Florida 2023 Regular Session

Florida House Bill H0191

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  

Caption

Financial Aid for Female Victims of Rape, Incest, Domestic Violence, or Human Trafficking

Impact

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.

Summary

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.

Contention

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.

Companion Bills

FL S1656

Same As Financial Aid for Female Victims of Rape, Incest, Domestic Violence, or Human Trafficking

Previously Filed As

FL H0717

Financial Support for Pregnant Survivors of Rape or Incest

FL H0019

Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence

FL H0041

Pub. Rec./Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence

FL H1385

Human Trafficking, Prostitution, and Lewdness

FL H0673

Domestic Violence Investigations

FL H0619

Termination of Rental Agreement by Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking

FL H1379

Human Trafficking

FL H7063

Anti-human Trafficking

FL S1804

Capital Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Persons for Sexual Exploitation

FL H1237

Human Trafficking Awareness

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.