Florida nursing center would oversee workforce education grants

Under the proposal, the Florida Center for Nursing would administer the LINE Fund and publish guidelines for applying, reviewing proposals, and reporting. Eligible schools with nursing programs, and eligible related health science programs, could apply. Funding would depend on available money and the center's approval of an application. Schools would have to certify partner contributions before receiving matching funds. Related health science proposals could be considered, but not prioritized over nursing proposals. The center would promote the fund before each annual application period and offer help before, during, and after the award process.

The center could award LINE grants for up to three academic years and could give some applications priority. The provisions cover schools with approved proposals for nursing or eligible related health science programs. The center could prioritize applications serving underserved areas or addressing major workforce needs. Grant money could support scholarships, staff, enrollment, training, equipment, and improvements to existing facilities, but not new buildings. Later-year awards would depend on an appropriation and continued certification of matching partner contributions. A multiyear award could cover up to three academic years after the academic year when the center first approves it.

The Department of Education would identify eligible related health science programs, publish a list, and update it each year. The list would cover related health science programs that prepare people for direct patient care or diagnostic work. The department would use the state's career and technical education health science framework to decide which programs qualify. The Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help would provide workforce data to inform funding priorities, but would not decide program eligibility. The department would publish its first list by October 1, 2026, then review and update it annually.

The proposal states that a state university must waive tuition and fees for a qualifying student's remaining out-of-pocket costs in a covered course. The provision covers qualifying students enrolled in covered courses at state universities. The student must be a Florida resident for tuition purposes, earn at least 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree within two academic years of first enrolling at a Florida public college, and enroll in a listed program or an approved teacher preparation program. The waiver applies after federal, state, and institutional gift aid is applied.