On June 27th, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed House Bill 461 into law.
HB 461 expanded the eligibility requirements for students to be able to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship.
Instead of having to do volunteer work to get service hours, students can now use the hours they work at their job to get the hours they need, instead of having to do volunteer work.
Service Hours are a requirment to be eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship.
During the Bill signing, Governor DeSantis said “Florida students should not lose the opportunity to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship because they have to work to help their families make ends meet. After school jobs teach our students valuable life lessons, much like community service hours do. I am glad to sign this bill and will continue to make sure higher education remains affordable in Florida.”
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. said “Bright Futures has provided a pathway to success for nearly one million students. With today’s changes to Bright Futures eligibility requirements, no student will be forced to choose between supporting their family and meeting the volunteer hours necessary to earn a scholarship. I’m proud to join Governor DeSantis today as we expand access to postsecondary education for all students.”
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program was created in 1997 to help students cover their tuition costs when they attend college.
Over 120,000 students were recipients of the Bright Futures Scholarship, according to a Press Release related to HB 461’s signing.
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program is primarily funded by the Florida Lottery.
Click here if you would like to read the Press Release about HB 461 getting signed into law.
Click here if you would like to read the contents of HB 461 on the Florida Senate website.
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