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TALLAHASSEE Lawmakers during this year’s legislative session eliminated grants that help students at some private colleges pay tuition and got rid of an annual textbook stipend for Bright Futures scholarship recipients but stopped short of upending the way the $650 million Bright Futures program is funded.
Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, in February filed a proposal (SB 86) aimed at cutting Bright Futures aid for students in degree fields deemed by higher-education governing boards as unlikely to lead to employment.
The legislation quickly sparked a public outcry led by a group, known as “Save Bright Futures,” made up primarily of prospective college students.
College COVID-19 legal protections approved
Ryan Dailey
TALLAHASSEE The Florida House on Wednesday passed a wide-ranging higher education bill that, in part, would protect colleges and universities from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Sponsor Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, said the bill (HB 1261), passed in a 92-22 vote, “prioritizes students and families.” Some House Democrats who opposed the bill, however, expressed concerns about offering the legal protections.
Under the proposal, public and private colleges and universities would be shielded from lawsuits stemming from campuses being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and students being forced to learn online.
The state university system s Board of Governors and the State Board of Education, the governing bodies that oversee higher education, also would be protected from lawsuits under the measure.
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Sponsor Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, said the bill “prioritizes students and families.” Some House Democrats who opposed the bill, however, expressed concerns about offering the legal protections.
Under the proposal, public and private colleges and universities would be shielded from lawsuits stemming from campuses being shut down during the pandemic and students being forced to learn online.
The Florida House on Wednesday passed a wide-ranging higher education bill that, in part, would protect colleges and universities from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Sponsor Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, said the bill (HB 1261), passed in a 92-22 vote, “prioritizes students and families.” Some House Democrats who opposed the bill, however, expressed concerns about offering the legal protections.
College Covid-19 legal protections approved in Florida - Tampa Bay Business Journal bizjournals.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bizjournals.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.