity agreement. All fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be submitted by the department to the Chief Financial Officer for deposit into a separate account within the Institutional Assessment Trust Fund. Any fee collected by the council pursuant to this subsection is nonrefundable unless paid in error.
(6) The council may revoke a Florida institution’s approval to participate in a reciprocity agreement if the council determines that such institution is not in compliance with the terms and provisions of the reciprocity agreement.
(7) A Florida institution participating in a reciprocity agreement may withdraw from participation in the reciprocity agreement by submitting notice of its intent to withdraw to the council, which shall become effective at the beginning of the next academic term after receipt of such notice.
(8) Decisions of the council are not subject to chapter 120.
(9) This section does not supersede the requirements in chapter 1005 relating to postsecondary educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the commission.
(10) The state board shall adopt rules to implement this section.
11000.36 Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.—The Governor is authorized and directed to execute the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children on behalf of this state with any other state or states legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
A. Facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of education records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements.
B. Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content, or assessment.
C. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic, and social activities.
D. Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families.
E. Providing for the adoption and enforcement of administrative rules implementing this compact.
F. Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact.
G. Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children.
H. Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS.—As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction, the term:
A. “Active duty” means the full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. chapters 1209 and 1211.
B. “Children of military families” means school-aged children, enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade, in the household of an active-duty member.
C. “Compact commissioner” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed under Article VIII of this compact.
D. “Deployment” means the period 1 month before the servicemembers’ departure from their home station on military orders through 6 months after return to their home station.
E. “Educational records” or “education records” means those official records, files, and data directly related to a student and maintained by the school or local education agency, including, but not limited to, records encompassing all the material kept in the student’s cumulative folder such as general identifying data, records of attendance and of academic work completed, records of achievement and results of evaluative tests, health data, disciplinary status, test protocols, and individualized education programs.
F. “Extracurricular activities” means a voluntary activity sponsored by the school or local education agency or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities.
G. “Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children” means the commission that is created under Article IX of this compact, which is generally referred to as the Interstate Commission.
H. “Local education agency” means a public authority legally constituted by the state as an administrative agency to provide control of, and direction for, kindergarten through 12th grade public educational institutions.
I. “Member state” means a state that has enacted this compact.
J. “Military installation” means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, including any leased facility, which is located within any of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other United States Territory. The term does not include any facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects, or flood control projects.
K. “Nonmember state” means a state that has not enacted this compact.
L. “Receiving state” means the state to which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought.
M. “Rule” means a written statement by the Interstate Commission adopted under Article XII of this compact which is of general applicability, implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the Interstate Commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state, and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule.
N. “Sending state” means the state from which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought.
O. “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other United States Territory.
P. “Student” means the child of a military family for whom the local education agency receives public funding and who is formally enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Q. “Transition” means:
1. The formal and physical process of transferring from school to school; or
2. The period of time in which a student moves from one school in the sending state to another school in the receiving state.
R. “Uniformed services” means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Services.
S. “Veteran” means a person who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
ARTICLE III
APPLICABILITY.—
A. Except as otherwise provided in Section C, this compact applies to the children of:
1. Active duty members of the uniformed services, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active-duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. chapters 1209 and 1211;
2. Members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired for a period of 1 year after medical discharge or retirement; and
3. Members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of 1 year after death.
B. This interstate compact applies to local education agencies.
C. This compact does not apply to the children of:
1. Inactive members of the National Guard and military reserves;
2. Members of the uniformed services now retired, except as provided in Section A;
3. Veterans of the uniformed services, except as provided in Section A; and
4. Other United States Department of Defense personnel and other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as active-duty members of the uniformed services.
ARTICLE IV
EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND ENROLLMENT.—
A. If a child’s official education records cannot be released to the parents for the purpose of transfer, the custodian of the records in the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the parent a complete set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information as determined by the Interstate Commission. Upon receipt of the unofficial education records by a school in the receiving state, that school shall enroll and appropriately place the student based on the information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by the official records, as quickly as possible.
B. Simultaneous with the enrollment and conditional placement of the student, the school in the receiving state shall request the student’s official education record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt of the request, the school in the sending state shall process and furnish the official education records to the school in the receiving state within 10 days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission.
C. Compact states must give 30 days from the date of enrollment or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission for students to obtain any immunization required by the receiving state. For a series of immunizations, initial vaccinations must be obtained within 30 days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.
D. Students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state commensurate with their grade level, including kindergarten, from a local education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. A student who has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state is eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving state shall enter the school in the receiving state on their validated level from an accredited school in the sending state.
ARTICLE V
PLACEMENT AND ATTENDANCE.—
A. If a student transfers before or during the school year, the receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the student’s enrollment in the sending state school or educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state if the courses are offered. Course placement includes, but is not limited to, Honors, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, vocational, technical, and career pathways courses. Continuing the student’s academic program from the previous school and promoting placement in academically and career challenging courses should be paramount when considering placement. A school in the receiving state is not precluded from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in the courses.
B. The receiving state school must initially honor placement of the student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state or participation or placement in like programs in the sending state. Such programs include, but are not limited to:
1. Gifted and talented programs; and
2. English as a second language (ESL).
A school in the receiving state is not precluded from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in the courses.
C. A receiving state must initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on his or her current individualized education program (IEP) in compliance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. ss. 1400 et seq. A receiving state must make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming students with disabilities, subject to an existing section 504 or title II plan, to provide the student with equal access to education, in compliance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C.A. s. 794, and with title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 12131-12165. A school in the receiving state is not precluded from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in the courses.
D. Local education agency administrative officials may waive course or program prerequisites, or other preconditions for placement in courses or programs offered under the jurisdiction of the local education agency.
E. A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active-duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to, a combat zone or combat support posting shall be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the local education agency superintendent to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or guardian.
ARTICLE VI
ELIGIBILITY.—
A. When considering the eligibility of a child for enrolling in a school:
1. A special power of attorney relative to the guardianship of a child of a military family and executed under applicable law is sufficient for the purposes of enrolling the child in school and for all other actions requiring parental participation and consent.
2. A local education agency is prohibited from charging local tuition to a transitioning military child placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a school’s jurisdiction different from that of the custodial parent.
3. A transitioning military child, placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a school’s jurisdiction different from that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in which he or she was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.
B. State and local education agencies must facilitate the opportunity for transitioning military children’s inclusion in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent they are otherwise qualified.
ARTICLE VII
GRADUATION.—In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families, states and local education agencies shall incorporate the following procedures:
A. Local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if similar coursework has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial. If a waiver is not granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the sending school, the local education agency must provide an alternative means of acquiring required coursework so that graduation may occur on time.
B. States shall accept exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation from the sending state; national norm-referenced achievement tests; or alternative testing, in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the receiving state. If these alternatives cannot be accommodated by the receiving state for a student transferring in his or her senior year, then the provisions of Article VII, Section C shall apply.
C. If a military student transfers at the beginning of or during his or her senior year and is not eligible to graduate from the receiving local education agency after all alternatives have been considered, the sending and receiving local education agencies must ensure the receipt of a diploma from the sending local education agency, if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending local education agency. If one of the states in question is not a member of this compact, the member state shall use its best efforts to facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with Sections A and B of this Article.
ARTICLE VIII
STATE COORDINATION.—Each member state shall, through the creation of a state council or use of an existing body or board, provide for the coordination among its agencies of government, local education agencies, and military installations concerning the state’s participation in, and compliance with, this compact and Interstate Commission activities.
A. Each member state may determine the membership of its own state council, but the membership must include at least: the state superintendent of education, the superintendent of a school district that has a high concentration of military children, a representative from a military installation, one representative each from the legislative and executive branches of government, and other offices and stakeholder groups the state council deems appropriate. A member state that does not have a school district deemed to contain a high concentration of military children may appoint a superintendent from another school district to represent local education agencies on the state council.
B. The state council of each member state shall appoint or designate a military family education liaison to assist military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this compact.
C. The compact commissioner responsible for the administration and management of the state’s participation in the compact shall be appointed by the Governor or as otherwise determined by each member state.
D. The compact commissioner and the military family education liaison shall be ex officio members of the state council, unless either is already a full voting member of the state council.
ARTICLE IX
INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN.—The member states hereby create the “Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.” The activities of the Interstate Commission are the formation of public policy and are a discretionary state function. The Interstate Commission shall:
A. Be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states and shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth herein, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by a subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states in accordance with the terms of this compact.
B. Consist of one Interstate Commission voting representative from each member state who shall be that state’s compact commissioner.
1. Each member state represented at a meeting of the Interstate Commission is entitled to one vote.
2. A majority of the total member states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission.
3. A representative shall not delegate a vote to another member state. In the event the compact commissioner is unable to attend a meeting of the Interstate Commission, the Governor or state council may delegate voting authority to another person from their state for a specified meeting.
4. The bylaws may provide for meetings of the Interstate Commission to be conducted by telecommunication or electronic communication.
C. Consist of ex officio, nonvoting representatives who are members of interested organizations. The ex officio members, as defined in the bylaws, may include, but not be limited to, members of the representative organizations of military family advocates, local education agency officials, parent and teacher groups, the United States Department of Defense, the Education Commission of the States, the Interstate Agreement on the Qualification of Educational Personnel, and other interstate compacts affecting the education of children of military members.
D. Meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the member states, shall call additional meetings.
E. Establish an executive committee, whose members shall include the officers of the Interstate Commission and such other members of the Interstate Commission as determined by the bylaws. Members of the executive committee shall serve a 1-year term. Members of the executive committee are entitled to one vote each. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission, with the exception of rulemaking, during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session. The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact, including enforcement and compliance with the compact, its bylaws and rules, and other such duties as deemed necessary. The United States Department of Defense shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the executive committee.
F. The Interstate Commission shall collect standardized data concerning the educational transition of the children of military families under this compact as directed through its rules which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange, and reporting requirements. The methods of data collection, exchange, and reporting shall, insofar as is reasonably possible, conform to current technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate custodian of records as identified in the bylaws and rules.
G. The Interstate Commission shall create a procedure that permits military officials, education officials, and parents to inform the Interstate Commission if and when there are alleged violations of the compact or its rules or when issues subject to the jurisdiction of the compact or its rules are not addressed by the state or local education agency. This section does not create a private right of action against the Interstate Commission or any member state.
ARTICLE X
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.—The Interstate Commission has the power to:
A. Provide for dispute resolution among member states.
B. Adopt rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes, and obligations as enumerated in this compact. The rules have the force and effect of statutory law and are binding in the compact states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact.
C. Issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact, its bylaws, rules, and actions.
D. Enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules adopted by the Interstate Commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including, but not limited to, the use of judicial process.
E. Establish and maintain offices that shall be located within one or more of the member states.
F. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.
G. Borrow, accept, hire, or contract for services of personnel.
H. Establish and appoint committees, including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article IX, Section E, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder.
I. Elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel.
J. Accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of it.
K. Lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed.
L. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed.
M. Establish a budget and make expenditures.
N. Adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission.
O. Report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the member states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission.
P. Coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the compact, its implementation, and operation for officials and parents involved in such activity.
Q. Establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data.
R. Maintain corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.
S. Perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact.
T. Provide for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact.
ARTICLE XI
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.—
A. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within 12 months after the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to:
1. Establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;
2. Establishing an executive committee and such other committees as may be necessary;
3. Providing for the establishment of committees and for governing any general or specific delegation of authority or function of the Interstate Commission;
4. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;
5. Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers and staff of the Interstate Commission;
6. Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the Interstate Commission and the return of surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving of all of its debts and obligations.
7. Providing “start up” rules for initial administration of the compact.
B. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence or disability, the vice chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.
C. The executive committee has the authority and duties as may be set forth in the bylaws, including, but not limited to:
1. Managing the affairs of the Interstate Commission in a manner consistent with the bylaws and purposes of the Interstate Commission;
2. Overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for, the Interstate Commission to provide for the adoption of rules, operating procedures, and administrative and technical support functions; and
3. Planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal, and local government organizations in order to advance the goals of the Interstate Commission.
D. The executive committee may, subject to the approval of the Interstate Commission, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation, as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission but is not a member of the Interstate Commission. The executive director shall hire and supervise such other persons as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission.
E. The Interstate Commission’s executive director and its employees are immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of, or relating to, an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the person is not protected from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person.
1. The liability of the Interstate Commission’s executive director and employees or Interstate Commission representatives, acting within the scope of the person’s employment or duties, for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within the person’s state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents. The Interstate Commission is considered to be an instrumentality of the states for the purposes of any such action. This subsection does not protect the person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person.
2. The Interstate Commission shall defend the executive director and its employees and, subject to the approval of the Attorney General or other appropriate legal counsel of the member state represented by an Interstate Commission representative, shall defend an Interstate Commission representative in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person.
3. To the extent not covered by the state involved, a member state, the Interstate Commission, and the representatives or employees of the Interstate Commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorney’s fees and costs, obtained against a person arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person.
ARTICLE XII
RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.—The Interstate Commission shall adopt rules to effectively and efficiently implement this act to achieve the purposes of this compact.
A. If the Interstate Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this act, or the powers granted hereunder, the action undertaken by the Interstate Commission is invalid and has no force or effect.
B. Rules must be adopted pursuant to a rulemaking process that substantially conforms to the “Model State Administrative Procedure Act,” of 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p. 1 (2000) as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the Interstate Commission.
C. No later than 30 days after a rule is adopted, a person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule. The filing of the petition does not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless a court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of the petition. The court shall give deference to the actions of the Interstate Commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the Interstate Commission’s authority.
D. If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then the rule is invalid and has no further force and effect in any compacting state.
ARTICLE XIII
OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION.—
A. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact’s purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules adopted under it have the force and effect of statutory law.
B. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and its adopted rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Interstate Commission.
C. The Interstate Commission is entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and has standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Interstate Commission renders a judgment or order void as to the Interstate Commission, this compact, or its adopted rules.
D. If the Interstate Commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or the adopted rules, the Interstate Commission shall:
1. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default, and any action taken by the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission must specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default.
2. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.
3. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default, terminate the defaulting state from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of the default.
E. Suspension or termination of membership in the compact may not be imposed on a member until all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of the intent to suspend or terminate membership must be given by the Interstate Commission to the Governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature, and each of the member states.
F. A state that has been suspended or terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination, including obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of suspension or termination.
G. The remaining member states of the Interstate Commission do not bear any costs arising from a state that has been found to be in default or that has been suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state.
H. A defaulting state may appeal the action of the Interstate Commission by petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
I. The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes that are subject to the compact and that may arise among member states and between member and nonmember states. The Interstate Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
1. The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.
2. The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, or its promulgated rules and bylaws, against a member state in default. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
3. The remedies herein are not the exclusive remedies of the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission may avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or the regulation of a profession.
ARTICLE XIV
FINANCING OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.—
A. The Interstate Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
B. The Interstate Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission’s annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, which shall adopt a rule binding upon all member states.
C. The Interstate Commission may not incur any obligation of any kind before securing the funds adequate to meet the obligation and the Interstate Commission may not pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the permission of the member state.
D. The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission are subject to audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.
ARTICLE XV
MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE, AND AMENDMENT.—
A. Any state is eligible to become a member state.
B. The compact shall take effect and be binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by not less than 10 of the states. The effective date shall be no earlier than December 1, 2007. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate Commission on a nonvoting basis before adoption of the compact by all states.
C. The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. An amendment does not become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the member states until the amendment is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.
ARTICLE XVI
WITHDRAWAL AND DISSOLUTION.—
A. Once in effect, the compact continues in force and remains binding upon each and every member state, provided that a member state may withdraw from the compact, specifically repealing the statute that enacted the compact into law.
1. Withdrawal from the compact occurs when a statute repealing its membership is enacted by the state, but does not take effect until 1 year after the effective date of the statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the Governor of each other member state.
2. The withdrawing state must immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The Interstate Commission shall notify the other member states of the withdrawing state’s intent to withdraw within 60 days after its receipt thereof.
3. A withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.
4. Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.
B. This compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the member state which reduces the membership in the compact to one member state.
C. Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes void and has no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.
ARTICLE XVII
SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION.—
A. The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.
B. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
C. This compact does not prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are members.
ARTICLE XVIII
BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS.—
A. This compact does not prevent the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact.
B. All member states’ laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
C. All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the member states.
D. All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.
E. If any part of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.
1Note.—Section 2, ch. 2022-182, amended s. 1000.40 to provide that s. 1006.36 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
11000.361 Dues for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.—The annual dues assessment for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shall be paid within existing resources by the Department of Education.
1Note.—Section 2, ch. 2022-182, amended s. 1000.40 to provide that s. 1000.361 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
11000.38 Compact Commissioner and Military Family Education Liaison; Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.—
(1) In furtherance of Articles VIII and IX of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, the Governor shall designate a:
(a) Compact Commissioner, who shall be responsible for the administration and management of this state’s participation in the compact and who shall serve as this state’s voting representative on the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
(b) Military Family Education Liaison from the list of recommendations provided under s. 1000.39(2), who shall be responsible for assisting military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this compact.
(2) The Compact Commissioner and the Military Family Education Liaison shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
1Note.—Section 2, ch. 2022-182, amended s. 1000.40 to provide that s. 1000.38 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
11000.39 State council; Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.—
(1) Pursuant to Article VIII of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, the State Council on Interstate Educational Opportunity for Military Children is created.
(2)(a) The purpose of the council is to provide advice and recommendations regarding this state’s participation in and compliance with the compact and Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children activities.
(b) No later than 3 months after its formation, and whenever requested by the Governor thereafter, the council shall provide the Governor with names of at least three, but no more than five, persons who are recommended by the council to serve as the Military Family Education Liaison.
(3) The council shall consist of the following eight members:
(a) The Commissioner of Education or his or her designee.
(b) The superintendent, or his or her designee, for the school district with the highest percentage per capita of military children during the previous school year.
(c) Two members appointed by the Commissioner of Education, one of whom shall represent a military installation located within this state and one of whom shall represent the executive branch and possess experience in assisting military families in obtaining educational services for their children. The term of each member appointed under this paragraph shall be for 4 years, except that, in order to provide for staggered terms, the Commissioner of Education shall initially appoint one member to a term of 2 years and one member to a term of 3 years.
(d) One member appointed by, and who shall serve at the pleasure of, the President of the Senate and one member appointed by, and who shall serve at the pleasure of, the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(e) The Compact Commissioner and the Military Family Education Liaison designated by the Governor under s. 1000.38, who shall serve as nonvoting, ex officio members of the council.
(4) Council members shall serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061.
(5) The provisions of s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution and of chapter 119 and s. 286.011 apply to proceedings and records of the council. Minutes, including a record of all votes cast, must be maintained for all meetings.
(6) The Department of Education shall provide administrative support to the council.
(7) If the council is abolished, its records must be appropriately stored, within 30 days after the effective date of its abolition, by the department or its successor agency. Any property assigned to the council must be reclaimed by the department or its successor agency. The council may not perform any activities after the effective date of its abolition.
1Note.—Section 2, ch. 2022-182, amended s. 1000.40 to provide that s. 1000.39 shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
1000.40 Future repeal of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.—Sections 1000.36, 1000.361, 1000.38, and 1000.39 and this section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.
