Rep. Nick Duran

The amended SB 540/HB 253 revises the Bright Futures Scholarship Program award renewal criteria to include a minimum of 15 volunteer service work hours per semester.
Senator Campbell (D-Miami) and State Representative Nick Duran (D-Miami) have amended  SB 540 / HB 253 respectively. If enacted, SB 540/HB 253 would add an additional requirement of fifteen volunteer hours per semester to maintain eligibility for the Bright Futures scholarship. The current scholarship renewal guidelines only specify requirements for credit hours and grade point average. This bill serves to encourage civic engagement and community connection among Bright Futures Scholarship recipients. 
The originally filed bill required 30 hours of volunteer service per semester. After hearing feedback and working with constituents, the bill has been amended to 15 hours of community service per semester. “We heard our community, and as a public servant I listen to my constituents,” said Senator Campbell.
Constituents said the original filed bill had good intentions, but 30 hours was too heavy a load for working students trying to balance between maintaining high grades and paying their way through school.
“The amended bill gives students the time they need to dedicate to their commitments but still ensures that these students are also giving back to their community. Fifteen hours of community service can be finished in one weekend and is much more feasible for these dedicated, but busy students,” said Senator Campbell.
The required hours can be completed by volunteering with a variety of organizations such as: nonprofits, government agencies, schools, hospitals, retirement facilities, or assisting a disabled or elderly individual. This requirement exempts active duty military members.
“An education is not just about what you can learn in the classroom, but also in the valuable life experiences that can be gained from immersing yourself within your community,” said Representative Duran. “The lower service hour requirement will still add valuable capacity to the diverse efforts across the state while inspiring our young, bright minds.”
“The 15 required hours is a start. This bill is a tiny catalyst so that young students give back to the community. It encourages—those who can—to volunteer more hours,” noted Senator Campbell.