State Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando) announced today that CS/HB 45 – Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans has been signed into law.
The bill, first introduced by Rep. Morales last year with co-prime sponsor Representative Christopher Benjamin (D-Miami Gardens), allow veterans who are deemed eligible the opportunity to receive a waiver for the remaining cost of tuition and fees at State Universities, Career Centers, Charter Technical Career Centers and Florida College System Institutions that they might not have covered by the federal GI Bill. Representative Morales re-introduced the bill during the 2022 Legislative Session. Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) sponsored the companion bill in the Senate (CS/SB 554).
Rep. Morales also co-sponsored the House versions of three other veteran-related bills which the governor signed into law today:
- Senate Bill (SB) 430 reenacts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which ensures a smooth transition for children of active-duty military families by enabling seamless school placement, enrollment, records transfers, and verification of graduation requirements.
- SB 896 will help veterans access jobs in education by allowing their military service to count toward the requirement for a temporary educator certificate under the mentorship of a certified teacher.
- SB 562 requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to expedite license applications of active-duty military spouses.
“I’m grateful that disabled veterans will now get the help they need to fulfill their educational goals without any additional financial barriers,” said Rep. Morales of her bill being signed into law. “They have given so much for our country and deserve every opportunity to empower themselves and create a better and stronger future for their families.”
Co-prime sponsor Representative Christopher Benjamin stated, “This Bill is another great step forward to ensure that Florida is the most veteran friendly state in our union. Veterans sacrifice much to protect our freedoms and interests. When they are hurt and are forced to restart their lives, this bill will be an important resource to make sure that education will be readily accessible.”
