Financial Aid for Female Victims of Rape, Incest, Domestic Violence, or Human Trafficking
The legislation establishes the Academic Success of Pregnant Female Students Who Are Victims of Sexual Abuse Grant Program under the Department of Education to cover childcare costs for eligible students. This program is designed to support pregnant students by providing funds that facilitate their ability to continue their education. The bill stipulates student eligibility requirements such as being a Florida resident, enrolled in a qualifying educational institution, and having an income below 185% of the federal poverty level.
House Bill 191 aims to provide financial assistance to female students who are victims of rape, incest, domestic violence, or human trafficking. It specifically offers tuition and fee exemptions for low-income female students who are pregnant due to these traumatic circumstances and who choose to carry their pregnancies to term. The bill amends section 1009.25 of Florida Statutes to create a supportive framework for these individuals by exempting them from paying specified postsecondary tuition and fees at Florida colleges and universities, effective for those with a conception date of January 1, 2023, or later.
While the intent behind HB 191 is to assist vulnerable populations, potential contention arises around the limitations it places on eligibility and the funding availability. Some may argue that the requirement for household income caps could exclude deserving individuals facing economic hardships but not meeting the specific threshold. Additionally, the reliance on legislative appropriation for grant funding raises concerns about the sustainability and reliability of the program in the long term.