TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Rick Scott signed a controversial education bill this week, expanding the use of voucher-like scholarships to send students to private schools.
It's a move that could force some teachers' unions to disband if they do not meet new membership requirements.
The measure will provide state-funded scholarships to send bullied students to private schools.
One of the most contentious provisions in the bill would require teachers' unions to seek recertification if their membership falls below 50 percent of the group they represent in contract negotiations.
State Representative Scott Plakon pushed the union portion of the legislation.
"There are a number of unions in the state that have a very low percentage of the bargaining units that actually pay dues, said Plakon. "I would interpret that as that they are not being responsive to their members."
Scott has now signed two education bills that were the top priorities of legislative leaders.
Earlier this week, the governor signed a bill to permanently expand "Bright futures merit scholarships" to state universities.
The bill also expanded or created several need based aid programs and allows Florida universities to provide scholarships to out-of-state national merit scholars.
