Legislative Issues Opinion Survey

Thank you for taking the time to take part in this survey. Your input is invaluable as we attempt to gauge the student body's opinions regarding current political issues affecting our communities.

These issues are identified by their designation as either, a Florida House bills (HS) or Florida Senate bills (SB). Below each bill you can read a short explanation about what the bill is attempting to achieve, as well as, a list of "pros" and "cons".
 
These bills are currently being discussed at the committee level and are expected to become part of the legislative agenda for the 2016 Florida legislative session.

You, expressing your opinion in support or against in this survey does not affect the legislative outcome of these bills. Our intention is to only gather an opinion as to how students feel about the bills in the way in which they are currently presented.

The results will then be presented by the Seminole State College Student Government Association to the Florida College System Student Government Association at the upcoming FCSSGA Legislative Conference. At that conference all 28 state colleges will present similar findings.

The most effective and direct way to affect the passing or defeat of any legislative provision is to get informed, get involved and ultimately vote. 

Thank you very much for your input.

The Student Government Association

Question Title

* 1. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
From the White House - America’s College Promise
President Obama’s plan called “America’s College Promise” proposes two years of free tuition for college students at community colleges nationwide.
Pros:
• May increase the number of students who attend college
• Will make college more affordable for students nationwide
Cons:
• May cause higher taxation to fund program
• May lower value of 2 year degree in job market due to easy accessibility

Question Title

* 2. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 4001 / SB 68 - Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons or Firearms
The current legislation prohibits concealed carry licensees from openly carrying handgun or carrying concealed weapon, or firearm into college or university facilities. This bill will delete that provision and will state that licensees can openly carry handguns, or concealed weapon, or firearm into college or university facilities

Pros:
• Individuals can exercise their right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution.
• Individuals will feel more secure being able to defend themselves in the event of an incident.
Cons:
• May increase school shooting/accidental discharge of a firearm that could lead to an increase in injury, loss of life, or property.
• May make the student and faculty feel uneasy knowing that individuals are armed in a classroom or other public location.

Question Title

* 3. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 163/SB 300 - The Weapons and Firearms Bill
Provides a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm or weapon to openly carry such firearm or weapon.
Pros:
• Individuals can exercise their right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution.
• Individuals will feel more secure being able to defend themselves in the event of an incident.
Cons:
• May lead to higher rates of escalated incidents due to easy access to firearms.
• May cause bystanders to feel uneasy having an increase in weapons around them.

Question Title

* 4. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 0045 / SB 120 - Prohibited Discrimination
The Prohibited Discrimination bill will amend the current discrimination law to add sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual orientation and gender identity will join race, religion, national origin and marital status as impermissible grounds for discrimination
Pros:
• Will add provision to the Florida law making the discrimination of LGBT individuals illegal.
• Includes provision to protect individuals First Amendment Right to free exercise of religion.

Question Title

* 5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 0093 / SB 0120- Law Enforcement Body Cameras
The Law Enforcement Body Cameras bill is not a bill that will require officers in Florida to wear body cameras, rather, it is a bill requiring those departments who currently use body cameras to have a detailed, clearly written policies and procedures including the following: how officers are trained to use the body cameras, how the data will be kept for storage, and how the data will be reviewed if need be.
Pros:
• May remove speculation of mishandling of footage by officers due to clear processes to be followed.
• May reduce the amount of claims of harassment against officers
Cons:
• May add undue pressure onto local law enforcement as they perform their duties

Question Title

* 6. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 123 / SB 146 - An act relating to federal student loan default rates; amending s. 1005.04, F.S.; requiring certain institutions to maintain a federal student loan cohort rate below a specified percentage. If a student defaults against their loan it is the responsibility of the college or university must pay the remainder of the loans.
Pros
• May cause colleges to offer lower prices to prevent drop in enrollment
• May cause students to make more affordable choices when picking colleges
Cons
• May cause colleges and universities to offer fewer scholarships to avoid student defaults

Question Title

* 7. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 0015 / SB290 STEM Teacher Loan Forgiveness Bill
STEM Teacher Loan Forgiveness Bill states that if a college student
1) Attends college in Florida
2) Majors in educating any of the STEM fields (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
3) Spends at least eight consecutive years teaching in any public school in Florida. They will qualify to have their school related loans forgiven up to a value of $16,000.
Pros:
• Students have ability to attend school to become an educator without fear of high loans after graduation.
• May provide an increase in qualified teachers within Florida to educate the next generation.
Cons:
• Beneficiaries will be required to teach eight consecutive

Question Title

* 8. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 0096 - High School Graduation Requirements
The High School Graduation Requirements Bill will require all schools in Florida to include a financial literacy and money
management class a requirement for graduation.
Pros:
• Students will be able to make an informed financial decision on a college or university to attend.
• Students will be more equipped to make wise financial decisions after graduation.
Cons:
• Students may lose ability to take other desired classes due to this courses requirement for graduation.

Question Title

* 9. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST
HB 520 - Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program Bill will amend the current Bright Futures Scholarship Program to reallocate funds back into the program. The funds are expected to be allocated from the state lottery.
Pros:
• Will increase the amount of money available to fund Bright Futures Scholarships.
• Will increase the number of those who will be able to benefit from the Bright Futures Scholarship.
Cons:
• Will decrease the amount of money held in the States’s general fund..

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