Educational grants to former eligible tuition assistance grant students.

(1)(a) The department shall issue a grant pursuant to s. 1009.89 to any full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student who meets the requirements of s. 1009.89(4)(a) and (b)1. and is registered at an independent nonprofit university that, as of January 1, 2021, was eligible for the Access to Better Learning and Education Grant Program, as created by former s. 1009.891, if such university has been located in this state for more than 20 years; offers nursing programs at its Florida campus which include licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), including associate of science in nursing (ASN) and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), accelerated BSN, practical nurse bridge to ASN, and practical nurse bridge to BSN; and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

(b) The department shall issue a grant pursuant to s. 1009.89 to any full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student who meets the requirements of s. 1009.89(4)(a) and (b)1. and is registered at an independent for-profit college or university located in and chartered by this state, accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the database created and maintained by the United States Department of Education, was licensed by the department on or before October 1, 2021, and has Level 6 accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(2) An institution that meets the criteria specified in paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (1)(b) may not be a state university or Florida College System institution. In addition, the institution must have a secular purpose, and the receipt of state aid by students at the institution may not have the primary effect of advancing or impeding religion or result in an excessive entanglement between the state and any religious sect.

(3) To qualify for funding under this section, an institution must exercise a one-time option to participate by notifying the department, in writing, of its decision to participate on or before September 1, 2023, and must comply with s. 1009.89(5)(a)-(c).