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HB 307

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

HB 307 waives tuition and fees for Florida sheriff's office employees, allowing them to take up to 6 credit hours per term, enhancing their education and professional growth.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 307

Summary of HB 307: Public Postsecondary Tuition and Fee Waivers for Sheriff's Office Employees

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 307
Title: Public Postsecondary Tuition and Fee Waivers for Sheriff's Office Employees
Status: Currently in Careers & Workforce Subcommittee
Introduced: November 04, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

HB 307 aims to provide financial support to sheriff's office employees in Florida by waiving tuition and fees for their enrollment in public postsecondary education. This initiative is designed to enhance the professional development of law enforcement personnel and support their educational pursuits.

Key Provisions

The bill amends section 1009.265 of the Florida Statutes to include the following provisions:

  1. Tuition and Fee Waivers:

    • State universities and Florida College System institutions are required to waive tuition and fees for sheriff's office employees.
    • Eligible employees can enroll in up to 6 credit hours of courses per term on a space-available basis.

  2. Eligibility Requirements:

    • The bill specifies that sheriff's office employees include:
      • Full-time sworn law enforcement officers
      • Correctional officers
      • Civilian employees of the sheriff's office

  3. Administrative Support:

    • The Chief Financial Officer, in collaboration with educational institutions, will work to reduce administrative burdens related to verifying employment status for eligibility.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill directly benefits sheriff's office employees across Florida, facilitating their access to higher education and professional development opportunities.
    • State universities and Florida College System institutions will need to implement the waiver program and adjust administrative processes accordingly.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • By easing the financial burden of education, the bill may encourage more sheriff's office employees to pursue further education, potentially improving the quality of law enforcement services in the state.

Legislative Actions

  • November 12, 2025: The bill was referred to multiple committees, including:
    • Careers & Workforce Subcommittee
    • Higher Education Budget Subcommittee
    • Education & Employment Committee

Conclusion

HB 307 represents a significant step towards supporting the educational aspirations of sheriff's office employees in Florida. By providing tuition and fee waivers, the bill aims to foster a more educated workforce within law enforcement, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending further legislative approval.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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