SESSION WATCH
Died HOUSE · SESSION 2026

No. HB 579

Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
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SPONSOR
Bartleman
FILED BY
Robin Bartleman — District 103, Democrat [search donations]
EFFECTIVE
7/1/2026
DIED IN
Student Academic Success Subcommittee

Filed under Education.

PROVIDED SUMMARY

Family Empowerment Scholarship Program; Requires private schools participating in FES Program to provide specified information in writing to certain parents before their student's initial enrollment in school; & provides private school requirements relating to certain services.

Full bill text →

Plain English Summary

AI-GENERATED
Mandates written disclosure of school services before student enrollment.

Private schools must now provide written information to parents before a student's initial enrollment. This replaces the previous requirement to discuss programs verbally with the parent.

The written disclosure must include the school's academic programs, policies, code of conduct, attendance policies, and specialized services and therapies offered at the school.

Schools may update the list of specialized services and therapies once per school year or if the school district updates its list of equitable services.

Within 30 days of receiving a student's services plan, parents must be informed of which modifications, accommodations, and therapies the school will honor.

KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1 Replaces individualized discussion with standard written notice majors. 1002.394(9)(d)

AIRemoves the requirement for a one-on-one discussion with parents of students with IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans to determine individual needs.

“For a student determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b), discuss the school's academic programs and policies, specialized services, code of conduct, and attendance policies,” bill text, line 21 →
§ 2 Mandatory 30-day notification of plan accommodations majors. 1002.394(9)(d)

AIRequires private schools to inform parents within 30 days of receiving a district services plan about which specific modifications and therapies will be honored.

“within 30 days after the school district provides the student with a private school services plan, each parent of a student with an individualized education plan, education plan, E” bill text, line 28 →
§ 3 Annual update limit for specialized services moderates. 1002.394(9)(d)

AILimits private schools to updating their list of specialized services and therapies once per school year, unless the district updates its list first.

“A private school may update the specialized services and therapies offered once per school year or if the school district updates its list of equitable services offered, whi” bill text, line 25 →
TIMELINE
3/13/2026
Died in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
1/13/2026
1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
12/12/2025
Now in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
12/12/2025
Referred to Education & Employment Committee
12/12/2025
Referred to Student Academic Success Subcommittee
12/2/2025
Filed
STATUTES IT CHANGES
s. 1002.394
+104 / −30