No. SB 2502
Filed under Taxes & Budget.
Implementing the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act; Revising the services required to be provided by regional consortium service organizations under certain circumstances; creating the Regional Consortia Service Organization Supplemental Services Program; establishing the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators (RIPE) Program within the Department of Education for a specified purpose; authorizing the Agency for Health Care Administration to submit a budget amendment requesting additional spending authority to implement specified programs and payments, etc.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe bill raises the per-district incentive grant for regional consortium service organizations from $50,000 to $150,000. It also requires these organizations to provide a revised list of services, including safe schools support and data services.
It creates a new Supplemental Services Program to fund consortium services like transportation, cybersecurity, and school safety. Funds from this program may be carried forward for up to five years.
The legislation establishes the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators (RIPE) Program, providing up to $15,000 in student loan repayment for educators who work in designated rural areas of opportunity.
It creates the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to coordinate state efforts to support rural Florida and provide technical assistance to local governments.
AIReplaces the old minimum service list (teacher education centers, environmental education, health) with a new list (safe schools support, data services, insurance services, risk management, professional learning, college/career/workforce development, business/operational services, purchasing, planning/accountability). Boards now determine which services are necessary and appropriate.
AIRaises the per-district allocation for consortia composed of four or more districts. Adds requirements for annual reports, quarterly financial reports, and carry-forward of unexpended funds.
AIMember districts must designate a fiscal agent district entitled to reasonable compensation. The consortium may purchase or lease property, and upon dissolution, asset sale revenue must be distributed among member districts.
AICreates a new program to fund supplemental services including transportation, district finance personnel, property insurance, cybersecurity, school safety, college/career/workforce development, academic support, and behavior support. Funds may be carried forward up to 5 years.
AIProvides up to $15,000 in student loan repayment over 5 years for teachers and administrators who establish residency in designated rural areas of opportunity and work in public or private schools there. Requires effective or highly effective rating and no probation or certificate suspension.
AIGrants the Department of Veterans' Affairs authority to spend funds and apply for federal grants to build a new State Veterans' Nursing Home and Adult Day Health Center in Collier County.
AIRequires the Department of Juvenile Justice to review county payments and directs the Department of Revenue to deduct unpaid amounts from county funds, while protecting bondholder distributions.
AIEstablishes a new state office to coordinate rural development efforts, serve as a point of contact for rural local governments, and provide training and technical assistance.