Florida House Passes Major School Choice Bill

In a 79-36 vote, the Florida House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation that aims to consolidate the state’s scholarship programs for special-needs students and expand the state’s means-tested scholarship program to middle income families.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in putting families and children first,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, executive director of Agudath Israel of Florida. “This bill, once it passes the Senate and is signed by Governor DeSantis, will transform the lives of Florida students and give more families the educational opportunities currently only available to some.”

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Representative Randy Fine (R- Palm Bay), and to House Speaker Chris Sprowls (R – Palm Harbor) led the way in passing House Bill 7045 on Wednesday, April 21. Thousands of parents across the state made their voices heard by calling, emailing, or visiting with legislators throughout the legislative process.

The bill was backed by a coalition of many organizations who advocated for school choice, including Step Up for Students, ExcelinEd, and the Foundation for Florida’s Future. This coalition played a critical role ensuring that the bill and the broader issue of parental choice continues to have broad-based support. The bill now heads to the state senate for final passage, and then to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature and implementation.